Jon Steven Cardin (born January 12, 1970) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 11 since 2019, and previously from 2003 to 2015. A member of the Democratic Party, he unsuccessfully ran for Attorney General of Maryland in 2014. Cardin is the nephew of U.S. Senator Ben Cardin.[1]

Jon Cardin
Cardin in 2013
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
Assumed office
January 9, 2019
Serving with Dana Stein
Preceded byDan K. Morhaim
ConstituencyDistrict 11 (2019–2023)
District 11B (2023–present)
In office
January 8, 2003 – January 14, 2015
Preceded byDana Stein
Succeeded byShelly L. Hettleman
ConstituencyDistrict 11
Personal details
Born
Jon Steven Cardin

(1970-01-12) January 12, 1970 (age 54)
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseMegan Homer
Children2
RelativesBen Cardin (uncle)
Meyer Cardin (grandfather)
Education
WebsiteOfficial website

Early life and education edit

Cardin was born in Baltimore on January 12, 1970. He graduated from the Park School of Baltimore and attended Tufts University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in international relations in 1992; the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, where he earned a Master of Public Service degree in policy sciences in 1996; Baltimore Hebrew University, where he earned a Master of Arts degree in judaic studies with honors in 1996; and the University of Maryland, Baltimore, where he earned his Juris Doctor degree with honors in 2001.[2]

Career edit

After Cardin was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 2001, he clerked for Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge William D. Quarles Jr. until 2002. Afterwards, he started his own law firm, Jon S. Cardin, P.A.[2]

Maryland House of Delegates edit

In 2002, Cardin filed to run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 11, seeking to succeed delegate Michael Finifter, who resigned to serve as a state circuit court judge.[1]

Cardin was first sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 8, 2003, and was a member of the Ways and Means Committee during his entire first stint in office.[2] During the 2014 legislative session, Cardin missed 75 percent of committee votes,[3] which he attributed to him leaving early to recognize Shabbat and to spend time with his daughter and pregnant wife.[4]

In February 2018, Cardin filed to run for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 11, seeking to succeed retiring state delegate Dan K. Morhaim.[5] He won the Democratic primary election on June 26, 2018, placing third with 23.6 percent of the vote.[6] During the general election, Cardin was targeted by the Republican State Leadership Committee, who sent out flyers attacking him for voting for tax increases under the Martin O'Malley administration.[7] He won the general election on November 6, defeating Republican challenger Jonathan Porter with 29.3 percent of the vote.[8]

Cardin was sworn in for his second stint in the legislature on January 9, 2019, during which he has served on the Judiciary Committee.[2]

In December 2019, following the resignation of state senator Robert Zirkin, Cardin said that he would apply to serve the remainder of Zirkin's term in the Maryland Senate.[9] In January 2020, the Baltimore County Democratic Central Committee voted to nominate Shelly Hettleman to fill the vacancy over Cardin.[10]

Baltimore Police marriage proposal incident edit

In August 2009, Cardin was criticized for using Baltimore Police Department resources to perform a marriage proposal prank. Cardin was using a friend's boat when police boarded the boat as a Foxtrot helicopter hovered above the boat. According to the Baltimore Sun, Cardin's girlfriend thought she was going to be arrested when Cardin proposed to her. After the issue became public, Delegate Cardin promised to reimburse the City of Baltimore for the costs incurred. Cardin paid $300 to the Baltimore Police Department to cover the costs and donated $1,000 to the city's mounted unit.[11] The Baltimore Police Department launched an internal affairs investigation into the marriage proposal incident.[12] In November 2009, a police sergeant was charged with misconduct in connection with the prank.[13]

2014 Maryland Attorney General campaign edit

In November 2012, Cardin formed an exploratory committee into a potential run for attorney general of Maryland in 2014.[14] He officially announced his candidacy on July 22, 2013, becoming the first candidate to enter the race.[15][16] Cardin ran on a platform that involved focusing on cyber fraud, identity theft, and public safety.[17]

During the Democratic primary, Cardin was criticized for benefiting from political nepotism after campaigning with his uncle Ben Cardin,[17][18] for misusing Baltimore Police Department resources in a stunt wedding proposal, missing 75 percent of committee votes during the 2014 legislative session, and touting an endorsement from Ski Money, a Baltimore-based rapper who had been indicted on human trafficking charges in Baltimore County.[19][20] Following the Democratic primary election, he called these criticisms "the most negative smear campaign in a Democratic Party primary in Maryland's modern history".[4][21]

