Jason Gallion

Jason Gallion is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland State Senate, representing the 35th district, which encompasses parts of Cecil County and Harford County. A member of the Republican Party, Gallion has been active in Maryland politics for several years, with a focus on agriculture, education, and economic issues.

Early life and career

Jason Gallion was born on February 10, 1977, in Havre de Grace, Maryland. He completed his secondary education at Havre de Grace High School, graduating in 1995. Growing up in a family involved in agriculture, Gallion assisted his father, who worked for the State Highway Administration, in raising beef cattle. Additionally, during his teenage years, he gained experience working on dairy farms owned by his uncle and another local family.

Gallion pursued higher education at Harford Community College, where he earned an Associate of Arts degree in political science in 1997. Following his graduation, he embarked on a career in farming, producing dairy from 1999 to 2004 and subsequently focusing on beef cattle and hay production. His early involvement in agriculture has informed his political perspective and policy priorities.

Gallion's interest in politics began at a young age when he volunteered for Barry Glassman's first campaign for the Harford County Council at the age of 13. This early exposure to political processes influenced his later career choices. In 2016, he joined Glassman's administration as a part-time agricultural specialist within the Harford County Department of Governmental and Community Relations. His role included serving on the county's Economic Development Agricultural Advisory Board and acting as a liaison between the county executive's office and the Harford County Farm Bureau.

Gallion's political ambitions became evident when he first ran for office in 2006, seeking a seat on the Harford County Council in District D. Although he finished second in the Republican primary, this initial attempt laid the groundwork for his future political endeavors. In 2007, he sought to succeed Barry Glassman in the Maryland House of Delegates but was not appointed, as the Harford County Republican Central Committee chose attorney Howard Wayne Norman, Jr. for the position. Gallion continued to pursue legislative roles, running unsuccessfully for District 35A of the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010 and again for District 35B in 2014, where he garnered endorsements from various local organizations but ultimately finished third in the primary.

In 2011, Gallion contributed to the Harford County Council Redistricting Commission, further solidifying his involvement in local governance. His persistence in seeking a legislative position paid off in March 2018, when he was nominated by the Harford County Republican Central Committee to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Senator Wayne Norman. Gallion successfully secured his position on the primary election ballot and later won the general election, receiving a significant majority of the vote.

Legislative service

Jason Gallion was officially sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019. Since taking office, he has been an active member of several committees, including the Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, where he has served on various subcommittees focused on environmental and health issues. He is also a member of the Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation and has participated in the Joint COVID-19 Response Legislative Work Group since its inception.

During his time in the legislature, Gallion has introduced and supported various pieces of legislation, particularly those related to agriculture and education. His legislative initiatives reflect his background and interests, particularly in the agricultural sector, where he has advocated for policies that benefit farmers and rural communities.

Policy focus and district

Gallion's policy focus is heavily influenced by his agricultural background and his experiences within the local community. He has been a proponent of legislation that supports the agricultural industry, including a bill that allows farm equipment to travel on highways within a specified radius of farms. He has also introduced measures aimed at regulating the labeling of plant-based beverages and cultured meat products, reflecting ongoing debates in the food industry.

In addition to his agricultural initiatives, Gallion has expressed a commitment to addressing the opioid epidemic, advocating for increased drug prevention efforts in schools. His personal experiences with the crisis have shaped his approach to this pressing public health issue.

Gallion's economic policies have garnered recognition, as he received a perfect score on the Maryland Free Enterprise Foundation's annual scorecard, indicating his support for business-friendly legislation. His focus on economic development is complemented by his involvement in local governance and advisory boards.

In the realm of education, Gallion has engaged in discussions surrounding the Blueprint for Maryland's Future education reform plan, proposing amendments that reflect his views on educational funding and governance. He has also introduced legislation aimed at changing the appointment process for the Harford County school board, seeking to shift authority from the governor to the county executive.

Furthermore, Gallion has been active in discussions about election integrity, sponsoring bills that require voter identification and regulate the delivery of mail-in ballots. His legislative efforts in this area underscore his commitment to ensuring the integrity of the electoral process.

Overall, Jason Gallion's legislative service is characterized by a focus on agricultural issues, education reform, and economic development, reflecting the interests and needs of his constituents in the 35th district of Maryland. His ongoing work in the Senate continues to shape the political landscape of his community and the state.