Melissa Wells

Melissa R. Wells was born on October 3, 1983, and is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 40 in Baltimore City. She has served in this position since January 9, 2019, after being first elected in 2018.

In her professional capacity, Wells works as a financial security specialist and serves as a Regional Director for the Baltimore-DC Building Trades Unions, where she assists residents—including women, youth, and returning citizens—in securing apprenticeships and family-supporting careers in the construction trades.

Education

Wells holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, Law, and Sociology from the University of California at Riverside and a Master of Arts in Public Policy from American University .

Political Experience

Wells holds several significant leadership roles within the Maryland House of Delegates:

• Chief Deputy Majority Whip
• Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus Legislative Review Board
• Vice-Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus
• Chair of the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee
• Chair of the Local Revenues Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee

She serves on the Ways and Means Committee and previously served on the Environment and Transportation Committee .

Notable Achievements

Over her tenure, Wells has secured over $100 million in investments for the 40th District, awarded over $150,000 in scholarships to district students, and championed legislation addressing key community priorities including opioid treatment access, automatic expungement for non-convictions, urban farming initiatives, and restoration of local control over the Baltimore City Police Department.

Prior Professional Experience

Before her election to the House of Delegates, Wells worked in various policy and advocacy roles, including positions with the Joint Center for Political and Economic Studies, PolicyLink, and the Local Initiative Support Corporation, where she focused on affordable housing and policy development.