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Lorig Charkoudian

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Lorig Charkoudian
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 20th district
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 9, 2019
Preceded bySheila E. Hixson
Personal details
Born (1973-02-14) February 14, 1973 (age 51)
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
Children2
EducationPomona College (BA)
Johns Hopkins University (PhD)

Lorig Charkoudian (born February 14, 1973) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 20 since 2019.

Early life and education

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Charkoudian was born in Boston[1] on February 14, 1973,[2] to mother Bethel Charkoduian and father Levon Charkoudian, both Armenian civil rights activists. Two of her grandparents were survivors of the Armenian genocide.[3] She graduated from public schools in Newton, Massachusetts, and attended Pomona College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematical economics in 1995, afterwards moving to Baltimore[4] to attend Johns Hopkins University, where she earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in economics in 2002.[1]

Career

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Early career

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Charkoudian has served as the executive director of Community Mediation Maryland since 2004. She has also served on the boards of directors of multiple local organizations, including the Takoma Park Silver Spring Food Co-op and the Crossroads Community Food Network.[1]

Charkoudian is a member of the Montgomery County Women's Democratic Club.[1] In August 2004, she became involved in efforts to lobby Starbucks to allow mothers to breastfeed openly.[5] Charkoudian also participated in protests outside of the U.S. Supreme Court against the death penalty, nuclear weapons, and the Iraq War.[6][7]

In 2011, Charkoudian unsuccessfully ran for the Takoma Park City Council, losing to Tim Male by a margin of 17 votes out of 685 cast.[8]

Maryland House of Delegates

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In December 2016, after state Delegate William C. Smith Jr. was appointed to the Maryland Senate following the election of Jamie Raskin to the U.S. House of Representatives, Charkoudian applied to serve the remainder of Smith's term in the Maryland House of Delegates.[9] The Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee voted 19-9 to nominate committee member Jheanelle Wilkins to the seat in January 2017.[10][11] Later that year, Charkoudian graduated from a training course hosted by Emerge Maryland, an organization created to prepare potential female Democratic candidates for public office,[1] and filed to run for District 20 in the 2018 Maryland House of Delegates election.[12] She ran on a slate with Smith, Wilkins, and state Delegate David Moon,[13] and placed third in the Democratic primary with 18.7 percent of the vote.[14] Charkoudian ran unopposed in the general election.[15]

Charkoudian was sworn in on January 9, 2019.[1] She is the first Armenian American member of the Maryland House of Delegates.[3] Charkoudian has served as a member of the Economic Matters Committee since 2019.[1]

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Charkoudian unsuccessfully ran to serve as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention, pledged to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.[16] In the general election, she canvassed in York, Pennsylvania, for Democratic nominee Joe Biden.[17] She again applied to run as a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Biden, but was denied by the Maryland Democratic Party.[18]

Personal life

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Charkoudian has two children and lives in Takoma Park, Maryland. She is vegan.[4]

Since 2013, Charkoudian has annually run 67 miles from Hagerstown to Baltimore to fundraise for mediation programs between families and prisoners.[15][19][20]

Political positions

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Environment

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Charkoudian speaks at a Maryland Clean Energy Center reception, 2024

In November 2019, Charkoudian penned a letter to state Treasurer Nancy Kopp, who chairs the state's 529 college savings plan board, urging the board to offer the option to invest in ESG investment funds.[21]

During the 2020 legislative session, Charkoudian supported a bill to impose a carbon tax to fund clean energy and education projects in Maryland,[22] and introduced legislation that would allow counties to negotiate energy purchasing.[23]

In 2021, Charkoudian introduced a bill that would require the Maryland Public Service Commission to consider the effect of climate change when reviewing applications for new energy facilities.[24] She also introduced bills requiring one percent of the state's energy portfolio to come from geothermal energy produced within the state, and another requiring that food waste be diverted from landfills to organic recycling facilities or be donated to farms to be used as animal feed, both of which passed and became law.[25][26] Charkoudian also joined the Leaders for Climate Accountability, a national work of public officials who support holding corporate polluters accountable for their contributions to the climate crisis.[27]

