Debra Davis facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Debra M. Davis
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 28th district
Incumbent
Assumed office January 9, 2019 Serving with C. T. Wilson (D), Edith J. Patterson (D)
Preceded by	Sally Y. Jameson
Constituency	Charles County, Maryland
Personal details
Born	(1959-10-11) October 11, 1959 (age 64) Cheverly, Maryland
Political party	Democratic
Children	2 Daughters. Kendra Davis and Maya Davis
Residence	Indian Head, Maryland
Occupation	Attorney

Debra M. Davis (born October 11, 1959) is an American politician who represents district 28 in the Maryland House of Delegates.

Background

Davis was born in Cheverly, Maryland, on October 11, 1959, where she attended Frederick Douglass High School in Croom, Maryland. In 1981, she graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology. After attending the University of Baltimore School of Law where she earned a Juris Doctor, she was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1995 and to the District of Columbia Bar in 1996.

In 2010, Davis was elected to the Charles County Board of Commissioners, representing the Charles County District 2. During her two terms as commissioner, she gained the reputation as a maverick, often voting against the majority on issues large and small. During her second term, she also served as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Local Government Insurance Trust, becoming the first African-American to serve as LGIT Chair.

In January 2018, Davis declared her candidacy for state delegate in Maryland's 28th legislative district. In the general election, Davis earned 23.8 percent of the vote, with incumbents C. T. Wilson and Edith J. Patterson earning 22.8 percent and 23.2 percent respectively and all precincts reporting.

In the legislature

Davis has been a member of the Maryland House of Delegates since January 9, 2019.

Committee assignments

• Judiciary Committee, 2019– (juvenile law subcommittee, 2019–20; public safety subcommittee, 2019–; criminal law & procedure subcommittee, 2021–)
• Chair, House Re-entry Work Group, 2021
• Work Group to Address Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland, 2020

Other memberships

• Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, 2019– (chair, criminal justice subcommittee); Maryland Legislative Transit Caucus, 2019–
• Women Legislators of Maryland, 2019–

Political positions

Education

Davis introduced legislation in the 2021 session that would expand access to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) assistance to eligible college students. The bill passed and went into effect on June 1, 2021.

Policing

Davis introduced legislation in the 2021 session that would establish a statewide police use-of-force policy. The bill received a hearing in subcommittee, but never received a vote.

Transportation

Davis introduced legislation in the 2021 session that would advance the Southern Maryland Rapid Transit, a 19-mile rail project from Branch Avenue Metro station in Suitland-Silver Hill to White Plains, Maryland. The bill passed and was signed by Governor Larry Hogan.

Electoral history