Maryland Senate District 40

What’s the job: One of 188 members of Maryland’s General Assembly, split between the House of Delegates and the Senate. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving state spending and providing oversight of Maryland government operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Sen. Antonio Hayes

Age: 48

Personal: Married, wife Jenny, two children, Antonio and Amaryllis.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, political science, Frostburg State University.

Experience: Maryland State Senator, District 40 (2019–present) — Vice Chair, Finance Committee (2025–present); previously Majority Whip (2023), Vice Chair of the Reapportionment and Redistricting Committee (2022), and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Behavioral Health & Opioid Use Disorders (2019–2021); Maryland House of Delegates, District 40 (2015–2019).

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Name: Steven Messmer

Age: 31

Personal: Married, two young children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, mathematics, Frostburg University; Juris Doctor, University of Baltimore School of Law.

Experience: Attorney, coordinating pro bono work, serving low-income clients; math teacher, Forest Park High School.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?