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With the primary election set for June 23, the Voice asked candidates to share their backgrounds and plans for office. Here are the biographies that candidates for state positions submitted. Read about the county positions here.
In the instances where no bios were provided, the Voice used information from the candidates’ websites as noted.
Jessica Haire, Republican
I’m running because I believe public service is about listening, being present in our communities, and solving the real problems impacting families every day. From rising utility bills and traffic congestion to the need for safer roads, stronger infrastructure, and responsible budgets, we need practical, evidence-based solutions that improve quality of life.
I’m a civil engineer, government contracts attorney, former Anne Arundel County councilwoman, and a mom. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on improving our communities while respecting taxpayer dollars and delivering results.
During my time on the county council, I was proud to lead more bipartisan legislation that became law than any other council member. I worked to advance Chesapeake Bay restoration efforts, improve road safety, and modernize infrastructure in our communities. That experience reinforced my belief that progress comes from listening, focusing on facts and working collaboratively.
As your state senator, my priorities will focus on affordability, economic growth, and infrastructure improvements that strengthen District 30.
At the end of the day, you deserve leadership in Annapolis that gets back to the basics — leadership that listens, puts communities first, and focuses on results over politics. That’s the kind of state senator I will be: approachable, responsive and committed to working together collaboratively.
Shaneka Henson, Democrat (incumbent)
The Voice could not reach Shaneka Henson before the deadline.
Henson was born and raised in Annapolis and attended Coppin State University, where she graduated in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science in criminal justice. Henson continued her educational pursuits and attended the University of Baltimore, receiving her Juris Doctorate in law.
Before joining the Maryland legislature, Henson spent 10 years as a practicing attorney for the Maryland office of the attorney general and the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). She continues her passion for the law as a principal attorney in her firm, Johnson Legal Group LLC.
Dylan Behler, Democrat (incumbent)
Dylan Behler is a lifelong Marylander and Anne Arundel County resident who proudly serves as delegate for District 30A. Behler entered public service because he believes government can be a force for good and help solve the challenges Marylanders face every day. That belief comes from lived experience - without programs like Medicaid, Free and Reduced Meals in school, and Pell Grants, he would not have had the same opportunity to succeed as a first-generation college student.
Before becoming a delegate, Behler dedicated his career to public service. He served as chief of staff to then-State Senator Sarah Elfreth, where he helped draft and pass more than 80 pieces of legislation while also helping constituents navigate state government and access critical services. He later served as legislative director at the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, where he worked to restore the Chesapeake Bay, strengthen climate resilience, and support Maryland’s rural economies.
Now in the House of Delegates, Behler is focused on lowering the cost of living for Maryland families while standing up for vulnerable communities and protecting Marylanders from harmful federal actions. In his first full legislative session, he passed nine bills and serves on the Environment and Transportation Committee, where he works to address climate change, lower energy costs, and improve transportation infrastructure across Maryland.
Dana Jones, Democrat (incumbent)
The Voice could not reach Dana Jones before the deadline.
Jones was born, raised and educated in Maryland. Before joining the Maryland legislature, she spent 23 years working with elected officials including serving as a legislative assistant to then-Congressman Benjamin Cardin on Capitol Hill, as a senior researcher at the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, senior staff at EMILYs List, and partner in her own national consulting firm.
In 2020, just days after a statewide stay-at-home order was issued due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Jones was chosen by the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee and appointed by Governor Larry Hogan to represent District 30A in the Maryland General Assembly. In the six sessions Jones has served, she has passed 41 bills, including The Freedom to Read Act, a piece of legislation that makes Maryland the first state in the nation to protect books from authoritarian bans and protects library spaces and librarians from censorship, punitive action and harassment. Her legislative portfolio also includes expansive work on election law to protect U.S. democracy, broadening access to telehealth services for students, and supporting firefighter and EMS personnel.
Bradley O’Neal, Democrat
My name is Bradley K. O’Neal. I was born and raised in Annapolis, and I am running for the Maryland House of Delegates to serve District 30A.
