Mary Washington

Mary Washington is an American politician currently serving as a member of the Maryland State Senate, representing District 43. A member of the Democratic Party, she has been in office since 2019, following her tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2011 to 2019. Washington is notable for being the first openly gay African-American person and the first openly gay woman to serve in the Maryland legislature. Her political career has been marked by a focus on progressive issues, including education reform, criminal justice, and housing policy.

Early life and career

Mary Washington was born on May 20, 1962, in West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the eldest of six children. She completed her secondary education at the Philadelphia High School for Girls, which provided her with a foundation for her future academic and professional pursuits. Washington continued her education at Antioch University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in human services in 1989.

In 1992, she relocated to Baltimore, Maryland, to further her studies at Johns Hopkins University. There, she obtained both a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in sociology. Her doctoral dissertation focused on the impact of the United States census on national identity, reflecting her interest in social issues and public policy.

Washington's professional career began in academia, where she served as an assistant professor at Lehigh University from 1995 to 2002. Following her academic tenure, she worked as a research fellow at the University of Pennsylvania. From 2002 to 2005, she held a significant position as the director of the HousingStat office at the Baltimore Housing Authority, where she was involved in initiatives aimed at improving housing and urban development.

Her entry into politics began in 2006 when she ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 43 but was not successful. Undeterred, she made another attempt in 2010, winning the Democratic primary and subsequently running unopposed in the general election. This marked the beginning of her formal political career.

Legislative service

Mary Washington was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 12, 2011. Her election was historic, as she became the first openly lesbian African-American elected official in Maryland. During her time in the House, she served on several committees, including the Appropriations Committee and the Ways and Means Committee, where she was involved in various subcommittees focusing on education, economic development, and personnel oversight.

In 2017, Washington announced her candidacy for the Maryland Senate, seeking to represent District 43. She successfully challenged incumbent state senator Joan Carter Conway in the Democratic primary, winning by a narrow margin. Washington was sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019, further solidifying her role as a trailblazer in Maryland politics.

Throughout her legislative service, Washington has held various committee assignments. In the Senate, she is a member of the Education, Energy and the Environment Committee and serves as the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive and Legislative Review. She has also been involved with committees addressing critical issues such as children and youth, homelessness, and environmental concerns.

In 2020, Washington announced her candidacy for mayor of Baltimore, challenging the incumbent mayor. Although she faced financial challenges during her campaign, she garnered significant support and endorsements from various organizations. However, she suspended her campaign in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and later endorsed the Democratic nominee for mayor.

Policy focus and district

Mary Washington's legislative agenda reflects her progressive values, with a strong emphasis on social justice, education reform, and housing policy. She has been an advocate for criminal justice reform, notably introducing legislation to prohibit the shackling of incarcerated women during labor and recovery, which passed unanimously in the Maryland General Assembly. Washington has also expressed strong opposition to legislation that would have allowed Johns Hopkins University to establish its own private police force, highlighting her commitment to community policing and accountability.

In the realm of education, Washington has supported initiatives aimed at reducing standardized testing in early childhood education, advocating for alternative assessment methods that prioritize student learning and instructional improvement. Her focus on education extends to her work on various committees, where she has contributed to discussions on educational policy and funding.

Washington's commitment to housing issues is evident from her previous role at the Baltimore Housing Authority and her ongoing involvement in legislative efforts to address homelessness and housing stability. She has co-chaired the Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, working to develop strategies and policies that support vulnerable populations in her district and beyond.

As a representative of District 43, which includes parts of Baltimore City, Washington's work is closely tied to the needs and concerns of her constituents. Her progressive stance on various issues resonates with many voters in her district, contributing to her electoral success and ongoing support within the community. Washington's career reflects a dedication to public service and a commitment to advocating for policies that promote equity and justice in Maryland.