In June 2014, Cardin filed a report with the Maryland State Board of Elections against state senator Lisa Gladden and state delegate Maggie McIntosh, both supporters of Brian Frosh, accusing the lawmakers of "verbally harassing" one of his campaign volunteers. Both legislators denied Cardin's accusations, with McIntosh saying that she had not confronted any Cardin supports while canvassing and Gladden saying that she was never at the polling place described in the report.[22]

Polling ahead of the primary election showed Cardin leading other Democratic challengers Frosh and Aisha Braveboy, but with a majority of voters saying that they were undecided.[23][24] He was defeated in the Democratic primary by state senator Brian Frosh on June 24, 2014, and conceded to Frosh the day after the election.[25] Following his defeat, Cardin worked as a lobbyist.[26]

Personal life edit

Cardin is married to his wife, Megan (née Homer).[12] Together, they have two children[2] and live in Owings Mills, Maryland.[27]

Political positions edit

Crime and policing edit

During the 2013 legislative session, Cardin voted to repeal the death penalty in Maryland.[28] He also introduced a bill that would fine speed camera vendors who issue erroneous tickets.[29]

In 2014, Cardin introduced a bill that would make revenge porn punishable by a five-year jail term and a $25,000 fine.[30]

During the 2022 legislative session, Cardin introduced legislation to expand the state's Good Samaritan law to protect people suffering from an overdose from arrest or prosecution.[31]

Education edit

During the 2007 legislative session, Cardin introduced a bill requiring elementary schools to have 150 minutes of physical education classes a week. The bill received an unfavorable report in the House Ways and Means Committee.[32]

Electoral reform edit

During the 2011 legislative session, Cardin introduced a bill that would allow campaign contributions to Maryland political candidates by text message. The bill passed and became law.[33]

In 2021, Cardin introduced a bill that would require the state to send mail-in ballots to all registered voters.[34] He also introduced a bill that would amend the Constitution of Maryland to appointed state judges serve 12-year terms before running in a retention election.[35]

Gun policy edit

During the 2013 legislative session, Cardin introduced legislation that would levy taxes on bullet sales and impose a $25 gun registration fee, with revenues earned from the excises going toward mental health services in the state.[36] He also introduced bills to ban assault weapons,[37] and another requiring background checks for weapon sales.[38]

Health care edit

During the 2005 legislative session, Cardin voted to override Governor Bob Ehrlich's veto on a bill limiting increases on malpractice insurance premiums and to levy a premium tax on health maintenance organizations.[39]

Marijuana edit

During a committee hearing on legislation creating a statewide referendum on legalizing recreational cannabis in 2022, Cardin expressed concerns about the health impacts of cannabis use and with drivers using cannabis while driving, but nevertheless voted to pass the referendum bill.[40]

Social issues edit

During the 2012 legislative session, Cardin voted for the Civil Marriage Protection Act, a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Maryland.[41] In 2014, he introduced a bill to ban conversion therapy for LGBT teens.[42]

In 2013, Cardin introduced Grace's Law, which would make harassing a child with the intent of encouraging them to commit suicide punishable by a fine and jail time. The bill was named for Grace McComas, a 15-year-old who took their own life in 2012 following online taunts and hate speech. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley.[43][44] In 2019, he introduced legislation to increase the penalties under Grace's Law to up to 10 years in prison. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.[45]

Taxes edit

During the 2013 legislative session, Cardin voted for a bill to index the state's fuel taxes to inflation to pay for state transportation projects.[46]