Annapolis is not just where I live. It is the community that raised me. My life has been shaped by local schools, neighborhoods, athletic fields, small businesses and waterways. As an Eagle Scout, former professional baseball player, banker, local business owner, beekeeper, inventor and graduate with degrees in business administration and economics, I have a background that reflects preparation, discipline and a long-term commitment to District 30A.
This campaign is rooted in the belief that Annapolis should remain a place where working families, seniors, public servants, small-business owners, young adults and long-time residents can build stable lives. Affordability and long-term resident retention would be central priorities.
Maryland must address housing affordability, utility accountability, transportation access, small-business stability, responsible budgeting, and stronger coordination across government so the people who help sustain this community can remain rooted here.
Youth opportunity is another major focus. Maryland should strengthen career pathways, mentorship, youth employment, financial literacy and partnerships that connect education to opportunity. Young people should have real chances to discover their talents, build skills and move forward with dignity and purpose.
Environmental stewardship is personal to me. One of my first legislative proposals is the State Highway Vegetative Management Modernization and Pollinator Coordination Act, a measured effort to use appropriate state highway land as pollinator corridors while protecting safety, access and public dollars.
My reason for running is rooted in love for this community and a responsibility to those who live here. Annapolis raised me. District 30A shaped me. With your support, I will carry that responsibility into the House of Delegates and work every day for the place we call home.
Nic Kipke, Republican
Nic Kipke is a lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County and a class of 1997 graduate of Chesapeake High School. Since 2000, he’s worked in the private sector at Reps & Associates, a manufacturer rep firm where he was named vice president in 2014. He lives in Pasadena with his wife, Susannah, and their four children.
Kipke has been elected to the House of Delegates since 2006, and during that time, he has earned a reputation as an effective conservative leader. In 2025, the Center for Effective Lawmaking released its rankings noting that Kipke was the most effective Republican in the House of Delegates. He was unanimously elected to serve as chairman of the Anne Arundel County delegation, and in 2013, he was selected by his Republican peers to become the minority leader, making him the highest-ranking Republican in the House through 2021.
Despite being the caucus leader, he received the Founder’s Award from the House of Delegates in 2020 — the highest award given to sitting members for steadfast commitment to public service and the integrity of the House, an honor awarded by the speaker of the House.
Kipke has passed significant state laws repealing an onerous fee to protect small businesses. He cut the cost of permit fees for replacement wells, expanded access to addiction and behavioral health treatment to adolescents, prohibited welfare cards from being accepted at Maryland casinos, sponsored pharmaceutical reform initiatives, showed reciprocity with other states in offering complimentary hunting licenses for former prisoners-of-war or disabled veterans, and championed election fraud prevention legislation, among other issues.
He is a fellow of the University of Maryland Carey School of Law’s public policy conflict resolution program and is an opioid policy fellow of the National Conference of State Legislatures. He serves on the board of Providence of Maryland, helping people with disabilities gain employment in the community.
Brent Mulrooney, Democrat
Brent Mulrooney is a 35-year-old who currently works in national security. Additionally, he is currently serving in the Air Force Reserves as a cyber operator. He has dedicated his life to protecting this country and decided to run for office to bring back trust in our government. Too many people do not trust their elected officials and for good reasons. Mulrooney is here to change that!
Mulrooney wants to be a servant of the people and ensure the government dollars are well spent to uplift the citizens of Maryland. He has lived his life in a way that he has always put integrity first and service before self. These are the core values he lives by. He has experience working in U.S. Air Forces Central, where he identified large problems and curated long-term solutions through proven planning processes. This experience he brings to bear will be paramount to developing and implementing a plan to solve problems, such as the exorbitant electricity costs in this state. Bringing in this experience will help solve problems for today and tomorrow.
He is always thinking about the future and developing ideas to work through issues. He holds two bachelor’s degrees in Arabic and cybersecurity. He also holds a Master of Business Administration degree and is a Mensa member.
Joan Barone Cole, Democrat
Anne Arundel County is where my husband and I have planted our roots and where we see our family’s future. A Millersville resident and the daughter of a veteran and postal worker, I was raised with a deep respect for public service and a strong middle-class work ethic. My husband and I have been married for 36 years, and our two adult children and son-in-law live nearby.
