Maryland Senate District 41

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. Dalya Attar

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

Democratic

Name: Del. Malcolm P. Ruff

Age: 42

Personal: Born and raised in the Park Heights neighborhood of Baltimore. Married with four children. Lifelong member of Heritage United Church of Christ

Education: Bachelor of Arts, African and African American studies, Duke University (2006); Juris Doctor, University of Baltimore School of Law (2012). Served as a legal fellow with the NAACP Office of the General Counsel and was one of only six students nationwide selected for the NAACP-Kellogg Law Fellow Program.

Experience: Member, Maryland House of Delegates, District 41 (2023–present); chair, Capital Budget Subcommittee of the Appropriations Committee (2025–present); member, Health and Social Services Subcommittee; member, Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and Baltimore City Delegation. Civil rights attorney, Murphy, Falcon & Murphy (2018–present). Senior associate, Baltimore general practice firm (2014–2018). Assistant state’s attorney, Baltimore City and Baltimore County (2012–2014). Member, Board of Trustees and Board of Governors, Gilman School; co-founder, Gilman Black Alumni Society. Board member, Project Pneuma (boys’ mentoring) and The Inside Out Initiative (purpose-based athletics). Member, Maryland State Bar Association, Baltimore City Bar Association, Monumental City Bar Association, Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association, Baltimore Attorneys for the Black Agenda and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.

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? Be specific about which Blueprint programs you would cut or adjust.

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