Maryland House of Delegates District 20: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide

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: Lorig Charkoudian

Age: 53

Personal: Single mother, two children, 19 and 22.

Education: Ph.D., economics, Johns Hopkins University

Experience: State Delegate, District 20; vice chair, Economic Matters Committee; executive director, Community Mediation Maryland.

Questionnaire

A: There are many opportunities for progressive tax reform that do not raise taxes on every day, working Marylanders. We can close corporate tax loopholes with combined reporting, the throwback rule, closing the LLC loophole for large corporations, and by ending corporate tax breaks that don’t produce results. Maryland should decouple from many of the federal tax breaks in HR1, fix the estate tax, add a surtax on capital gains, and continue efforts to crack down on tax avoidance.

A: Housing - building more affordable housing, ensuring safe and stable housing for all

Climate/Energy Justice - clean affordable energy, efficient & healthy homes and communities, affordable energy bills, accessible transit, clean air/clean water and the health benefits that come with it in overburdened communities

Protecting Marylanders from the Trump Administration harmful immigration enforcement, cuts to the federal workforce, and cuts to the public safety net

A: I have worked and will continue to work to keep energy bills affordable, by reigning in utility profits and making sure data centers pay their fair share. I have worked to keep housing affordable with policies that get more housing built and protect renters from unfair costs. I have worked to protect consumers from medical debt and from predatory financial practices. I have also worked to increase the minimum wage and to increase wages and benefits in state supported efforts, because one job should be enough for Marylanders to live off of.

A: The state will need to raise the revenue to implement the commitment we have made to Maryland students through the Blueprint.

A: Democracy is not a participatory sport. I engage with my constituents throughout the 4 year term - knocking doors; at community events; at food distributions; hosting walks, potlucks, and other event, etc. Through this engagement, I am able to learn from constituents, understand their perspectives, and collaboratively develop solutions or policy ideas. Many of my legislative successes have come from these engagements and the guidance from constituents.