My commitment to this district is personal: I have navigated eldercare for my 96-year-old mother and supported my brother through a major health crisis. I understand the financial and emotional pressures families face, and I am running to help ensure our community remains a place where young families can thrive and seniors can retire with dignity.
As a first-generation American and college graduate, I believe deeply in the power of opportunity. I earned a Bachelor of Science in management science and operations management from SUNY Geneseo and later completed my Master of Business Administration at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater while raising my children full-time. Balancing family responsibilities with graduate studies strengthened the discipline, focus and problem-solving skills I will bring to the House of Delegates.
My career has centered on practical problem-solving and community advocacy. I have worked for both small businesses and large corporations in customer-focused roles requiring communication, organization and results under pressure. I also spent years as a stay-at-home mother, gaining firsthand experience with budgeting and rising household costs. In public service, I served as a local group co-lead for a national safety organization in Anne Arundel County, expanding the local leadership team from three to 15 members and working extensively with elected officials and the legislative process. Together, these experiences have prepared me to be an effective, results-oriented advocate for District 31.
Brian Chisholm, Republican (incumbent)
The Voice could not reach Brian Chisholm before the deadline.
First elected in 2018, Chisholm has proudly represented District 31 in the Maryland House of Delegates since 2019. According to his website, he is guided by unwavering core values of integrity, transparency and accountability, and is deeply committed to serving with honesty and openness. Every action he takes is focused on faithfully representing the priorities and values of the community he serves.
Mike Jacobs, Republican
The Voice could not reach Mike Jacobs before the deadline.
Jacobs was born and raised in Anne Arundel County, and for more than 30 years, he has given back to his community as a small-business leader, youth coach and volunteer. From coaching local sports to supporting responsible growth, he has maintained a focus on preserving the community’s values while preparing for the future.
According to his Facebook page, he is running for office because he believes that District 31 deserves strong, commonsense leadership that puts families, public safety and the community first.
LaToya Nkongolo, Republican (incumbent)
I am a wife, mother, small-business owner, mental health expert and community leader who has spent nearly two decades serving families in Anne Arundel County and across Maryland. Raised by a single mother in low-income housing, I understand the challenges many families face, and those experiences inspired me to dedicate my life to helping others succeed through education, mental health advocacy, and strong community partnerships.
That same passion for service has guided my work as a state delegate. During the 2026 legislative session, I passed more bills than any Republican in the House of Delegates because I believe real leadership requires collaboration, respect and a willingness to work across the aisle for the good of the people we serve. I know how to bring people together and find common-sense solutions without compromising my Christian, conservative values.
I am running to retain my seat because Maryland families deserve strong, principled leadership that puts people first. I believe in protecting parental rights, improving educational outcomes, supporting public safety, strengthening our economy, and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background.
For 28 years, I have advocated for children, families and communities in need. Whether through my work in mental health, education or public service, my mission has always been the same: to empower people and improve lives. As your state delegate, I will continue fighting for practical solutions that strengthen our communities, support working families, and create greater opportunities for future generations. Together, we can continue building a safer, stronger and more prosperous Maryland.
Heidi Schmidt, Democrat
Heidi Schmidt is a mom, small-business owner, community leader and a resident of Pasadena, Maryland. She’s running to represent District 31 in the Maryland House of Delegates because our communities deserve leadership that listens, leads with integrity, and puts people over politics.
Born and raised in Vermont, Schmidt was the first in her family to go to college. Her parents instilled in her a deep respect for service, sacrifice and hard work. Schmidt’s passion for public service was sparked by her public school education, which gave her opportunity and drive, and helped her see firsthand how government can be a force for good.
Schmidt earned a degree in political science from Northeastern University, interning in both the Massachusetts State House and U.S. Congress as a part of her co-op education. After graduation, she moved to Washington, D.C. to work in public policy, where she met her husband and built a career in communications and marketing. They married in 2009 and moved to Maryland shortly after.
Service runs deep in Schmidt’s family. Her grandfather, father, brother and husband have all served in the National Guard, a legacy she carries with pride along with a deep commitment to those who serve our great nation.
