Benjamin Louis Cardin

Democrat senior Senator of Maryland

  • Senator

    Maryland

    January 3, 2019 - January 3, 2025

202-224-4524

@SenatorCardin

cardin.senate.gov

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19

Congresses Served

10

House Terms

3

Senate Terms

January 1, 1943 (81 years old)

Birthday

  • American lawyer and politician with a career spanning over half a century in elected office, never losing an election
  • Served in the Maryland House of Delegates, including as its youngest speaker
  • Represented Maryland’s 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives
  • Elected as a U.S. Senator in 2006 and reelected in 2012 and 2018
  • Announced retirement and will not seek reelection in 2024
  • Born in Baltimore, Maryland, to a family with Russian Jewish immigrant grandparents
  • Attended the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Maryland School of Law, graduating first in his class
  • Involved in reform efforts related to Maryland’s property tax system, school financing formula, and ethical standards for elected officials
  • Advocated for fiscal issues, pension reform, health care, welfare reform, and environmental protection in Congress
  • Played a significant role in legislation related to Medicare benefits, retirement plans, and child support
  • Has been a Commissioner on the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe since 1993
  • Holds honorary degrees from several institutions and has served on various boards and committees related to law, education, and public policy
  • Supported President Barack Obama’s legislative agenda and has been rated as one of the most liberal senators
  • Advocated for investigations into USDA’s actions, supports the death penalty for the “worst of the worst,” and has pushed for economic reforms to benefit workers
  • Supported education initiatives, environmental protection efforts, and legislation to address climate change
  • Advocated for gun control measures, healthcare reforms, and housing programs
  • Engaged in international policy, supporting strong relations with Israel and addressing human rights issues globally
  • Supports Net Neutrality and has proposed tax reforms to benefit middle and lower-income Americans
  • Has been involved in efforts to protect whistleblowers and uphold journalistic integrity