Chris West is a Republican State Senator representing Maryland's 42nd Legislative District, which includes portions of Baltimore and Carroll Counties. Born on April 7, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, he is a moderate Republican known for his bipartisan voting record, making him the most collaborative legislator in the Maryland General Assembly. As the ranking Republican on the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, he focuses on courts, estates and trusts, corporate law, real estate, criminal, and family law. He has passed over 100 bills in his 12-year tenure, including about a dozen annually, and is retiring after the 2026 session, citing rising partisanship. Notable achievements include sponsoring the Juvenile Restoration Act, allowing certain juveniles convicted of serious crimes a chance at release after 20 years if deemed rehabilitated. He is married with one child and a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Williams College, B.A. ; University of Pennsylvania, J.D. .
• Professional Background: Admitted to the Maryland Bar ; Principal at Semmes, Bowen and Semmes ; Legal Counsel to the Maryland Republican Party ; Martindale-Hubbell AV® Preeminent™ rating.
• Political Experience:
  • Maryland House of Delegates , 2015-2019 .
  • Maryland State Senate , since January 9, 2019 .
  • Key appointments: Governor's Family Violence Council ; Juvenile Justice Reform Council ; Maryland Historical Trust Board ; State Commission on Criminal Sentencing Policy ; Task Force to Study Fiduciary Adjudication ; prior roles in arts councils, election commissions, and procurement modernization.