Senator Antonio L. Hayes currently represents the 40th Legislative District in the Maryland State

Senate. The 40th Legislative District includes a significant portion of downtown extending to

neighboring communities in west and southwest Baltimore.

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From January 2015 to January 2019, Antonio served as a member of the Maryland House of

Delegates, representing the 40th Legislative District. His appointments during his time in the

House of Delegates included the Health and Government Operations Committee, the Joint

Committee on Children, Youth and Families and the Joint Committee on Public Safety and

Policing Workgroup. He serves on the Board of the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore,

Maryland Medicaid Advisory Committee, Pimlico Community Development Authority and is

the Vice Chair of the Empowerment Academy Charter School Board.

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In January 2019, Antonio was sworn in as a member of the Maryland State Senate. As a State

Senator, Antonio serves as member of the Finance Committee and the Joint Committee on

Federal Relations. Antonio also holds leadership roles in the State Senate, serving as Chair of the

Education Subcommittee of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland and the Joint Committee

on Behavioral Health & Opioid Use Disorders. He also serves as Vice-Chair of the Democratic

Party Caucus.

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In 2010, Antonio was appointed as Chief of Staff to the Baltimore City Department of Social

Services (BCDSS). BCDSS provides services to Baltimore’s most vulnerable citizens —

children who have been abused or neglected and low income families who need public

assistance. Antonio joined a team that brought BCDSS national recognition for the

modernization and effectiveness of social services.

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From 2010 to the present, the BCDSS reduced the number of children in foster care by 58%

through permanent placement with families.  Antonio took on the tremendous challenge of

improving BCDSS business practices, promoting efficiency and creating a culture of

accountability for the 2500 BCDSS employees. His leadership skills combined with his deep

commitment and passion for service have made BCDSS one of the most respected social service

organizations in the country.

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Underlining his commitment to public service, Antonio has served as Assistant Deputy Mayor of

Baltimore, overseeing its public safety agencies from 2006 -2010, Legislative Director to the

Baltimore City Council President 2002-2006, Political Director for the Maryland Democratic

Party, and Legislative Aide in the Maryland House of Delegates.