Senator Cheryl Kagan

Cheryl C. Kagan is a Democratic state senator representing District 17 in Montgomery County, Maryland, which encompasses Gaithersburg and Rockville. She has served in the Maryland Senate since 2015 and is currently serving her third term as an effective advocate for her constituents.

A Montgomery County native and graduate of the county's public schools, Senator Kagan has built a career centered on public service and community engagement. Throughout her legislative career, she has earned recognition as an independent-minded legislator with a strong voice on issues including public safety, consumer protection, transportation, and economic development.

Education

Senator Kagan studied political science and public policy at Vassar College and the University of Maryland. She has also taught two semesters of State & Local Government at Montgomery College, demonstrating her commitment to civic education.

Political Experience

Early Career:
- Worked at the Brookings Institution following graduation
- Served as a political and marketing consultant to candidates and nonprofit organizations starting in 1980
- Held positions including Director of Development at the National Women's Political Caucus , Executive Director of Independent Action , and Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative John Cox of Illinois
- Worked as a lobbyist for Handgun Control, Inc. in 1991 and 1993

House of Delegates:
- Elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1995, representing District 17
- Served two terms until 2003, when she chose not to seek reelection
- Held several committee positions including Vice-Chair of the Transportation Committee and Vice-Chair of the House Democratic Research Group

Post-House Career:
- Served as the first-ever Executive Director of the Carl M. Freeman Foundation, where she guided the organization to contribute over $1 million annually to area nonprofits and created capacity-building programs including a leadership institute in partnership with Montgomery College

Senate Service:
- Appointed Vice Chair of the Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee in 2019
- Serves as a Senate appointee to the Maryland State Arts Council and the Maryland Open Data Council
- Led efforts to redefine election funding appropriations, remove the State Board of Elections Administrator, and ensure voter understanding of party affiliation rules
- Championed legislation to help unemployed Marylanders serve as Election Judges without risking their benefits and authorized the State Board to support municipalities with elections
- Recognized as the first-ever Legislative Champion by Maryland Nonprofits for her leadership on behalf of the nonprofit sector
- Earned a reputation for passing landmark laws to benefit nonprofits and serving as a strong advocate for her community