Sheree Sample-Hughes

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Sheree Sample-Hughes
Speaker pro tempore of the Maryland House of Delegates
In office
September 9, 2019 – January 10, 2024
Preceded byAdrienne A. Jones
Succeeded byDana Stein
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
from the 37A district
Assumed office
January 14, 2015
Preceded byRudolph C. Cane
Member of the Wicomico County Council
from the 1st district
In office
December 5, 2006 – December 2, 2014
Preceded byEd Taylor
Succeeded byErnest Davis
Personal details
Born (1977-09-13) September 13, 1977 (age 46)
Political partyDemocratic
Children2
EducationDelaware State University (BA)
Wilmington University (MPA)

Sheree L. Sample-Hughes is an American politician who since 2015 has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing legislative district 37A in Dorchester and Wicomico Counties on the Eastern Shore, centered around Salisbury. A member of the Democratic Party, she was the speaker pro tempore of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2019 to 2024.

Early and personal life[edit]

Sample-Hughes was born on September 13, 1977. She grew up in Salisbury, Maryland,[1] and attended Parkside High School. She went on to earn a bachelor's degree in public relations from Delaware State University in 1999, and a master's degree in public administration from Wilmington University in 2014. Sample-Hughes is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.[2]

Sample-Hughes is married to her husband, Desmond, and has two sons.[3] She teaches at Wor-Wic Community College.[4] In 2017, her son was involved in a serious incident that required him to be airlifted to the University of Maryland, Baltimore.[5]

Political career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Sample-Hughes first got involved in public service as an affordable housing coordinator for Pocomoke City, where she worked until 2000 when she became a special events coordinator for the Governor's Office on Service and Volunteerism. From 2002 to 2004, she served as the president of her local American Legion Post.[2]

In 2006, Sample-Hughes was elected to the Wicomico County Council in District 1, which encompasses northern parts of Wicomico County and the city of Salisbury. She was the first African-American woman to serve on the county council.[6] Sample-Hughes was also appointed as a member of the Maryland Commission on Correctional Standards, which she served as the vice chair of from 2010 to 2014.[2]

Maryland House of Delegates[edit]

In 2014, Sample-Hughes was encouraged by incumbent state delegate Rudolph C. Cane to run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 37A, succeeding him as his health declined. She ran unopposed in the primary and general elections after Cane withdrew his candidacy.[7][8] Sample-Hughes was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 14, 2015. She served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee until 2022, when she was moved to the Economic Matters Committee.[2] Since 2019, Sample-Hughes has been the only Democrat and the only person of color to represent the Eastern Shore of Maryland in the Maryland General Assembly.[4][9]

From 2018 to 2019, Sample-Hughes served as the president of the Maryland Women's Legislative Caucus, becoming the first African-American to chair the caucus.[4] In this position, she supported legislation to support female veterans and the elderly, and victims of workplace harassment and rape.[10]

Sample-Hughes being sworn in as Speaker Pro Tempore

In September 2019, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones named Sample-Hughes as speaker pro tempore, succeeding her following her election as speaker.[11] She was elected to this position by the Maryland House of Delegates in January 2020.[12] In May 2023, following votes against several bills backed by Democratic leaders of the legislature, Jones said she would not renominate Sample-Hughes as speaker pro tempore during the 2024 legislative session, instead nominating delegate Dana Stein.[13] Jones said that the decision to select a different speaker pro tempore was not a personal decision, but instead part of a general post-election restructuring of leadership. She had also offered Sample-Hughes a senior leadership position, which she declined.[14]

In the 2020 presidential election, Sample-Hughes voted as an elector in Maryland's 1st congressional district.[15]

Political positions[edit]

Sample-Hughes has described herself as a "traditional Democrat", and has pointed to a divide between herself and progressive members of the legislature.[4] She has cited Barbara Mikulski as her political role model.[16]

Education[edit]

Sample-Hughes supports increased funding for school construction projects and increasing personnel pay.[17] She has expressed concerns about Eastern Shore counties' ability to implement the Blueprint for Maryland's Future reforms,[18] which she supports.[19]

In 2015, Sample-Hughes expressed apprehension with proposal to adopt an elected school board in Wicomico County, saying that she worried that the school board would not accurately represent the county's diversity.[20]

During the 2023 legislative session, she voted against a bill that would require teachers to go through virtual education training. Sample-Hughes supported an unsuccessful amendment to the bill that would have allowed Eastern Shore school systems to continue using a private company for contracting its virtual education services.[13] She also introduced legislation to increase financial literacy classes in schools.[18]

Environment[edit]

In 2019, Sample-Hughes voted against a bill banning oyster harvesting in five Chesapeake Bay sanctuaries.[21]

During the 2023 legislative session, Sample-Hughes voted in favor of the Promoting Offshore Wind Energy Resources Act, which would quadruple the state's offshore wind capacity by 2031.[22]

Gun control[edit]

