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Craig Zucker

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Craig Zucker
Member of the Maryland Senate
from the 14th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
February 4, 2016
Preceded byKaren S. Montgomery
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 14th district
In office
January 12, 2011 – February 4, 2016
Preceded by
Succeeded byPamela E. Queen
Personal details
Born
Craig Jason Zucker

(1975-03-23) March 23, 1975 (age 49)
Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseJenny
Children2
EducationSt. Thomas Aquinas College (BS)
Johns Hopkins University (MA)
WebsiteCampaign website

Craig Jason Zucker (born March 23, 1975) is an American politician who has represented District 14 in the Maryland Senate since 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2011 to 2016.

Early life and education

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Zucker was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and raised in nearby Teaneck.[1] He earned his Bachelor of Science from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1997, and his masters degree in government from Johns Hopkins University in 2004.[2]

Political career

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Zucker first got involved in politics as a college intern for U.S. Senators Bill Bradley and Carl Levin, and later worked as a scheduler for Senator Barbara Boxer. He worked as a legislative director to Maryland state delegate Peter Franchot from 1999 to 2000, afterwards working as a deputy district director for U.S. Representative Albert Wynn until 2004. Zucker served as the vice-chair of the Mid-County Recreation Advisory Board in Montgomery County, Maryland from 2004 to 2006, and as the deputy chief of staff to Comptroller Peter Franchot until 2010.[2]

In 2002, Zucker unsuccessfully ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 14,[3] placing fourth with 12.3 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary election.[4]

In August 2024, Zucker became a senior vice president of strategic development and government relations at Service Coordination Inc.[5]

Maryland General Assembly

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Zucker was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 12, 2011, and was a member of the Appropriations Committee during his entire tenure. From 2015 to 2016, he served as the House chair of the Joint Audit Committee.[2]

In December 2015, following the resignation of state senator Karen S. Montgomery, Zucker applied to serve the remainder of her term in the Maryland Senate.[6] His candidacy was backed by Senate president Thomas V. Miller Jr.[7] In January 2016, the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee voted to nominate Zucker to fill the seat,[8] and Governor Larry Hogan appointed him to the seat at the end of the week. Zucker was sworn in on February 4, 2016.[9]

Zucker was a member of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee until 2018, afterwards serving in the Budget and Taxation Committee.[2] In December 2019, following the election of Bill Ferguson as President of the Maryland Senate, Zucker was named as the chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.[10] In August 2021, Ferguson appointed Zucker as the chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee following the resignation of Douglas J. J. Peters.[11]

Since 2016, Zucker serves as the Senate member on the Maryland Commission on Disabilities.[12]

Personal life

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Zucker is married to his wife, Jenny. Together, they have two children and live in Brookeville, Maryland.[1] He is Jewish.[13]

Political positions

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End the Wait Act

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In 2022, Zucker sponsored the End the Wait Act, which reduces the wait for waiver services.[14]

Education

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In 2018, Zucker introduced a bill that would require the state to teach sexual consent. The bill passed and became law.[15]

During the 2019 legislative session, Zucker introduced legislation that would add seats for a parent and teachers to the Maryland State Board of Education,[16] and the Ready to Read Act, which requires school systems to provide additional support to kindergarten and first grade students with reading challenges. Both bills passed and became law.[17][18]

In 2022, Zucker introduced a bill that would prohibit public schools from secluding other students except under certain conditions.[19][20]

Electoral reform

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In 2016, Zucker voted to overrode Governor Larry Hogan's veto on a bill that would restore voting rights to released felons.[21]

During the 2017 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill that would require Maryland to use an independent redistricting commission to draw its congressional and legislative districts if New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania all passed legislation to do the same. The bill passed, but was vetoed by Governor Hogan.[22]

In 2018, Zucker introduced a bill that would require social media websites to record data on political advertisements and users targeted by them, which passed and became law without Governor Hogan's signature.[23]

Gambling

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During the 2020 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill to authorize the state to issue sports betting licenses to fund the state's sports wagering industry and public schools.[24] The bill passed and became law.[25] After voters approved a statewide referendum to legalize sports betting in the 2020 general election, Zucker led a workgroup to develop a bill regulating the state's sports wagering industry,[26] which passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[27]

Housing

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During the 2022 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill that would require the Comptroller of Maryland to redirect $14 million from abandoned property funds to a fund providing the right to counsel in eviction cases.[28] The bill passed and became law.[29]

Israel

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In November 2023, Zucker and eight other state senators signed a joint letter that threatened to defund immigrants rights group CASA de Maryland because it had called for an immediate ceasefire in the 2023 Israel–Hamas war and condemned the "utilization of US tax dollars to promote the ongoing violence."[30]

National politics

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In December 2019, Zucker participated in and spoke at a rally in Olney, Maryland, to support of the first impeachment of Donald Trump.[31]

