State Senator in Legislative District 40, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Antonio Hayes — State Senator in Legislative District 40, Maryland

  Antonio Hayes is a Democratic politician representing Maryland's 40th legislative district in the State Senate. Born in Baltimore on December 9, 1977, he graduated from Frostburg State University with a degree in political science. His early career included roles as a legislative aide and Assistant Deputy Mayor for Baltimore City. Since 2010, Hayes has served as Chief of Staff for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services. He was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015 to 2019 before being elected to the Senate in 2018. In the Senate, he has served on the Finance Committee and held leadership roles including Majority Whip. He sponsored the "Time to Care Act," which created a state paid family leave program.

• Steven Messmer — State Senator in Legislative District 40, Maryland

  Steven Messmer is a Democratic candidate for the Maryland State Senate in Legislative District 40. A graduate of the University of Baltimore School of Law, Messmer transitioned from a career as a math teacher in Baltimore City to become a nonprofit lawyer. He currently serves as a tangled title staff attorney for the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service, where he provides legal assistance to low-income residents navigating complex property ownership issues. He is running against the incumbent in the Democratic primary. Messmer's platform prioritizes economic reforms, including changes to the tax sale system, the elimination of ground rent, and the repeal of the state inheritance tax.