Electoral history edit

Maryland House of Delegates District 11 Democratic primary election, 2002[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Zirkin (incumbent) 10,198 22.9
Democratic Dan K. Morhaim (incumbent) 7,922 17.8
Democratic Jon S. Cardin 7,776 17.4
Democratic Dana Stein (incumbent) 6,576 14.8
Democratic Melvin Mintz 6,311 14.2
Democratic Theodore Levin 3,349 7.5
Democratic Barney J. Wilson 2,438 5.5
Maryland House of Delegates District 11 election, 2002[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Robert Zirkin (incumbent) 30,467 23.5
Democratic Jon S. Cardin 29,480 22.7
Democratic Dan K. Morhaim (incumbent) 28,098 21.7
Republican J. Michael Collins Sr. 14,601 11.3
Republican Betty L. Wagner 13,483 10.4
Republican Grant Harding 13,411 10.3
Write-in 130 0.1
Maryland House of Delegates District 11 election, 2006[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jon S. Cardin (incumbent) 32,747 25.8
Democratic Dan K. Morhaim (incumbent) 31,185 24.6
Democratic Dana Stein 30,481 24.0
Republican Patrick Abbondandolo 12,822 10.1
Green Dave Goldsmith 5,435 4.3
Write-in 181 0.1
Maryland House of Delegates District 11 election, 2010[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jon Cardin (incumbent) 32,211 24.3
Democratic Dan K. Morhaim (incumbent) 28,129 21.2
Democratic Dana Stein (incumbent) 28,034 21.2
Republican J. Michael Collins 13,971 10.6
Republican Carol C. Byrd 13,952 10.5
Republican Steven J. Smith 13,647 10.3
Libertarian Brandon Brooks 2,341 1.8
Write-in 115 0.1
Maryland Attorney General Democratic primary election, 2014[51]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Brian Frosh 228,360 49.6
Democratic Jon S. Cardin 139,582 30.3
Democratic Aisha Braveboy 92,664 20.1
Maryland House of Delegates District 11 Democratic primary election, 2018[6]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Shelly Hettleman (incumbent) 11,158 26.8
Democratic Dana Stein 9,893 23.7
Democratic Jon S. Cardin 9,830 23.6
Democratic Amy Blank 6,252 15.0
Democratic Linda Dorsey-Walker 3,325 8.0
Democratic Kate Skovron 1,200 2.9
Maryland House of Delegates District 11 election, 2018[52]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jon S. Cardin (incumbent) 33,077 29.3
Democratic Shelly Hettleman (incumbent) 31,957 28.3
Democratic Dana Stein (incumbent) 30,364 26.9
Republican Jonathan Porter 16,852 14.9
Write-in 521 0.5
Maryland House of Delegates District 11B election, 2022[53]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Jon S. Cardin (incumbent) 22,115 34.9
Democratic Dana M. Stein (incumbent) 21,536 34.0
Republican Jim Simpson 10,640 16.8
Republican Tyler A. Stiff 9,072 14.3
Write-in 70 0.1

