Maryland Senate District 42

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: Paul Henderson

Age: 60

Personal: Married, one son, one grandchild.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Washington College; master’s degree, College of Notre Dame of Maryland; teaching certificate, Towson University.

Experience: English teacher, Baltimore City Juvenile Justice Center, Department of Juvenile Justice; youth sports coach; founder, North Baltimore County Democratic Club.

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: Paul V. Konka

Age: 75

Personal: Married, two adult children, three grandchildren.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, history, University of Wisconsin Madison; MBA, finance and investments, George Washington University; juris doctor, environmental law, University of Oregon.

Experience: Finance professor, University of Maryland Global Campus (2014-present); compliance officer, Livanta (2023-2025); special assistant, Health Resources and Services Administration (2020-2022); naval officer (1973-1997).

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: Stephanie Popescu

Age: 35

Personal: Married, husband, Stefan, two sons.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, education, Loyola University.

Experience: Public school teacher (13 years).

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?

Republican

Name: Kevin Ford

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Matt Fox

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Name: Adam Wood

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.