Nick Charles (politician) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Nick Charles
Member of the Maryland Senate from the 25th district
Incumbent
Assumed office December 5, 2023
Appointed by	Wes Moore
Preceded by	Melony G. Griffith
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates from the 25th district
In office January 9, 2019 – December 5, 2023
Preceded by	Angela Angel
Succeeded by	Vacant
Personal details
Born	Nicholas Patrick Charles II (1982-12-16) December 16, 1982 (age 41) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Children	2
Residences	Forestville, Maryland, U.S.
Education	Community College of the Air Force (AA) University of the District of Columbia (BA)
Profession	Federal acquisition consultant
Military service
Branch/service	United States Air Force
Years of service	2001–2006
Unit	60th Fighter Squadron 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron
Battles/wars	Operation Noble Eagle
Awards	Achievement Medal

Nicholas Patrick Charles II (born December 16, 1982) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland Senate representing District 25 since 2023. He previously represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2019 to 2023.

Early life and education

Charles was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, and graduated from Largo High School. He served in the 60th Fighter Squadron and the 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron of the U.S. Air Force from 2001 to 2006, afterwards attending Community College of the Air Force, where he earned an associate degree in aviation management, and the University of the District of Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, both in 2009.

Career

After serving in the military, Charles worked as a management oversight and acquisition consultant for the U.S. Navy. In 2015, he started his own consulting company.

In 2014, Charles unsuccessfully ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 25, placing fifth in the Democratic primary. He ran again in 2018, during which he ran on a slate with incumbents Dereck E. Davis and Darryl Barnes. Charles placed third in the Democratic primary and general elections.

Maryland General Assembly

Charles was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. He served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee until 2021, afterwards serving in the Ways and Means Committee. Following the appointment of Erek Barron to serve as U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, Charles was unanimously elected as the chair of the Prince George's County Delegation.

In October 2023, after state senator Melony G. Griffith announced that she would resign at the end of the month, Charles announced that he would apply to serve the remainder of Griffith's term in the Maryland Senate. He was the only candidate to apply for the seat and in November, he was unanimously nominated by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee to the seat. Charles was appointed to the seat by Governor Wes Moore and sworn in on December 5.

Political positions

Charles with Governor Wes Moore, 2023

COVID-19 pandemic

During the 2021 legislative session, Charles introduced a bill that would prohibit employers from firing workers who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Housing

In February 2015, Charles called real estate appraisers "part of the problem" when referring to a foreclosure and housing crisis in Prince George's County. During his 2018 House of Delegates campaign, he said he supported legislation to reform the real estate appraisal process. In 2023, Charles introduced a bill to provide low-income homeowners with a right to counsel in foreclosures.

Policing

During the 2020 legislative session, Charles introduced a bill that would allow people targeted by false police calls to sue callers for damages.

Social issues

During the 2022 legislative session, Charles introduced a bill that would ban discrimination against students and guardians in education.

Personal life

After serving in the military, Charles bought a home in Forestville, Maryland.

Charles' personal military awards include two Air Force Achievement Medals.

Electoral history