During the 2018 legislative session, Sample-Hughes voted for red flag bills, which she described as a "tool that can be used to intervene in and prevent a crisis situation".[23] During the 2023 legislative session, she voted against the Gun Safety Act of 2023, an omnibus gun control bill that increased requirements and fees to obtain a handgun permit, strengthened safe storage requirements, and prohibited carrying guns near certain locations. Sample-Hughes later questioned the legislation, claiming it would create "unnecessary challenges" when it comes to allowing people to legally carry guns.[13]

Housing[edit]

During the 2018 legislative session, Sample-Hughes introduced legislation that would require landlords to give a 60-day notice before rent increases.[24] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[25]

Marijuana[edit]

During the 2015 legislative session, Sample-Hughes voted in favor of legislation to increase participation in the state's medical marijuana industry.[26]

Minimum wage[edit]

During the 2023 legislative session, Sample-Hughes said she supported the Fair Wage Act of 2023, which would raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2024,[27] but opposed a provision that would index increases to the state's minimum wage to inflation, and later supported a committee amendment to remove this provision.[28]

[edit]

During the 2015 legislative session, Sample-Hughes supported a bill to require private employers to provide employees with accrued sick leave.[29] In 2022, she supported legislation requiring businesses and workers to contribute to a state-run medical leave program.[30]

Policing[edit]

In 2020, Speaker Adrienne A. Jones appointed Sample-Hughes to the Work Group to Address Police Reform and Accountability in Maryland.[31] The work group released its recommendations in October, which included repealing the state's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights and regulating the types of force that police could use during arrests.[32] These recommendations were incorporated into the Police Reform and Accountability Act, which Sample-Hughes voted in favor of during the 2021 legislative session.[33]

In October 2020, Sample-Hughes expressed concern with proposed budget cuts by Governor Larry Hogan that would've required the Maryland State Police to close one of its helicopter bases, which she feared would affect public health and safety on the Eastern Shore. Hogan later announced that state officials would no longer consider closing one of the state police's helicopter bases.[5]

Social issues[edit]

In 2019, Sample-Hughes said she supported legislation to establish the Maryland Truth and Reconciliation Commission to document racially motivated lynchings in the state's history.[34] During the 2021 legislative session, she introduced legislation to remove "Maryland, My Maryland" as the state's official anthem.[35] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Hogan.[36] Sample-Hughes later attended a rally in June 2021 to call for the removal of the Talbot Boys statue in Easton, which was the last Confederate monument on public land in Maryland.[37]

During the 2022 legislative session, Sample-Hughes voted against the Trans Health Equity Act, which requires the state's Medicaid program to cover gender-affirming treatment.[38] She voted against the bill again when it was reintroduced in 2023,[13] and later said she opposed the bill because of her religious and personal beliefs.[14]

Taxes[edit]

In April 2024, Sample-Hughes was the only Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates to vote against a bill that raised Maryland's tobacco tax and vehicle registration fees to pay for state transportation projects.[39]

Electoral history[edit]

Wicomico County Council District 1 Democratic primary election, 2006[40]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes 1,011 70.8
Democratic Mac Hayward 417 29.2
Wicomico County Council District 1 election, 2006[41]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes 3,525 99.4
Write-in 23 0.6
Wicomico County Council District 1 election, 2010[42]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes 2,881 58.2
Republican David Goslee Jr. 2,065 41.7
Write-in 1 0.0
Maryland House of Delegates District 37A Democratic primary election, 2014[43]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes 1,938 100.0
Maryland House of Delegates District 37A election, 2014[44]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes 6,204 98.5
Write-in 94 1.5
Maryland House of Delegates District 37A election, 2018[45]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes (incumbent) 7,462 68.5
Republican Frank E. Cooke 3,413 31.3
Write-in 15 0.1
Maryland House of Delegates District 37A election, 2022[46]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Sheree Sample-Hughes (incumbent) 5,841 61.9
Republican Donna Bradshaw 3,573 37.9
Write-in 18 0.2

References[edit]

