Ryan Nawrocki

Ryan Nawrocki is an American politician and communications professional currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates for District 7A, representing north Baltimore County. A member of the Republican Party, Nawrocki has a background in political science and public administration, and he has been involved in various political and business endeavors throughout his career. His political journey includes previous candidacies for local office and a range of roles in public service and communications.

Early life and career

Ryan Nawrocki was born between 1983 and 1984. He pursued higher education at St. Mary's College of Maryland, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science, public policy, economics, and sociology. He furthered his education at Johns Hopkins University, obtaining a master's degree in public administration. Following his academic achievements, Nawrocki ventured into entrepreneurship, establishing several businesses, including a medical aesthetics practice and a company focused on CBD products.

Nawrocki's initial foray into politics began with his appointment to the Maryland Transit Administration, where he became the youngest appointee during the administration of Governor Bob Ehrlich. This experience provided him with a foundation in public service and transportation policy. In 2010, he sought a seat on the Baltimore County Council, running as a candidate in District 6. However, he was defeated by the Democratic nominee, Cathy Bevins, in a closely contested election.

After his first electoral setback, Nawrocki transitioned to a role in communications, serving as a spokesman for U.S. Representative Andy Harris. He eventually rose to the position of communication director for Harris, gaining valuable experience in political messaging and public relations. In January 2016, he was appointed as the senior director for the Maryland Transit Administration, further solidifying his involvement in state transportation issues. In addition to his public service roles, Nawrocki operated his own public relations firm, Red White and Blue LLC, which provided various services to clients, including government agencies.

Nawrocki made another attempt at local office in 2018, once again challenging Cathy Bevins for the Baltimore County Council. Despite endorsements from prominent figures such as Governor Ehrlich and Representative Harris, he was defeated again, this time by a larger margin.

Legislative service

In February 2022, Ryan Nawrocki announced his candidacy for the Maryland House of Delegates, specifically for District 7A. His campaign gained traction when incumbent Delegate Kathy Szeliga decided to run alongside him, creating a ticket that also included endorsements from influential local politicians. Nawrocki participated in the Republican primary, where he placed second behind Szeliga, securing a significant portion of the vote. He successfully advanced to the general election, where he faced Lydia X. Z. Brown, an advocate for autistic rights, and emerged victorious.

Nawrocki was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2023. As a member of the legislature, he serves on the House Environment and Transportation Committee and is affiliated with the Maryland Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers. His legislative activities have included a range of issues, from education and electoral reform to immigration and national politics.

In June 2024, Nawrocki and three other Republican lawmakers signed a letter to the superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools, calling for the termination of a teacher who had advocated for LGBTQIA+ rights. This letter was prompted by allegations that the teacher had made threatening remarks, which later led to a defamation lawsuit against the lawmakers. The lawsuit was dismissed in April 2026.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his time in the Maryland House of Delegates, Nawrocki has focused on various policy areas, including education, electoral reform, and immigration. In April 2023, he raised concerns regarding the Maryland State Department of Education, accusing it of manipulating data related to student performance. An investigation by the state inspector general found no evidence to support his claims.

During the 2026 legislative session, Nawrocki introduced a bill aimed at clarifying the role of county-level inspectors general in relation to the Maryland Public Information Act. He also opposed legislation that sought to protect minority voting rights, arguing that it could lead to excessive litigation against local governments.

On immigration issues, Nawrocki has been vocal in his opposition to measures that would restrict local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. He criticized a bill passed by the Baltimore County Council that aimed to prohibit private detention facilities, asserting that such actions could hinder law enforcement efforts.

In the realm of national politics, Nawrocki has expressed strong opinions on various matters. He signed a letter condemning a jury verdict related to former President Donald Trump, characterizing it as a politically motivated prosecution. This stance reflects his alignment with conservative viewpoints on national issues.

Nawrocki resides in Middle River, Maryland, with his wife, Lauren, and their five children. He is actively involved in his community, attending religious services at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church and participating in the Knights of Columbus. His personal life has been marked by some controversy, including past incidents involving police reports related to domestic disputes, which he has denied. These events have not significantly impacted his political career, as he continues to serve in the Maryland House of Delegates and engage with his constituents on various issues.