Ric Metzgar

Ric Metzgar is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 6. A member of the Republican Party, Metzgar has been in office since 2015, following his election in the Maryland House of Delegates election. His legislative work has focused on various issues, including public safety, energy policy, healthcare, and social issues.

Early life and career

Ric Metzgar was born on November 28, 1953, in Essex, Maryland, where he spent his formative years. He was raised in a household that engaged with both the local community and politics; his father was employed by the Glenn L. Martin Company, while his mother owned a dry cleaning business and was involved with the Maryland Republican Party. Metzgar completed his secondary education at Kenwood High School. He continued his education at Northwest Bible College and later acquired a clinical pastoral education certificate from the Community College of Baltimore County.

Before entering politics, Metzgar had a diverse career in business and ministry. He served as the general manager of G & W Motors from 1989 until 2015, a role that likely provided him with insights into local economic issues. Additionally, he was the president of My Son's Parking, Inc. from 1994 to 1998. His involvement in the community extended to religious service; he founded the Gateway Pastors and Churches Association and held various ministry positions, including that of associate pastor at Essex Church of God from 2004 to 2014.

Metzgar's political aspirations began earlier in his career when he ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in 2006 and 2010, although he was unsuccessful in both attempts. His 2010 campaign focused on environmental and economic issues, advocating for deregulation, pollution control, and public safety measures. These early experiences laid the groundwork for his eventual election to the legislature.

Legislative service

Ric Metzgar was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2014, alongside fellow Republicans Robin Grammer Jr. and Robert B. Long. The trio campaigned on a platform that emphasized economic concerns, reflecting the priorities of their constituents. Metzgar officially took office on January 14, 2015.

Upon entering the legislature, Metzgar was appointed to the Ways and Means Committee, where he served until 2017. He then transitioned to the Health and Government Operations Committee, remaining in that role until 2019. Currently, he is a member of the Appropriations Committee, which is responsible for overseeing the state budget and financial matters.

During his tenure, Metzgar has been involved in various legislative initiatives and community events. Notably, in July 2015, he organized a "Hogan Strong" vigil in Bel Air following Governor Larry Hogan's announcement of his cancer diagnosis. This event demonstrated Metzgar's engagement with both his constituents and state leadership.

In addition to his legislative duties, Metzgar served as an alternative delegate at the 2020 Republican National Convention. His political endorsements have also been notable; during the 2022 Maryland gubernatorial election, he supported state delegate Dan Cox, expressing criticism towards his opponent, Kelly Schulz, whom he characterized as a continuation of Governor Hogan's policies.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his legislative career, Ric Metzgar has focused on a range of policy issues that resonate with his constituents in District 6. His positions on crime and policing have included support for measures aimed at enhancing public safety. For example, during his 2006 campaign, he advocated for strengthening Jessica's Law, which addresses sexual offenses against children. In 2015, following a violent incident involving a local resident, he called for the closure of a high school attended by the assailants, reflecting his commitment to community safety.

Metzgar has also taken stances on energy policy. He opposed the Clean Energy Job Act in 2019, which sought to expand Maryland's clean energy mandates. However, he later supported the POWER Act in 2023, which aimed to enhance the state's offshore wind energy goals. His voting record indicates a nuanced approach to energy legislation, balancing economic considerations with environmental goals.

In healthcare, Metzgar has expressed opposition to the End-of-Life Option Act, citing personal beliefs, while also supporting the establishment of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to address the rising costs of medications. His positions reflect a blend of conservative values and a focus on practical solutions for constituents.

Metzgar's views on immigration have also been a point of discussion. He has advocated for reforms to federal immigration policy and opposed local measures, such as a Baltimore County Council bill that aimed to prohibit private detention centers, arguing that the decision was made hastily and for publicity reasons.

Social issues have been another area of focus for Metzgar. He supported legislation allowing Sunday liquor sales in Baltimore County during the 2020 session. More recently, he participated in protests against policies related to transgender students in schools, indicating his engagement with contemporary social debates. Additionally, he has introduced legislation aimed at restricting abortion access based on fetal heartbeat detection, reflecting his alignment with certain conservative social values.

On fiscal matters, Metzgar has consistently advocated for tax policy changes. During his 2010 campaign, he expressed support for repealing tax increases enacted during the administration of former Governor Martin O'Malley, signaling his commitment to lower taxes and fiscal conservatism.

Ric Metzgar is married and has two adult children. His personal and professional experiences contribute to his legislative priorities, as he continues to serve the interests of his constituents in Maryland's District 6.