During the 2022 legislative session, Charkoudian introduced a bill to expedite the electrification process in rental units, which passed but was vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan.[28] The bill was reintroduced in 2023, during which it passed and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore.[29]

In 2023, Charkoudian introduced the POWER Act, a bill that would increase the state's wind power generation goal to 8.5 gigawatts and ease the construction of shared transmission infrastructure.[30] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Moore.[31]

Healthcare

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During the 2020 legislative session, Charkoudian introduced a bill to restrict hospitals' ability to collect unpaid medical debts.[32] In 2021, she introduced a bill that would require hospitals to demonstrate a "good faith" effort to have patients with unpaid medical debts agree to a payment plan before filing a lawsuit or engaging a debt collector,[33] which passed and became law.[34]

In 2021, Charkoudian introduced legislation to add a checkbox to unemployment insurance applications that would enroll applicants through the Maryland Health Benefit Exchange, which passed and became law. She later supported efforts by U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen to implement a similar policy nationwide.[35]

Housing

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During the 2023 legislative session and following an apartment fire in Silver Spring, Maryland, that left one dead, Charkoudian introduced a bill to increase regulations on fire safety measures in apartment buildings.[36] The bill died in committee.[37]

Immigration

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During her 2011 Takoma Park City Council campaign, Charkoudian said she supported the city's "sanctuary city" policy.[38]

Labor

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During her 2018 House of Delegates campaign, Charkoudian said that she supported raising the state's minimum wage to $15 an hour. During debate on a bill to do so, she unsuccessfully challenged amendments to delay the state's wage increase and to exempt certain workers from a $15 wage.[39][40]

During the 2021 legislative session, Charkoudian introduced legislation to reduce bureaucratic hurdles to receive unemployment insurance, which passed and became law.[41] In June 2021, she criticized Governor Larry Hogan's decision to end the $300 supplemental weekly unemployment insurance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, disagreeing with his notion that it would lead to state job gains.[42][43]

During debate on a bill to establish a statewide paid family leave program, Charkoudian introduced an amendment to protect an employee's employment while on leave, which was adopted.[44]

In July 2023, Charkoudian worked as a server at the Sala Thai restaurant in Bethesda to advocate for a Montgomery County Council bill to abolish the tipped minimum wage.[45]

Social issues

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During the 2020 legislative session, Charkoudian supported legislation that would research providing reparations to the descendants of enslaved Africans in Maryland.[46]

During the 2022 legislative session, Charkoudian introduced a bill to ban cat declawing. The bill passed and became law.[47]

Taxes

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During the 2019 legislative session, Charkoudian voted for a bill to impose fees on country club properties in Montgomery County.[48]

In March 2020, Charkoudian proposed a six percent tax on "luxury services", such as fur cleaning and boat repair, to fund the Blueprint for Maryland's Future education reforms.[49][50]

Transportation

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Charkoudian supports the Purple Line, but opposes the Maryland Department of Transportation's decision to use a public-private partnership to build the transit line, saying that it led to an "absolute disaster" of decisions.[51] During the 2022 legislative session, she supported efforts to provide financial support to businesses impacted by Purple Line construction.[52]

In November 2019, Charkoudian criticized Governor Larry Hogan's proposal to add express toll lanes to Interstate 270, saying that it would worsen existing equity issues by allowing wealthier drivers to pass lower-income motorists.[53]

During the 2021 legislative session, Charkoudian introduced legislation to establish an "urban tree program" to plant trees in communities where transportation projects require deforestation.[54] The bill passed and became law.[55]

