Senator Joanne Claybon Benson

Joanne Claybon Benson is a Democratic state senator representing District 24 in Prince George's County, Maryland. Born on March 11, 1941, she has been a dedicated public servant and community advocate for over three decades.

Benson is a retired educator with 40 years of experience in Prince George's County Public Schools, where she served as a classroom teacher, master teacher, human relations specialist, parent involvement specialist, supervisor, and principal. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to education and social welfare. She has taken homeless families into her home, assisted in finding homes for the homeless, and worked to encourage the establishment of scholarship funds for students majoring in mathematics and science.

Education

Benson holds the following educational credentials:

• B.S. in Education from Bowie State College
• M.A. in Curriculum and Instruction from Catholic University of America
• Attended George Washington University

Political Experience

Benson was first elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1991 to represent Prince George's County's 24th Legislative District, where she served until 2011. In her time in the House, she held several leadership positions, including Deputy Majority Leader from 1999 to 2001.

In 2011, she was elected to the Maryland State Senate, becoming the 24th District's first female senator. In the Senate, she has held numerous leadership and committee positions:

• Current Position: Majority Whip
• Previous Leadership Roles: Deputy Majority Leader , Assistant Deputy Majority Leader , Chair of the Rules Committee , and Chair of the Prince George's County Delegation

Committee Memberships include the Budget and Taxation Committee, Joint Committees on Children, Youth and Families, Ending Homelessness, Fair Practices and State Personnel Oversight, and the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments.

Benson is also an active member of the Women Legislators of Maryland and serves as chaplain for the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland. She holds Honorary Life Member status with the Girl Scouts of America and is affiliated with the Ebenezer African Methodist Episcopal Church.