Social issues

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In March 2011, Zucker said he supported the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland.[32]

In 2013, Zucker voted for a bill to repeal the death penalty in Maryland.[33]

During the 2018 legislative session and amid the MeToo movement, Zucker introduced legislation that would ban employers from imposing non-disclosure agreements on workers reporting sexual harassment and require employers with more than 50 workers to disclose information about their records in maintaining harassment-free workplaces. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[34][35]

Zucker and Jamie Raskin at the signing of the Tommy Bloom Raskin Act

During the 2021 legislative session and following the suicide of Jamie Raskin's son, Tommy, Cullison introduced a bill named for Tommy that would allow people to opt into periodic calls from 2-1-1 crisis counselors.[36] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Hogan.[37]

Taxes

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During the 2012 legislative session, Zucker introduced legislation that would provide income tax breaks on up to $2 million of forgiven mortgage debt. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley.[38]

In 2013, Zucker voted for a bill to index the state's fuel taxes to inflation to pay for transportation projects.[39]

Transportation

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During the 2020 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill that would require the state to provide at least $500 million toward Maryland Transit Administration projects annually for five years.[40] The bill died in committee.[41]

In 2021, Zucker introduced legislation that would prohibit the Maryland Transit Administration from purchasing buses that are not zero-emission.[42]

Electoral history

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Maryland House of Delegates District 14 Democratic primary election, 2002[4]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Herman L. Taylor Jr. (incumbent) 5,352 16.6
Democratic Karen S. Montgomery 4,678 14.5
Democratic Anne Kaiser 4,280 13.3
Democratic Craig Zucker 3,953 12.3
Democratic Allan Mulligan 2,970 9.2
Democratic Robert "Bo" Newsome 2,391 7.4
Democratic Holly Reed 2,217 6.9
Democratic A. Michael Kelley 2,151 6.7
Democratic Michael B. Dupuy 1,420 4.4
Democratic Mike Cafarelli 1,137 3.5
Democratic Peter G. Esser 848 2.6
Democratic Harold H. Huggins 794 2.5
Maryland House of Delegates District 14 Democratic primary election, 2010[43]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Anne Kaiser (incumbent) 6,380 24.1
Democratic Craig Zucker 6,216 23.5
Democratic Eric Luedtke 3,696 14.0
Democratic Jodi Finkelstein 3,154 11.9
Democratic Robert Bo Newsome 2,834 10.7
Democratic Gerald Roper 1,660 6.3
Democratic Neeta Datt 1,288 4.9
Democratic Vanessa Ali 1,244 4.7
Maryland House of Delegates District 14 election, 2010[44]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Anne Kaiser (incumbent) 23,503 21.5
Democratic Craig Zucker 22,148 20.2
Democratic Eric Luedtke 21,165 19.3
Republican Patricia A. Fenati 14,866 13.6
Republican Henry Kahwaty 14,152 12.9
Republican Maria Peña-Faustino 13,639 12.4
Write-in 79 0.1
Maryland House of Delegates District 14 election, 2014[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Anne Kaiser (incumbent) 21,988 20.2
Democratic Craig Zucker (incumbent) 20,917 19.3
Democratic Eric Luedtke (incumbent) 20,012 18.4
Republican Patricia Fenati 15,392 14.2
Republican Sharon Trexler Begosh 15,096 13.9
Republican Michael A. Ostroff 15,086 13.9
Write-in 114 0.1
Maryland Senate District 14 Democratic primary election, 2018[46]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Craig Zucker (incumbent) 13,261 100.0
Maryland Senate District 14 election, 2018[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Craig Zucker (incumbent) 40,262 72.6
Republican Robert Drozd 15,177 27.4
Write-in 52 0.1
Maryland Senate District 14 election, 2022[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Craig Zucker (incumbent) 40,262 73.3
Republican Alex Bieber 12,099 26.6
Write-in 55 0.1