Schmidt has spent 20 years working in marketing and communications. In 2020, she launched her marketing agency focused on helping small and mid-sized businesses show up with clarity and confidence. She knows firsthand what it means to build something from the ground up.
In addition to running her business, she has served on the board of the Pasadena Business Association, represented District 31 on the Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee, and serves on the Anne Arundel County Commission for Women. She has also volunteered with local schools, youth programs and community organizations.
Ryan Shaban, Democrat
I’m Ryan Shaban. I live in Glen Burnie with my wife and two daughters, and I’m running for House of Delegates in District 31 as a Democrat.
I spent 13 years in the Army Reserve, first as a convoy gunner deployed to Afghanistan under Operation Enduring Freedom, then as a badged counterintelligence special agent with a Top Secret/SCI clearance.
In my civilian career, I’m a senior cyber supply chain risk management consultant with a published contribution to a national federal enterprise security document. I’m finishing a Master of Business Administration at Purdue University Global.
I’m running because District 31 deserves a delegate who tells the truth even when it’s inconvenient and builds accountability into the job from day one rather than waiting to be required to.
My three priorities are energy independence, fiscal accountability, and real public safety.
On energy: Maryland is paying private utilities that answer to shareholders instead of ratepayers. I’m introducing the Maryland Energy Independence Corporation to put state-owned rooftops and facilities to work generating power Maryland keeps and controls, funded by private investment, with returns flowing back to ratepayers.
On accountability: Maryland has no independent inspector general with real authority over elected officials. I’ll introduce legislation to create one, and I’ll maintain a public log of every vote, every lobbyist meeting, and every position change from day one, before any law requires it.
On public safety: crime in this district is driven by concentrated poverty, not insufficient punishment. I’ll invest in vocational training and workforce development because that’s what the evidence says actually works to reduce crime, not more incarceration.
Dawn Gile, Democrat (incumbent)
Serving as the state senator for District 33 has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I bring a practical, bipartisan approach to the work and focus every day on delivering results for our community. Since taking office, I have focused on affordability, public safety, health care, consumer protection, education and support for veterans and military families.
Over the past legislative sessions, I have sponsored and passed more than 50 bipartisan bills and local initiatives. My work has included passing one of the strongest consumer data privacy laws in the country, working to lower prescription drug and energy costs, strengthening protections for children, expanding access to mental health care, supporting Maryland small businesses, and improving protections and services for veterans and military families.
As chair of the Anne Arundel County Senate delegation, I have worked to support public schools, improve public safety, strengthen our local economy, and bring millions of dollars in capital funding back to District 33 for local schools, parks, libraries, nonprofits, environmental initiatives and community organizations. Constituent service and accessibility are central to my work. My office helps residents navigate state agencies, resolve problems, and address the everyday challenges facing Maryland families.
Outside the Senate, I am an attorney, the spouse of a retired Army veteran, and the mother of three daughters. I am also proud to have earned the support of educators, labor organizations, environmental groups and community leaders across Anne Arundel County and Maryland.
I am seeking another term to continue delivering practical leadership and responsive constituent service for the residents of District 33 and Anne Arundel County. I remain committed to protecting our quality of life, strengthening our economy, supporting our public schools, and ensuring our community continues to have a strong voice in Annapolis.
Amy Leahy, Republican
As a decades-long resident of Anne Arundel County, I have never been inclined to run for elected office. But this year, something changed. I was witnessing a shift in representation by our current senator that made me realize the need to focus on more important things than tampons in boys’ bathrooms or how pennies are to be dealt with: whether to round up or down.
We have seen outrageous increases in our electric bills, thanks to policies promoted and made into law by the Democratic-controlled legislature, and their shutting down of power plants in favor of green energy. One of the top Fortune 200 companies in Maryland, Constellation, is considering moving its company – and its thousands of employees – out of Maryland because of the policies here. And all the while, Democrats have wasted time and effort and your money in attempts to gerrymander out of office the only Republican congressman in Maryland. Families are smarter than to think getting rid of a congressman is more important than being able to afford to live in this state we call home.
