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.

Name: Craig J. Zucker

Craig J. Zucker
Craig J. Zucker (Courtesy of Craig J. Zucker)

Age: 51

Personal: Married, wife Jenny, two sons.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, St. Thomas Aquinas College; master’s degree, government, Johns Hopkins University.

Experience: Maryland State Senator, District 14; executive vice president and chief strategy officer of a nonprofit; vice president of business development for a small business; special assistant and deputy chief of staff to the Maryland State Comptroller.

Questionnaire

A: Maryland’s economy has been negatively impacted by the reckless Trump Administration’s actions, including tariffs (tax increases), cuts to healthcare and hospitals, and increases in gas and living costs.

The Maryland Constitution requires the General Assembly to balance the budget. We manage our shortfall every year. As a leader on the Senate Budget Committee, Craig ensured that the Maryland budget met affordability goals, reduced spending, and preserved more than $2.4 billion in reserves, positioning the State to navigate ongoing fiscal pressures.

A: Protect our residents from this lawless Trump Administration;

Enhance affordability and decrease costs in core areas like housing, healthcare, and energy bills; andGrow our economy and minimize our reliance on the federal government.

A: Maryland families are still reeling from unacceptably high energy bills, and it was paramount that the Maryland General Assembly build on last year’s energy package through the Utility RELIEF Act. That comprehensive legislation that I supported provides immediate financial assistance and further protects Marylanders from future increases through policies within the State’s control.

A: The Blueprint for Marylanders’ Future’s goal is to expand universal preschool, increase funding for schools with high concentrations of poverty, increase pay and opportunities for teachers, and create career and college-readiness pathways for high school students. When the legislation was passed some years ago, we included a provision that, within 5 years, we would review the program and make adjustments as needed. Within the next few years, we will conduct that review and make modifications as necessary, saving taxpayer money while ensuring we strengthen our public schools.

A: Craig is recognized for delivering exceptional constituent service and collaborating across the aisle to sponsor and pass legislation that reflects our shared values. Craig has earned a reputation as a tireless legislator and a champion for individuals with developmental disabilities. He was the chief sponsor of many pieces of legislation that provided equity and opportunities for this population. As a result, Craig has been recognized more than 5 times with the Arc of Maryland’s Outstanding Legislative Leadership Award. In addition, every area of the district, from Burtonsville Crossing Shopping Center to Damascus, has felt the positive impact of the millions of dollars of investment that Craig and his team have secured.