Aaron Kaufman (House District 0018)

Aaron M. Kaufman is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 18 in Montgomery County. Born on February 15, 1987, he is a lifelong resident of the district and a prominent disability rights advocate who lives with cerebral palsy, making him the first member of the Maryland General Assembly with a physical disability. Elected in November 2022, he was sworn in on January 11, 2023. Notable achievements include being named “Rookie Delegate of the Session,” signing a pledge for 100% carbon-free electricity by 2035, and extensive advocacy work, such as blocking efforts to weaken the Americans with Disabilities Act . He serves on the House Judiciary Committee, including its Criminal Law and Procedure and Family and Juvenile Law subcommittees, and is involved with the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus and Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus.

Education and Political Experience

• Graduated from Walter Johnson High School in Bethesda, Maryland.
• Earned an Associate of Arts degree in general studies from Montgomery College in 2009 .
• Received a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 2011 .
• Attended summer school at Cambridge University in England.

Political and Professional Experience:
- Internships: National Easter Seals Society , U.S. Rep. Christopher Van Hollen , U.S. Sen. Evan Bayh , Montgomery County Councilmember Roger Berliner , Delegate Heather Mizeur .
- Administrative Assistant, Maryland House Ways and Means Committee .
- Instructor, Project Search Program at Ivymount School, teaching job skills to young adults with developmental disabilities .
- Public Policy Specialist, The Arc of Maryland .
- Senior Legislative Associate/Senior Manager of Legislative Affairs, Jewish Federations of North America , lobbying on disability policy.
- Public service roles: Vice-Chair, Montgomery County Commission on People with Disabilities ; Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council ; Jewish Foundation for Group Homes ; Emerging Leaders Montgomery ; several nonprofit boards.
- Long-time member of RespectAbility and Maryland Developmental Disabilities Council.