References

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  1. ^ a b "Happy Birthday To Englewood Democrat Craig Zucker". Englewood Daily Voice. Englewood, New Jersey. March 23, 2017. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "Craig J. Zucker, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 23, 2023. Archived from the original on July 7, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  3. ^ Cottman, Michael H. (September 5, 2002). "Now, More Minorities On Ballot". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  4. ^ a b "2002 Gubernatorial Election Official Results: Legislative District 14". Maryland State Board of Elections. March 19, 2003. Archived from the original on April 16, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  5. ^ Kurtz, Josh; Sears, Bryan P. (August 7, 2024). "Sen. Craig Zucker to Service Coordination Inc., other personnel comings and goings". Maryland Matters. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  6. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (December 4, 2015). "Longtime state legislator from Montgomery resigns". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  7. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (January 26, 2016). "Miller pushes for Hogan to fill empty Senate seat for Montgomery County". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on January 30, 2016. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  8. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta; Olivo, Antonio (January 21, 2016). "Montgomery Democrats nominate Del. Zucker to fill empty Senate seat". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on August 10, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  9. ^ Wood, Pamela (February 3, 2016). "Craig Zucker to be sworn in as state senator Thursday". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  10. ^ Kurtz, Josh (December 13, 2019). "'We Rise and Fall Together,' Ferguson Tells Nervous Montgomery Co. Leaders". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  11. ^ Kurtz, Josh (August 2, 2021). "Ferguson Adds to His Leadership Team, Shifts Some Senators' Committee Assignments". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  12. ^ "Maryland Department of Disabilities". Maryland Manual On-line. Maryland State Archives. May 2, 2024. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  13. ^ Peck, Louis; Bixby, Ginny (January 20, 2024). "Political Notes: Montgomery County GOP elects Dennis Melby as chair". MoCo360. Retrieved January 21, 2024.
  14. ^ Zucker, Craig J.; Peña-Melnyk, Joseline (March 3, 2022). "Zucker & Peña-Melnyk: Now Is the Time to Support Our Children and Families With Disabilities". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 5, 2024.
  15. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta; Chason, Rachel (March 31, 2018). "Maryland lawmakers advance bill that requires schools to teach sexual consent". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on December 23, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  16. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (February 14, 2019). "Lawmakers Again Look to Add Parent, Teachers to State Education Board". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  17. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (May 12, 2019). "Hogan to Sign Bills That Expand Health Care, Increase Age to Buy Tobacco". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  18. ^ Kurtz, Josh (May 28, 2019). "Here Is a Capsule Look at 10 Bills Hogan Allowed to Become Law". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  19. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (February 5, 2020). "Bill Would Require Cameras in Special Education Classrooms to Capture Possible Abuse". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  20. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (March 14, 2022). "Lawmakers Consider Bill to Ban Seclusion in Maryland Public Schools". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  21. ^ Cox, Erin (February 9, 2016). "Released felons gain right to vote in Maryland after veto override". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  22. ^ Zorzi, William F. (January 18, 2018). "Hogan Launches New Front in War on Gerrymandering". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  23. ^ Cox, Erin (May 25, 2018). "Maryland to regulate political ads on Facebook after Gov. Hogan lets bill become law". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  24. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (February 18, 2020). "Senate Passes Bill to Take Gambling Out of the State Constitution". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  25. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (March 19, 2020). "Sports Betting Will Go to Ballot in November". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  26. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (April 11, 2021). "Sports Betting Compromise Sets Stage for Votes on Assembly's Final Day". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  27. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (April 13, 2021). "Sports Betting Deal Approved Overwhelmingly; Hogan Likely to Sign". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  28. ^ Leckrone, Bennett (April 1, 2022). "General Assembly Advances Tenant Protection Measures". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 6, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  29. ^ "Legislation - SB0662". Maryland General Assembly. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  30. ^ Thakker, Prem (November 9, 2023). "Maryland Democrats Threaten Funding of Immigrant Rights Group That Called for Gaza Ceasefire". The Intercept. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  31. ^ Kurtz, Josh (December 17, 2019). "7 Pro-Impeachment Rallies Set for Tuesday in Md". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on September 27, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  32. ^ Breitenbach, Sarah; Brody, Alan (March 11, 2011). "Freshman legislators aren't shunning spotlight". The Gazette. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved March 13, 2011.
  33. ^ "House roll call". The Baltimore Sun. March 15, 2013. Archived from the original on June 20, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  34. ^ Kurtz, Josh (May 16, 2018). "Hogan Signs Bill Cracking Down on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  35. ^ Dresser, Michael (October 1, 2018). "'Sextortion' ban among many new Maryland laws taking effect to protect women". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on June 1, 2022. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  36. ^ Kurtz, Josh (March 12, 2021). "Public Health Bills That Address an Array of Challenges Pass in House". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  37. ^ Flynn, Meagan (June 21, 2021). "Mental health law named for Rep. Raskin's late son takes effect in Md. next week". The Washington Post. Archived from the original on June 21, 2021. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  38. ^ Ambrose, Eileen (May 23, 2012). "Maryland offers tax relief on debt forgiveness". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  39. ^ "House roll call on gas taxes". The Baltimore Sun. March 22, 2013. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  40. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (February 13, 2020). "'We Have to Get Things Moving': Baltimore-Area Leaders Urge Transit Boost". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  41. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (March 15, 2020). "Bills Targeting Hogan's Highway Plans Advance; Transit Funding Measure Clears House". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on April 24, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  42. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 29, 2021). "Senators Consider Sweeping Climate Bill - And More Modest Measures". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 18, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  43. ^ "Official 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  44. ^ "Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. Archived from the original on July 8, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  45. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2014. Archived from the original on August 13, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  46. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  47. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018. Archived from the original on November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
  48. ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022. Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.
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