Gary Simmons is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 12B in Anne Arundel County. Born on July 25, 1971, in Savannah, Georgia, he moved to Amityville, New York, at age 12, where he was raised by his aunt and uncle. A retired military law enforcement officer, he has focused on public service throughout his career, including roles in law enforcement, education, and emergency response. He was elected in 2022, defeating Republican Ashley Arias in the general election, and sworn in on January 11, 2023. Notable positions include Deputy Majority Whip *, member of the *House Judiciary Committee , *Vice Chair of the Anne Arundel County House Delegation *, and affiliations with the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, Women Legislators of Maryland , and Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus. Key focus areas are education, environment, and the local economy. He supported a 2026 bill to raise Maryland's minimum wage from $15 to $25 per hour and eliminate subminimum wages. He has two children.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Graduated from Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School ; B.S. in criminal justice and political science from Tuskegee University .
• Early Career: Youth internship with a local county legislator's office in New York; worked for Suffolk County Board of Elections, Suffolk County Probation Office, and U.S. Attorney’s Office Weed and Seed program as Program Director.
• Maryland Career: Relocated in 2006; Special Police Officer with Department of Defense at Bolling AFB and Andrews AFB ; Program Manager and Captain at U.S. Government Publishing Office ; Staff Assistant in Special Education at Anne Arundel County Public Schools and Lindale Middle School; Operations Team Member, Anne Arundel County and Annapolis Community Emergency Response Team .
• Political Experience: Elected to Maryland House of Delegates for District 12B .