William Folden

William Folden is an American politician currently serving as a Republican member of the Maryland State Senate, representing District 4. He has been in office since 2023 and previously served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015 to 2019. Folden has a background in law enforcement, having worked as a police officer and deputy sheriff, and he has been involved in various legislative committees and caucuses throughout his political career.

Early life and career

William Folden was born on April 5, 1972, in Hagerstown, Maryland. He completed his secondary education at Governor Thomas Johnson High School, located in the vicinity of his hometown. Following high school, he pursued higher education at Frederick Community College, where he obtained an Associate of Arts degree in criminal justice. His career in law enforcement began with his service in the United States Army, where he was a member of the military police corps and also served as an infantry sniper.

After his military service, Folden transitioned to a career in local law enforcement. He served as the deputy sheriff of Frederick County from 1994 until 2011. In 2011, he became a police officer for the city of Frederick, continuing his law enforcement career while also engaging in political activities. He maintained his role as a police officer even during his tenure in the Maryland legislature. In July 2025, he retired from his position as a police officer for the University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Folden's political ambitions became evident in 2006 when he announced his candidacy for Frederick County Sheriff. However, he was not successful in the Republican primary, finishing third in a competitive race. His political career gained momentum when he filed for a seat in the Maryland House of Delegates in 2021. Initially seeking election in District 4, he later shifted his focus to the Senate race for the same district, which was being vacated by Michael Hough.

Legislative service

William Folden was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. During his time in the House, he served on several committees, including the Judiciary Committee and the Environment and Transportation Committee. He was involved in various subcommittees focused on family law, housing, land use, and transportation. Folden was also a member of the Public Safety and Policing Work Group and participated in the Maryland Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus and the Maryland Veterans Caucus.

His tenure in the House of Delegates lasted until January 9, 2019, when he was defeated by Democratic challenger Ken Kerr in the 2018 elections. Notably, Folden was recognized as the only active police officer in the Maryland legislature during his time in office.

In 2023, Folden transitioned to the Maryland Senate, where he was sworn in on January 11. He currently serves on the Judicial Proceedings Committee, continuing his legislative involvement in matters related to law and public safety.

Policy focus and district

Throughout his political career, William Folden has focused on a range of issues, particularly those related to crime, education, the environment, housing, and policing. His law enforcement background has significantly influenced his legislative priorities.

In the realm of crime, Folden has expressed strong opinions on legislation concerning youth offenders. He was the only Republican member of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee to oppose a bill aimed at reducing the number of crimes for which youth would be automatically charged as adults. He raised concerns about the implications of the bill, particularly in light of violent incidents involving minors. Additionally, he introduced an amendment during Senate debates that sought to ensure youth charged with first-degree assault would be tried in adult court, although this amendment was ultimately rejected.

Folden has also been active in education policy, advocating for state funding and relaxed restrictions for charter schools during the 2017 legislative session. His commitment to supporting military personnel is evident in his introduction of a bill that would allow service members to terminate housing leases early if they are deployed or reassigned, which received unanimous support in the House of Delegates.

In environmental matters, Folden supported efforts to repeal Maryland's statewide fracking ban during the 2025 legislative session, reflecting a more pro-development stance on energy issues. His legislative actions regarding housing have included initiatives aimed at assisting military members, showcasing his focus on the needs of those who serve in the armed forces.

Folden's positions on gun control have also been notable. He has supported measures to restrict firearm access for individuals convicted of domestic abuse, indicating a commitment to addressing issues of violence and public safety.

In the context of national politics, Folden endorsed Ted Cruz during the 2016 Republican presidential primaries and has been vocal about his opposition to certain redistricting efforts in Maryland, particularly those perceived to benefit the Democratic Party.

As a member of the Maryland Senate, Folden continues to engage with issues pertinent to his constituents in District 4, drawing on his extensive background in law enforcement and public service to inform his legislative decisions. His ongoing involvement in various committees and caucuses reflects his commitment to addressing the diverse needs of his district and the state of Maryland as a whole.