Maryland House of Delegates District 44B

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: Bishop Barry Chapman

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

Name: Del. Aletheia McCaskill

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

Name: Del. Sheila Ruth

Age: 63

Personal: Married, one son.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, liberal arts and technology, Villa Julie College (now Stevenson University).

Experience: Member, Maryland House of Delegates, District 44B (2020-present); chair of the labor subcommittee of the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee; co-vice chair, Transit Caucus; deputy majority whip (2024-2026).

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: Sherry Scipio

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

Republican

Name: Domonic Martin

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