Electoral history

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Takoma Park City Council Ward 2 election, 2011[8]
Candidate Votes %
Tim Male 351 51.2
Lorig Charkoudian 334 48.8
Maryland House of Delegates District 20 Democratic primary election, 2018[14]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic David Moon (incumbent) 13,974 28.2
Democratic Jheanelle Wilkins (incumbent) 11,960 24.1
Democratic Lorig Charkoudian 9,256 18.7
Democratic Darian Unger 7,126 14.4
Democratic Fatmata Barrie 4,316 8.7
Democratic George Zokle 1,751 3.5
Democratic Malik Lendzondzo 1,196 2.4
Maryland House of Delegates District 20 election, 2018[56]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic David Moon (incumbent) 38,892 35.0
Democratic Jheanelle Wilkins (incumbent) 36,750 33.1
Democratic Lorig Charkoudian 34,749 31.3
Write-in 718 0.6
Maryland House of Delegates District 20 election, 2022[57]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic David Moon (incumbent) 31,489 33.8
Democratic Jheanelle Wilkins (incumbent) 30,862 33.1
Democratic Lorig Charkoudian 30,130 32.3
Write-in 735 0.8

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Lorig Charkoudian, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  2. ^ "Lorig Charkoudian". Vote Smart. Retrieved June 27, 2020.
  3. ^ a b Mirror-Spectator, The Armenian (October 4, 2018). "Lorig Charkoudian Wins House Democratic Primary in Maryland". The Armenian Mirror-Spectator. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Brown, Sloane (June 10, 2007). "A drink with Lorig Charkoudian". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  5. ^ Helderman, Rosalind S. (August 9, 2004). "Md. Moms Say No to Coverup at Starbucks". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  6. ^ "Voices Raised at the Seat of Justice". The Washington Post. January 18, 2007. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  7. ^ Fenton, Justin; Barnhardt, Laura (December 6, 2005). "Protest ends with sorrow, disappointment". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  8. ^ a b Zapana, Victor (November 9, 2011). "Incumbent wins close race in Takoma Park". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  9. ^ Turque, Bill (January 1, 2017). "Montgomery Democrats tussle to fill open General Assembly seats". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  10. ^ Turque, Bill (23 May 2023). "Democratic activist Jheanelle Wilkins appointed to Montgomery state House seat". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  11. ^ Peck, Louis (January 10, 2017). "Montgomery County Democratic Committee Names One of Its Members To Fill District 20 Delegate Vacancy". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  12. ^ Kurtz, Josh (November 15, 2017). "Notes: A Major Retirement, a Major Endorsement and a Major New Group". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  13. ^ Peck, Louis (June 4, 2018). "In Late Move, District 20 Incumbents Tap Activist Lorig Charkoudian To Join Their Slate". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  14. ^ a b "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  15. ^ a b Schere, Dan (October 10, 2018). "MoCo State Delegate Candidate To Run 70 Miles This Weekend". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  16. ^ Peck, Louis (January 26, 2020). "Thirteen state lawmakers from Montgomery seek Democratic convention delegate slots". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  17. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (November 5, 2020). "Among Those Glued To Pennsylvania Vote Tally? Maryland Lawmakers Who Canvassed There". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  18. ^ Kurtz, Josh (April 22, 2024). "Selection process for Democratic convention delegates irks some lawmakers". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  19. ^ Campbell, Colin (October 14, 2019). "From Hagerstown to Baltimore, 70-mile run symbolizes struggle ex-offenders must overcome to rejoin society". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  20. ^ Masters, Kate (October 9, 2019). "Political Notes: Delaney plans to stay in presidential race through Iowa caucuses". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  21. ^ Kurtz, Josh (November 1, 2019). "Lawmaker Wants Socially Responsible Investment Option for State's College Savings Program". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  22. ^ Hawkins, Samantha (January 15, 2020). "Lawmakers Eye Carbon Fee from Polluters to Pay Part of Kirwan Tab". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  23. ^ Hawkins, Samantha (February 14, 2020). "Del. Charkoudian Pushes Md. Toward Community Choice Energy". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  24. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (February 4, 2021). "Bills Would Require State Agencies to Consider Climate Change in Key Decisions and Operations". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  25. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (May 18, 2021). "Maryland Eyes Expansion of Geothermal Industry". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  26. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (October 13, 2021). "BGE Will Be the First Utility in Md. to Use Biogas from Anaerobic Digesters". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  27. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (March 3, 2021). "Md. Delegates Join National Group Dedicated to Holding Polluters Accountable for Climate Change". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 14, 2022.
