Sheila Ruth

Sheila S. Ruth is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 44B, based in Baltimore County. Born on October 22, 1963, in Baltimore, Maryland, she has been serving in the House of Delegates since January 31, 2020. She resides in Catonsville, Maryland, and is married with one son.

Ruth is deeply committed to progressive causes, with legislative priorities focused on climate action, transit equity, racial justice, universal healthcare, mental health, juvenile justice, disability rights, reproductive rights, and workers' rights.

Education and Professional Background

Ruth earned her B.S. in Liberal Arts and Technology from Villa Julie College in 1995 and attended the University of Maryland University College from 1982 to 1987. She also attended Glenelg High School in Maryland.

Throughout her career, Ruth has worked in technology and publishing fields. She served as a publishing systems programmer for Attis Publishing Services from 1987 to 1989, a computer specialist for the U.S. Government Accountability Office from 1989 to 1992, and a computer analyst at Villa Julie College from 1992 to 1994. Since 1995, she has worked as a self-employed website developer and founded Imaginator Press in 2003, where she currently serves as president.

Political Experience

In the political realm, Ruth first served on the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee from 2018 to 2020 and was the first Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party's Progressive Diversity Leadership Council from 2017 to 2020. In 2017, she founded the Baltimore County Progressive Democrats Club and is also a co-founder of the Baltimore City/County Chapter of Our Revolution.

As an activist and legislator, Ruth has advocated for ethical governance and housing protections. She organized support for Baltimore County bills strengthening ethical standards and implementing public campaign financing, and was a lead organizer for the passage of Baltimore County's anti-discrimination housing law preventing landlords from denying applicants based on their source of income.

Currently, Ruth serves on the Government, Labor, and Elections Committee and is a member of the Chesapeake Bay Commission. She also serves on the Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus. A notable legislative achievement includes passing the Transportation Equity Act in 2023, which was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore and requires data reporting and analyses to ensure Maryland's transportation systems are equitable and address environmental justice concerns.