House of Delegates in Legislative District 21, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Ben Barnes — House of Delegates in Legislative District 21, Maryland

  Ben Barnes, an attorney by profession, is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 21 since his first election in 2006. He currently holds the influential position of Chair of the House Appropriations Committee. Born in Peoria, Illinois, Barnes was raised in Prince George's County, Maryland. His academic background includes a Bachelor's degree in economics and political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. He later earned a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore, School of Law. Prior to his service in the House of Delegates, he gained legislative experience working as an aide to the Maryland Senate President. He resides in College Park with his wife and three children.

• Mary A. Lehman — House of Delegates in Legislative District 21, Maryland

  Mary A. Lehman is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing Legislative District 21, which covers portions of Anne Arundel and Prince George's Counties. First elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, she serves on the Environment and Transportation Committee. Her legislative priorities include environmental protection, clean energy initiatives, tenant protections, and animal welfare. Born in Cheverly, Maryland, Lehman graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, with Bachelor of Arts and Science degrees. Her career began in journalism before she transitioned to public service, initially working as a legislative aide. She later served two terms on the Prince George's County Council from 2010 to 2018.

• Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk — House of Delegates in Legislative District 21, Maryland

  Joseline A. Peña-Melnyk is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 21 since assuming office in 2007. An attorney by profession, she was born in the Dominican Republic in 1966. Her legal career includes serving as an Assistant U.S. Attorney. Prior to her state-level service, Peña-Melnyk was a member of the College Park City Council from 2003 to 2006. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in criminal justice from Buffalo State College and a Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law. In December 2025, she was unanimously elected Speaker of the Maryland House of Delegates, becoming the first immigrant and the first Afro-Latina to hold the position in Maryland's history.