C. Anthony Muse facts for kids

Quick facts for kids C. Anthony Muse
Muse in 2023
Member of the Maryland Senate from the 26th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 11, 2023
Preceded by	Obie Patterson
In office January 10, 2007 – January 9, 2019
Preceded by	Gloria G. Lawlah
Succeeded by	Obie Patterson
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 26th district
In office January 11, 1995 – January 13, 1999 Serving with Obie Patterson, David Valderrama
Preceded by	Rosa Lee Blumenthal
Succeeded by	Kerry Hill
Personal details
Born	(1958-04-17) April 17, 1958 (age 67) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Spouse	Pat Lawson Muse
Children	1
Alma mater	Morgan State University (BA) Wesley Theological Seminary (MDiv) Howard University (DMin)
Signature

Charles Anthony Muse (born April 17, 1958) is an American politician and minister. He has served in the Maryland Senate for District 26 since 2023. He also represented the same district from 2007 to 2019.

As a member of the Democratic Party, Muse was also a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1995 to 1999. He has run for other political offices, including U.S. Senator and Prince George's County Executive.

Early Life and Education

C. Anthony Muse was born in Baltimore, Maryland, on April 17, 1958. He was one of six children. His childhood was difficult, and his family faced many challenges. To escape a troubled home, his mother decided to move the family to Alabama.

At age 12, Muse ran away and lived with his older brother. He then lived with several foster families. He eventually found a stable home with a United Methodist pastor named George Stansbury.

As a teenager, Muse got into trouble at school. He was expelled from three different school systems. Pastor Stansbury helped him get back on the right path. By age 13, Muse had started preaching at his father's church.

Muse went on to earn several degrees. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Morgan State University in 1981. He then earned a Master of Divinity degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in 1984. In 1991, he earned a Doctor of Ministry degree from Howard University.

Career as a Pastor

Muse began working as a minister when he was 20 years old. He first preached at a church in Ellicott City. He became known for his energetic preaching style.

From 1984 to 1999, he was the pastor of a church in Brandywine. During his time there, the church grew from 120 members to over 4,000. Later, the church faced money problems. Muse had disagreements with Methodist church leaders and decided to leave the denomination.

After leaving, he started his own church, the Ark of Safety Christian Church, in Oxon Hill. This church also faced financial difficulties, especially after the Great Recession in 2008.

Political Career

Muse first became involved in government when he served on the Maryland State Ethics Commission from 1987 to 1992. He was encouraged to enter politics by other leaders in his community.

In 1990, he ran for the Maryland House of Delegates but did not win. He ran again in 1994 for a seat in District 26 and won.

Maryland General Assembly

Muse was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 1995. He served on the Ways and Means Committee, which deals with taxes and state spending. He served one term and did not run for re-election in 1998. Instead, he ran for the state senate but lost a close race.

Muse in 2008

In 2006, Muse ran for the Maryland Senate again and won. He was sworn in on January 10, 2007. During his time in the Senate, he served on several important committees, including the Judicial Proceedings Committee and the Finance Committee.

After leaving the Senate in 2019, Muse ran again in 2022 and won. He returned to the Maryland Senate on January 11, 2023, where he continues to serve on the Judicial Proceedings Committee.

Campaigns for County Executive

Muse ran for Prince George's County Executive twice. This position is like being the mayor of the entire county.

His first campaign was in 2002. He wanted to get rid of standardized tests and require students to wear uniforms in schools. He came in third place in the Democratic primary election.

He ran again in 2018. He presented himself as an outsider who was not part of the "political machine." He was again defeated in the primary, placing third.

2012 U.S. Senate Campaign

In 2012, Muse decided to run for the United States Senate. He challenged the current senator, Ben Cardin, in the Democratic primary. Muse focused on issues like education and unemployment.

Cardin had the support of many powerful Democrats, including President Barack Obama. Muse did not win the primary election, but he came in second place.

Political Positions

Muse is known for having socially conservative views, which means his opinions on social topics are often traditional.

• Crime and Justice: Muse has worked to help victims of violence in their homes. In 2004, his church opened a 24-hour shelter. He also supported a bill to end the death penalty in Maryland in 2013.
• Education: He has supported mandatory uniforms in public schools. He also supported making the county school board fully elected by voters. He voted against a Maryland law that allows some undocumented immigrants to pay lower, in-state college tuition.
• Environment: Muse was against a plan by Governor Martin O'Malley to build more wind turbines for wind energy.
• Gambling: He has had mixed views on gambling. In 2012, he opposed a plan to build a large casino at National Harbor.
• Gun Policy: In 2013, he voted for the Firearm Safety Act. This law added new rules for buying certain types of guns in Maryland.
• Social Issues: Muse's views on social issues are often based on his religious beliefs. He has voted on issues related to marriage and family. In 2014, he voted for a bill to ban discrimination against transgender people.

Personal Life

Muse and his wife, Pat Lawson Muse, in 2023

Muse is married to Pat Lawson Muse, who is a news anchor for the TV station WRC-TV. They have one daughter, whom they adopted.

Electoral history