Bob Long

Robert B. Long is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the sixth district. A member of the Republican Party, Long has held this position since being elected in 2014. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including education, fiscal policy, and social matters, reflecting his engagement with the constituents of his district.

Early life and career

Bob Long was born on January 11, 1957, in Baltimore, Maryland. Raised in a single-parent household, he experienced the challenges and dynamics of growing up in a family led by his mother. Long pursued higher education at Essex Community College and the Community College of Baltimore County, where he began to develop skills that would later support his career in real estate and public service.

Before entering politics, Long worked as a realtor, achieving the designation of GRI (Graduate, Realtor Institute) and serving with Covenant Realty. His professional background also includes experience as a union truck driver, which provided him with insights into labor issues and the working-class experience. Long's diverse career path has contributed to his understanding of the economic and social challenges faced by many of his constituents.

In addition to his professional endeavors, Long has been actively involved in various organizations. He is a member of the Maryland Association of Realtors and the Greater Baltimore Board of Realtors, which connect him to the real estate community. Furthermore, he is part of the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group, an organization that honors the contributions of Henrietta Lacks to medical research, and he is affiliated with the National Rifle Association of America, reflecting his interest in gun rights and related issues.

Long's political career began with his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010. However, he was unsuccessful in that election, losing to incumbents Johnny Olszewski, Joseph J. Minnick, and Michael H. Weir Jr. Despite this setback, he continued to pursue public office and successfully ran for the House of Delegates in 2014.

Long is married and has four children, which further informs his perspectives on family-related legislation and community issues.

Legislative service

Bob Long was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates during the 2014 elections, alongside fellow Republicans Robin Grammer Jr. and Richard W. Metzgar. Their campaign focused on economic issues, which resonated with voters in their district. Long was officially sworn into office on January 14, 2015, and has since been a member of the Ways and Means Committee, which plays a critical role in shaping fiscal policy and education legislation in the state.

Throughout his tenure, Long has maintained a symbolic connection to Maryland's industrial past by keeping a brick from the former Sparrows Point steel mill on his desk. This artifact serves as a reminder of the region's historical significance and the importance of economic development in his legislative work.

Long's legislative activities have included a variety of initiatives and proposals that reflect his priorities and the interests of his constituents. He has been involved in discussions and votes on a wide range of issues, from education reform to fiscal policy and social matters.

Policy focus and district

Long's policy focus encompasses several key areas, including education, fiscal issues, environmental concerns, and social issues. His approach to education has included introducing legislation aimed at increasing parental accountability. In the 2019 legislative session, he proposed a bill that would impose fines on parents if their child faced disciplinary issues at school multiple times. In 2023, he introduced the Parent and Guardian Accountability Act, which would require parents to engage in counseling with their children after repeated disruptive behavior in school.

On environmental issues, Long has expressed concerns regarding the management of the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant. In August 2022, he signed a letter urging Governor Larry Hogan to maintain the plant under the control of the Maryland Environmental Service, citing fears of potential mismanagement if it were returned to the city of Baltimore.

Fiscal policy is another area of focus for Long. He supported legislation during the 2018 session that aimed to provide significant tax incentives to Amazon for establishing its second headquarters in Montgomery County, believing that this move would generate jobs and economic growth in his district. Additionally, he has voiced opposition to certain tax proposals, such as a bill that sought to impose a six percent tax on luxury services, advocating for the exclusion of marina services from this classification.

Long's engagement with national politics has also been notable. In November 2016, he publicly condemned a controversial recording involving then-presidential candidate Donald Trump but later expressed support for Trump's campaign, highlighting the potential for job creation in his district.

Social issues have also been a part of Long's legislative agenda. He introduced a bill during the 2021 session aimed at extending hate crime protections to first responders. In 2023, he proposed an amendment during discussions on recreational marijuana legislation, seeking to prevent smoking cannabis in vehicles near minors, although this amendment was ultimately rejected.

In December 2025, Long opposed an effort to override Governor Wes Moore's veto of a bill that would study reparations for victims of slavery and their descendants in Maryland. He cited concerns regarding the state's budget deficit and referenced previous commissions that had addressed similar issues.

Overall, Bob Long's legislative service reflects a commitment to addressing the needs of his constituents in Maryland's sixth district. His background, professional experience, and policy initiatives illustrate his engagement with a range of issues that impact the lives of those he represents.