(BALTIMORE – January 22, 2025) – Senator Antonio Hayes was first elected to the Maryland Senate in 2018 and has represented the 40th Legislative District of Maryland since January 9, 2019. Before becoming a State Senator, he served as a Maryland House of Delegates member from 2015-2019.
Senator Hayes has held several key leadership roles throughout his tenure, including Senate Majority Whip, Vice Chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus, and Chair of the Executive Nominations Committee. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the powerful Senate Finance Committee. He serves on the Joint Committee on Administrative, Executive, and Legislative Review and the Joint Committee on Federal Relations. He is also an active member of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
In 2021, Senator Hayes sponsored legislation establishing the West North Avenue Development Authority. This authority was created to work with residents to develop a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization strategy for areas not fully recovered from the 1968 riots. The authority includes community members, the President of Coppin University, and other key stakeholders, with Senator Hayes also serving as a member.
Among Senator Hayes’ numerous legislative accomplishments are the Keep the Door Open Act, which committed $440 million to Community Behavioral Health Providers, the establishment of a Paid Family Leave Program, the creation of Health Equity Resource Communities with a $60 million commitment to address health disparities, the Extension of Maryland’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Program, measures to address the appraisal gap in historically redlined communities, efforts to combat racial bias in real estate appraisals, and the co-sponsorship of cannabis legalization.
In addition to his legislative work, Senator Hayes’ public service includes membership on the Maryland Medicaid Advisory Committee, the Pimlico Community Development Authority, the local Video Lottery Development Council, and the Behavioral Health Advisory Council.
Senator Hayes is also deeply involved in his community. He is an active member of Empowerment Temple African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church in Baltimore, where he serves on the Board of Trustees. He is also a member of the Baltimore Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
A native of Baltimore, Senator Hayes has lived most of his life in the district he serves. He holds a B.S. in Political Science from Frostburg State University.
His professional career includes roles such as Legislative Aide to Delegate Salima Siler Marriott of Baltimore, Director of Legislative Affairs for the Baltimore City Council President (2003-2006), and Assistant Deputy Mayor of Administration (2007-2010). In addition to his legislative duties, he currently serves as Chief of Staff for the Baltimore City Department of Social Services.
Senator Hayes is married to Jenny Peña Dias, Ph.D., and they have two children, Antonio and Amaryllis Hayes.
