Senator Jeff Waldstreicher

Jeff Waldstreicher is a Democratic state senator representing District 18 in Montgomery County, Maryland. A lifelong resident of Montgomery County, he serves the communities of Silver Spring, Wheaton, Bethesda, Kensington, Chevy Chase, Rockville, and Garrett Park. He describes his entry into politics as happening "by accident," when he saw an opportunity and was elected to fill a vacant seat. Waldstreicher is a husband and father who has dedicated his career to progressive causes, with top priorities including investing in schools, cracking down on gun violence, protecting the environment, and fighting for social and racial justice.

Education

Waldstreicher received his B.A. in political science and history from Emory University, where he graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He earned his law degree from the University of California at Berkeley School of Law, where he served as an editor of the law review.

Political Experience

Legislative Service

Waldstreicher has served in the Maryland General Assembly since 2007. He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2007 to 2019, representing the district for three consecutive terms. He was first elected to the Maryland State Senate in 2018 and has been a member since January 9, 2019.

Current Positions and Committees

He serves as Vice Chair of the Judicial Proceedings Committee, a position he has held since 2020, and is recognized as a leader on criminal justice reform. He chairs the Joint Committee on Federal Relations. Additional committee assignments include the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review and the Maryland Legislative Jewish Caucus.

Notable Achievements

As an attorney, Waldstreicher has dedicated hundreds of hours to pro bono representation, including representing the NAACP in discrimination cases, assisting parents in complex adoption proceedings, and advocating for victims of domestic violence. Throughout his legislative career, he has championed criminal justice reform, advocated for veterans and the developmentally disabled, led on gun control legislation, protected reproductive rights, passed police reform measures, and supported labor rights. He also participated in public service initiatives including the Maryland Access to Justice Commission and the Task Force to Study Crime Classification and Penalties.