  1. ^ Weingarten, Dwight A. (July 7, 2023). "Grappling with gun violence: Maryland lawmakers respond to Salisbury, Baltimore shootings". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "Sheree Sample-Hughes, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. May 24, 2023. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  3. ^ Murphy, Erica (February 19, 2019). "Black Leaders on Delmarva: Sheree Sample-Hughes". WMDT. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  4. ^ a b c d Harding, Hayley (November 12, 2018). "After elections, there's only one Dem representing the Eastern Shore at the state level". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  5. ^ a b Prensky, Matthew (October 8, 2020). "Medevac teams in Salisbury, Easton no longer on chopping block; Shore lawmakers 'ecstatic'". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  6. ^ Parker, Susan (September 14, 2017). "Wicomico 150th: Segregation and the Route 50 divide". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  7. ^ Shutt, Jennifer (February 27, 2014). "Longtime Delegate Cane retiring". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  8. ^ Dresser, Michael (February 27, 2014). "Eastern Shore's Cane drops bid for re-election". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  9. ^ Richman, Talia (October 20, 2020). "Maryland is building its bench of female legislators — but representation at the top levels lags". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  10. ^ Miller, Hallie (December 31, 2018). "Women, blacks, veterans: Maryland caucus leaders set goals for Maryland's 2019 General Assembly session". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  11. ^ "Speaker Jones names lone Eastern Shore Democrat as second-in-command for her first year leading Maryland House". The Baltimore Sun. September 6, 2019. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  12. ^ Broadwater, Luke; Wood, Pamela (January 8, 2020). "'Sense of obligation': Ferguson, Jones seek to set new paths as Maryland General Assembly leaders". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  13. ^ a b c d Weingarten, Dwight A. (May 19, 2023). "Eastern Shore Del. Sample-Hughes asked to step down from leadership position". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  14. ^ a b Ford, William J. (May 26, 2023). "Disagreement simmers among top House of Delegates leaders". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  15. ^ Gaines, Danielle E.; Leckrone, Bennett (December 14, 2020). "The Electoral College Meets Monday. Who Are Maryland's Electors?". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  16. ^ Davis, Phil (March 2, 2015). "Shore Dems praise Sen. Mikulski in retirement". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  17. ^ "Maryland Election 2018: Meet the candidates for House District 37A". Delmarvanow. October 25, 2018. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  18. ^ a b Weingarten, Dwight A. (January 4, 2023). "Workforce, education priorities for Lower Shore delegation as session approaches". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  19. ^ Prensky, Matthew (January 6, 2020). "Offshore wind, Kirwan Commission on schools top Shore lawmakers' issues for 2020 session". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  20. ^ Carroll, Hannah (February 4, 2015). "Momentum builds for elected Wicomico school board". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  21. ^ Miller, Jenna (April 8, 2019). "'That's our way of life': Eastern Shore lawmakers unite to fight oyster harvest ban". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  22. ^ Weingarten, Dwight A. (April 11, 2023). "Gun laws, wind energy hot topics as General Assembly wraps up Gov. Wes Moore's 1st session". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  23. ^ Velazquez, Rose (April 14, 2018). "Maryland gun laws: Where Shore reps stand on changes from Annapolis". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  24. ^ Cox, Jeremy (March 3, 2018). "Lawmakers seek protections after mobile home park's rent shoots up". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  25. ^ Cox, Jeremy; Holland, Liz; Hughes, Gray; Velazquez, Rose (April 12, 2018). "Maryland General Assembly scorecard: How Eastern Shore fared". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  26. ^ Cox, Jeremy (September 23, 2015). "Views mixed on proposed Hebron medical marijuana facility". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  27. ^ Swann, Sara (February 21, 2019). "What a $15 minimum wage in Maryland would mean for the Eastern Shore". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  28. ^ Weingarten, Dwight A. (April 21, 2023). "Minimum wage, childcare top of mind as Lower Shore delegation reflects on 2023 session". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  29. ^ Davis, Phil (March 14, 2015). "In sickness & in health, leaders seek employee rights". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  30. ^ Landon, Hunter (April 21, 2022). "Eastern Shore Lawmakers Weigh In On Paid Family Leave Bill Passed This Session". WBOC-TV. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  31. ^ O'Neill, Madeleine (September 18, 2020). "How Maryland lawmakers could shape police reform amid national protests". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  32. ^ Wood, Pamela (October 15, 2020). "Maryland House work group recommends ditching state's Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 6, 2023.
  33. ^ O'Neill, Madeleine (October 16, 2020). "Repeal of Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights backed by Maryland House work group". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  34. ^ Velazquez, Rose (February 28, 2019). "Lynching in Maryland: Proposed commission could shed light on history". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  35. ^ O'Neill, Madeleine (April 20, 2021). "Maryland set to ditch pro-Confederate state song. Sample-Hughes behind push for 'justice'". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  36. ^ O'Neill, Madeleine (May 18, 2021). "Maryland legalizes sports betting, carryout alcohol sales, repeals state song. What's next". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  37. ^ Velazquez, Rose (June 17, 2021). "'It is time': Van Hollen urges removing Confederate Talbot Boys statue in Easton". Delmarvanow. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  38. ^ Kurtz, Josh (April 2, 2022). "Bill on Transgender Health Equity Doesn't Just Stall, It Sort of Vanishes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  39. ^ Sears, Bryan P. (April 5, 2024). "House, Senate send $63 billion budget to governor". Maryland Matters. Retrieved April 5, 2024.
  40. ^ "Wicomico County, Maryland Election Returns Primary Election". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. September 12, 2006. Retrieved August 13, 2023.
  41. ^ "Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for Wicomico County". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  42. ^ "Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for Wicomico County". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  43. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. July 16, 2014.
  44. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2014.
  45. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018.
  46. ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022.
Maryland House of Delegates
Preceded by Speaker pro tempore of the Maryland House of Delegates
2019–2024 		Succeeded by
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