References edit

  1. ^ a b Green, Andrew A.; Piven, Ben (August 5, 2002). "New district lines lure dozens to vie for Balto. Co.'s House seats". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d e "Jon S. Cardin, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Maunal On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  3. ^ Broadwater, Luke (May 6, 2014). "Jon Cardin missed nearly 75% of committee votes in Annapolis". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  4. ^ a b Broadwater, Luke (July 30, 2014). "Jon Cardin says he was victim of 'most negative smear campaign'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  5. ^ Kurtz, Josh (February 28, 2018). "Candidate Filing Deadline: The Night of the Living Dead". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. July 31, 2018.
  7. ^ Wood, Pamela (October 15, 2018). "National Republican group targets 15 Democrats running for Maryland House of Delegates". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  8. ^ Broadwater, Luke (December 5, 2018). "'A learning experience': 60 new Maryland lawmakers head to Annapolis, ready to tackle big issues". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  9. ^ Broadwater, Luke; Wood, Pamela (December 6, 2019). "State delegates Hettleman, Cardin likely to face off for Zirkin's open Senate seat in Baltimore County". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  10. ^ DeVille, Taylor (January 28, 2020). "Baltimore County Democrats nominate state delegate, Catonsville progressive for vacant seats". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 5, 2023.
  11. ^ Hermann, Peter (August 18, 2009). "For the record, she said 'Yes'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 4, 2020.
  12. ^ a b "Use of police boat, helicopter in Del. Cardin incident probed". Daily Record. August 18, 2009. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  13. ^ Fenton, Justin (November 21, 2009). "City officer faces misconduct charge in Cardin marriage proposal stunt". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  14. ^ Linskey, Annie (November 27, 2012). "Jon Cardin mulling AG run". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  15. ^ Cox, Erin (July 22, 2013). "Del. Cardin launches campaign for attorney general". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  16. ^ Wagner, John (July 22, 2013). "Del. Jon Cardin launches campaign for Maryland attorney general with Web video". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  17. ^ a b Dresser, Michael (May 19, 2014). "Attorney general candidates to debate tonight". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  18. ^ Cox, Erin; Dresser, Michael (June 23, 2014). "Candidates make final push for votes in Tuesday's primary election". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  19. ^ Broadwater, Luke; Knezevich, Alison (June 5, 2014). "Jon Cardin rejects rapper's support after learning of criminal charges". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  20. ^ Kunkle, Fredrick; Hernández, Arelis R. (June 6, 2014). "Md. AG candidate welcomes, then rejects rapper's support after charges come to light". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  21. ^ Johnson, Jenna (July 31, 2014). "Md. Del. Jon Cardin accuses fellow Democrats of 'smear campaign'". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  22. ^ Hernández, Arelis R. (June 16, 2014). "Complaint by Del. Jon Cardin accuses colleagues of voter intimidation at polling site". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  23. ^ Barker, Jeff (June 8, 2014). "Cardin leads but undecideds are wild card in volatile AG race". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  24. ^ Kunkle, Fredrick; Clement, Scott (February 20, 2014). "Poll shows Jon S. Cardin leading rivals in four-way race for Maryland attorney general". The Washington Post. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  25. ^ Barker, Jeff (June 25, 2014). "Frosh wins Democratic primary for attorney general". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  26. ^ Dresser, Michael (July 20, 2016). "Far from Republican convention in Cleveland, Hogan enjoys good will at Tawes crab feast". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  27. ^ Nitkin, David (April 15, 2009). "Rehabbed Cardin home to be featured on cable television". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  28. ^ "House roll call". The Baltimore Sun. March 15, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  29. ^ Broadwater, Luke; Calvert, Scott (December 11, 2012). "O'Malley: Counties should stop paying speed camera contractors per citation". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  30. ^ Cox, Erin (January 28, 2014). "Lawmakers weigh 'revenge porn' bills". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  31. ^ Gaskill, Hannah (January 19, 2022). "Expansion of Good Samaritan Law Aims to Remove Fear of Seeking Help after an Overdose". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  32. ^ "Physical education plan in schools dies". The Baltimore Sun. March 10, 2007. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  33. ^ Linskey, Annie (December 1, 2011). "Rule would allow campaign donations by text message". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  34. ^ Leckrone, Bennett (February 24, 2021). "Bills Would Expand Ballot Drop-Boxes, Allow Voters to Automatically Receive Absentee Ballots". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  35. ^ Kurtz, Josh (February 26, 2021). "Diversity of State's Courts Become the Issue in Debate Over Judicial Appointments". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  36. ^ Cox, Erin; Scharper, Julie (January 14, 2013). "O'Malley to push sweeping gun control, licensing plan". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  37. ^ Cox, Erin; Linskey, Annie (December 19, 2012). "Faith leaders, city lawmakers urge new gun control laws". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  38. ^ Wheeler, Tim (March 4, 2014). "Bill to close gun law 'loophole' draws fire". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  39. ^ Green, Andrew A.; Nitkin, David (January 12, 2005). "Lawmakers override veto on reform bill". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  40. ^ Bologna, Giacomo (September 19, 2022). "Maryland is likely to legalize recreational cannabis this November. This group is leaving nothing to chance". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  41. ^ "How the Md. House voted on same-sex marriage". The Baltimore Sun. February 18, 2012. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  42. ^ Rector, Kevin (May 11, 2014). "Therapy to change sexual orientation at center of debate in Maryland". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  43. ^ Reimer, Susan (May 1, 2013). "Journey in grief leads to new protections from bullying". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  44. ^ Ames, Blair (April 11, 2013). "Grace's Law, a cyberbullying bill, called 'landmark legislation'". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  45. ^ Wood, Pamela (April 18, 2019). "Maryland to mark 'Freedom of the Press Day' by honoring journalists on anniversary of shooting at Capital". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  46. ^ "House roll call on gas taxes". The Baltimore Sun. March 22, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2023.
  47. ^ "2002 Gubernatorial Election Official Results: Legislative District 11". Maryland State Board of Elections. March 19, 2003.
  48. ^ "2002 Gubernatorial Election Official Results: Legislative District 11". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 2, 2002.
  49. ^ "Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for Legislative District 11". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  50. ^ "Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  51. ^ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. July 16, 2014.
  52. ^ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 11, 2018.
  53. ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections. December 7, 2022.

External links edit