  28. ^ Kurtz, Josh (January 31, 2023). "Study: Md. will need massive investment in low-income housing retrofits to meet aggressive climate goals". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  29. ^ Kurtz, Josh (April 26, 2023). "One year after Climate Solutions Now Act, lawmakers focus on passing smaller climate bills". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  30. ^ Kurtz, Josh (March 7, 2023). "Bill to expand state's offshore wind energy economy has broad support — but it's not a done deal". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  31. ^ Cremen, Alanea (April 21, 2023). "Gov. Wes Moore advances Maryland's offshore energy goal". WUSA-TV. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  32. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (February 29, 2020). "Lawmakers Propose Bills to Crush Instances of Medical Debt". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  33. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (March 20, 2021). "Bill to Protect Patients From Hospital Collection Efforts Advances". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  34. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (March 25, 2021). "Consumer Groups Say Medical Debt Bill Is a First Step, But More Is Needed". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  35. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (October 20, 2021). "Van Hollen Seeks to Expand Maryland's Check-the-Box Insurance Enrollment Nationwide". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  36. ^ Bohnel, Steve (February 27, 2023). "Del. Charkoudian drafting bill to bolster fire safety measures in apartment buildings statewide". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  37. ^ Casillas, Mauricio (April 11, 2023). "Maryland Fire-Safety Bill Not Passed After Woman's High-Rise Death". WRC-TV. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  38. ^ Kraut, Aaron (September 28, 2011). "In Takoma Park, grass-roots campaigning is the name of the game". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  39. ^ Hernández, Arelis R.; Wiggins, Ovetta (February 27, 2019). "Two votes will test how progressive the Maryland General Assembly has become". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  40. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (February 26, 2019). "House Panel Passes Minimum Wage Bill - But It Isn't 'Clean'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  41. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (July 2, 2021). "Attorneys Hope for Last-Minute Hearing to Continue Unemployment Benefits". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  42. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (June 11, 2021). "Gov. Hogan says it's time to get back to work. To those who were laid off, it's not that simple". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  43. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (June 9, 2021). "House Committee Divided Over Hogan's Ending Expanded Unemployment Benefits". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  44. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (March 31, 2022). "House Passes Statewide Paid Leave Program". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  45. ^ Shepherd, Katie (July 30, 2023). "After rent stabilization, Montgomery leaders eye next political battles". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  46. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (February 7, 2020). "Lawmaker Wants to Open a Dialogue About Reparations in Md". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
  47. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (March 9, 2022). "Maryland poised to become second state in U.S. to ban declawing cats". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  48. ^ Gaines, Danielle E. (February 23, 2019). "Country Clubs Prevail Again in Montgomery County Delegation". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  49. ^ Wiggins, Ovetta (March 2, 2020). "In Takoma Park, grass-roots campaigning is the name of the game". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  50. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (March 6, 2020). "Lawmakers Look to Tax 'Luxury Services' After Sales Tax Bill Dies". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  51. ^ Bixby, Ginny (November 10, 2023). "MoCo officials voice concerns, ideas for $21 billion state transportation plan". MoCo360. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  52. ^ Ryan, Kate (November 30, 2021). "Help proposed for struggling businesses near Purple Line". WTOP-FM. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  53. ^ DePuyt, Bruce (November 5, 2019). "State's Montgomery Co. 'Road Show' Goes Off the Rails". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  54. ^ Shaver, Katherine (April 8, 2021). "Maryland lawmakers debate how forests lost to development should be replaced". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  55. ^ Shwe, Elizabeth (July 15, 2021). "Finding 'Tree Equity:' New Analysis Shows Neighborhoods That Need More Trees". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 15, 2023.
  56. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  57. ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
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