Chao Wu

Chao Wu is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 9A, which encompasses parts of Howard and Montgomery counties. A member of the Democratic Party, Wu has been in office since January 2023. Prior to his election to the state legislature, he served on the Howard County Board of Education from 2018 to 2022, where he held the position of chairperson and became the first Asian American to lead the board. His background in engineering and his active involvement in local governance have shaped his approach to public service and policy-making.

Early life and career

Chao Wu was born in 1977 in Yingshan County, located in Hubei province, China. His early education laid the foundation for a career in engineering and technology. Wu pursued higher education at the University of Science and Technology of China, where he earned a Bachelor of Engineering degree in 2001. Following this, he continued his studies at the National University of Singapore, obtaining a master's degree in electrical and computer engineering in 2003. Wu's academic journey took a significant turn when he moved to the United States in 2003 to attend the University of Maryland, College Park. There, he completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree in electrical and computer engineering in 2009.

During his time at the University of Maryland, Wu was actively engaged in student leadership, serving as the president of the local chapter of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association (CSSA). In this role, he provided support to fellow Chinese graduate students, assisting them with housing, tuition payments, and class registration. His leadership extended beyond administrative support; he also took a stance on political issues, advocating against Tibetan independence and addressing perceived biases in local media coverage related to the 2008 Summer Olympics held in Beijing.

After completing his doctoral studies, Wu began his professional career as an Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education Fellow at the Food and Drug Administration from 2009 to 2010. He then worked as a senior electrical engineer for Maryland Aerospace, a defense contractor, until 2011. Following this role, he briefly served as an aviation software engineer at Garmin. In 2016, Wu became a U.S. citizen, marking a significant milestone in his personal and professional journey.

Legislative service

Chao Wu's political career began at the local level, where he was involved in community governance. He represented the River Hill community of Columbia, Maryland, on the Columbia Association's board of directors until 2018. Additionally, he served on the board of the River Hill Village Association from 2012 to 2018. During his tenure in these roles, Wu played a pivotal part in fostering international relations, notably initiating a sister city agreement between Columbia and Liyang, China.

In November 2017, Wu announced his candidacy for the Howard County Board of Education. He successfully won the nonpartisan primary election in June 2018 and subsequently secured a seat on the board in the general election held in November of that year. His leadership skills were recognized when he was elected chairperson of the Board of Education in December 2020, making history as the first Asian American to hold this position. In October 2021, he was appointed as a board member of the Maryland Association of Boards of Education, further extending his influence in educational governance.

Wu's transition to the Maryland House of Delegates began when he filed to run for office in February 2022. He won the Democratic primary in July 2022 and subsequently triumphed in the general election in November, narrowly defeating the incumbent delegate. He was sworn into office on January 11, 2023. Since taking office, Wu has been characterized as a moderate legislator, maintaining a relatively low profile while actively participating in legislative processes. He has served on the House Ways and Means Committee since 2023 and has taken on the role of deputy majority whip since 2026, indicating his growing influence within the legislative body.

Policy focus and district

As a member of the Maryland House of Delegates, Chao Wu has focused on various policy issues that reflect his background in engineering and his commitment to education. His legislative priorities have included technology and education, areas in which he has significant expertise. In June 2021, while still serving on the Howard County Board of Education, Wu voted against a proposal to end the school system's school resource officer program, demonstrating his engagement with issues related to school safety and community policing.

In the 2025 legislative session, Wu introduced a bill aimed at regulating the use of generative artificial intelligence. This legislation would require developers of AI technologies to disclose specific information regarding the data and datasets utilized in training their products. This initiative reflects Wu's understanding of the intersection between technology and public policy, as well as his commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in emerging technological fields.

Wu represents District 9A, which includes portions of Howard and Montgomery counties. This district is characterized by its diverse population and a mix of suburban and rural communities. As a legislator, Wu's role involves addressing the unique needs and concerns of his constituents, which range from educational issues to public safety and technological advancement. His background in education and engineering positions him well to advocate for policies that promote innovation and support the educational system within his district.

In his personal life, Wu resides in Clarksville, Maryland, where he is a father to two children, a son and a daughter. His family life informs his commitment to education and community service, as he seeks to create a positive environment for future generations.

Overall, Chao Wu's journey from his early life in China to his current role in the Maryland House of Delegates illustrates a commitment to public service, education, and community engagement. His experiences as an engineer, educator, and local leader have shaped his legislative priorities and approach to governance, making him a notable figure in Maryland's political landscape.