I have spent most of my adult life trying to make our community better. I worked for Anne Arundel County while raising my three children who attended Severna Park schools. I volunteered in the schools, led a Girl Scout troop, maintained a garden on the B&A Trail Park, and am a past president of the Severna Park Republican Women’s Club, where I am still an active member.
I currently serve as the vice president for public affairs on the Greater Severna Park Council, being pegged for this upon retiring as the constituent services representative for this area while working at Anne Arundel County. I have also served on the Citizens Advisory Committee for Plan 2040, testified before the county council and state legislative committees on proposed bills.
Chuck Cook, Democrat
My wife, Jessica, and I have been married for 26 years, and we have three children. Originally from Salisbury, we made Crofton our home in 2016. My professional background is in labor policy and working with Maryland’s unions and working families. For most of the last 10 years, I served as the legislative director for the Maryland state and D.C. AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations), advocating to the Maryland General Assembly for pro-worker and pro-working family legislation. Currently, I serve as senior advisor to Maryland’s secretary of housing, concentrating on policies related to housing and community development.
I’m running for the House of Delegates in District 33B because I don’t think there are enough working people in the General Assembly who can represent our interests, and I aim to be a voice for workers and their families. I also believe that the best bulwark against an out-of-control and corrupt federal administration is a strong state government with representatives who will fight to defend the citizens and residents of this district, county and state. Working people make Maryland happen. They deserve a voice in government, someone who will work for them, and a life as free as possible from the chaos and corruption coming from this administration in D.C.
Stuart Schmidt Jr., Republican (incumbent)
The Voice could not reach Stuart Schmidt by deadline.
The son of a utility lineman (dad) and Anne Arundel County Public Schools teacher assistant (mom), Schmidt believes hard work and education are foundational. For the past decade, Schmidt has proudly called Crofton home, where his family are active members of Crofton Athletic Council, American Legion, and Kiwanis and Elks clubs, and attend Mid Atlantic Community Church.
A devoted husband and father, Schmidt built his career in the corporate world at Perdue and Mountaire Farms on the Eastern Shore, spending many days on farms, working with growers on efficiency and productivity. He then obtained his Maryland real estate license in the early 2000s and started a small business, giving him firsthand experience with the challenges that local families, business LLCs and entrepreneurs face every day: balance sheets, profit and loss statements, budgeting, payroll, etc.
Heather Bagnall, Democrat (incumbent)
In 2018, Heather Bagnall, a theater maker, arts educator, nonprofit administrator and playwright added delegate to her resume, bringing a love of arts, lived experience with the health care system, and a “yes and” mentality to the Maryland General Assembly.
Bagnall has served as chair of the Anne Arundel County delegation, chair of the Public Health and Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee, and in December, she was appointed chair of the Health Committee.
She’s recipient of the Department of Defense Citation of Achievement, Maryland Association of the Deaf Distinguished Service Award, and Legislator of the Year for the American College of Emergency Physicians, Maryland State Dental Association, and Mental Health Association of Maryland.
Bagnall has brought in record funding for local projects and sponsored and co-sponsored legislation to protect essential care; integrate mental health into primary care; protect reproductive freedom; improve management, coverage and training for peri/menopause; address pediatric overstays; increase home and community-based behavioral health; and increase quality of care and oversight for nursing homes and assisted living facilities across Maryland. She passed the Public Health Reform Act, ensuring Maryland continues to lead in advancing population health.
The delegate has also sponsored local legislation including the Mental Health Access Initiative, which reduced a barrier for adolescents accessing mental health services and, with Senate partner Dawn Gile, innovative school schedules, and the sexual abuse and sexual misconduct model response policy, ensuring clear communication and data preservation across school systems.
She is a vocal proponent for the needs of her district, holding informational town halls and sharing resources with the local chamber and business community, and she is a regular sponsor of community events. People, process and pragmatic problem solving are her passions, ensuring people have what they need when they need it, her mandate, and the residents and needs of District 33C, her guiding star.
Kristin Norris, Republican
The Voice could not reach Kristin Norris by deadline.
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