1. Assistance to the Poor:

Throughout my 12 years of public service in the Maryland House of Delegates and as Vice Chair of the House Appropriations Committee from 2021 to 2025, I have consistently supported increases in our state’s budget to provide low-income residents and the marginalized with access to basic necessities of food, housing and healthcare.

2. Environment:

Humbly, I have been endorsed by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters and Maryland Sierra Club for my strong environmental record of being a good steward of our natural resources and reducing carbon footprint.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

As a son on immigrants who arrived in Maryland in the 1970’s with very little means, it has been an honor of lifetime to represent & serve thousands of Catholics in Maryland’s 32nd Legislative District in the House of Delegates. With kindness, compassion and strength by grace, I would be forever grateful to serve in the Maryland Senate with the same selfless spirit.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

This is a basic function of government and humanity.

2. Environment:

Non-profits are invaluable.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

The state must continue to fully fund public schools and charter schools. If a child has special needs, the state can provide funding for the child.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I support the legislation to give patients with a terminal diagnosis the option to explore their medical options for a peaceful transition. I compare this option with the do not resuscitate option. I believe that it is inhumane for patients to have to suffer to the debilitating levels that some terminal illnesses progress.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I know I have two fundamental viewpoints that differ from Maryland Catholics, but I align with more issues of Maryland Catholics than I differ.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I understand how policy affects real families because I have lived it. Faith teaches us to protect the vulnerable and strengthen families.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Private schools should be supported with private dollars, not taxpayer dollars. We should do everything we can to ensure that public tax dollars are not diverted from public schools to pay for private schools, thus shortchanging low-income public school students. We need to make public schools better, not defund them in order to benefit the companies and organizations that run private schools.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

People who are facing a terminal illness should be able to make the choice to end their own lives on their own terms, and not be forced to suffer a painful and lingering death. If elected I will be a vote to repeal that law, thus allowing those who are suffering, and who have no prognosis for recovery, the choice to decide for themselves.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Because I believe that we were put on this Earth to serve each other the way that Jesus Christ commanded us to do. I believe in the dignity of each person, and that we are all our brothers and sisters keepers. It is through service to others, and compassion for one another, that we honor and praise Christ.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Yes we must work together to build up our low income residents, provide healthy food, affordable clothing, proper housing and affordable healthcare to prevent disease and to promote longevity.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I have fought hard in Annapolis to restore BOOST funding and always advocate for increase funds to promote and properly fund these programs. I also offered a floor amendment to encourage our State to enroll for the federal funding as well.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics should vote for me because of my strong focus on religious freedom, protection of rights and vocal opposition to state-funded discrimination against religious institutions in which I have filed legislation aimed at the protection of religious freedoms and limiting government interference. I took stances against legislation that could allow the state to sue private religious schools. I stand with my colleagues to defend parental rights in education. I sponsored bills to allow unaffiliated voters to participate in primary elections without being forced to align with a party.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

As the former Chair of the Public Health and Minority Health Disparities Subcommittee and now Chair of the Health committee, health equity and addressing health disparities and access to quality care remains our guiding star. Additionally, we have made efforts to ensure access to care for our rural populations, expansion of Medicaid coverage for adult dental and medically tailored meals. Food insecurity and housing insecurity impact the overall wellbeing of the individual and must be considered through a public health lens.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Education is the great equalizer, and public education is a public good. Public funds should support public education and the issue with scholarships for low-income students is that they restrict rather than expand access. Maryland Department of Education already provides for public funds for non-public and alternative schools for those students who have needs which cannot be met in a public school setting.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I cannot answer this question as written as it is not an agree or disagree. Medical Aid in Dying is not the same as Physician Assisted Suicide nor is it as simple as suicide given the realities of the qualifying conditions which would allow for Medical Aid in Dying were it to pass. I would consider any legislation carefully and deliberatively as I do with all issues which come to my committee and to the floor.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Because I show up for my constituents and lead with our shared values. We don’t agree on all issues, but we can agree that government should work for and provide for the people it serves. For eight years I have represented my district with an open heart and an open door and I don’t shy away from the difficult conversations. Overwhelmingly my constituents have said even when we don’t agree they feel listened to, respected, and understood. I have been intentional in this effort and have no intention to change.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

With being an Annapolis resident for over 50 years as well as an alumna of St Mary’s, I will uphold the integrity and morals of my Catholic School upbringing. I wish to hear more of what I can do for our community within the Catholic Church and Schools.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I fully support maintaining and when necessary, increasing funding in Maryland’s budget to ensure low-income residents have access to basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. These aren’t luxuries; they are fundamental to stability, public health, and economic opportunity. When we invest in our most vulnerable communities, we’re not just providing support we’re strengthening the foundation of our entire state.

2. Environment:

The State of Maryland should support targeted initiatives such as tax credits and grant programs to help residents, businesses, and nonprofits reduce their carbon footprint. These programs should be practical, accessible, and results-driven, ensuring that everyday Marylanders not just large corporations can participate and benefit. When done right, this approach strengthens our environment, lowers long-term energy costs, and drives local economic growth.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I live by faith in action not just words. I believe faith isn’t something you talk about on Sunday and forget on Monday. It’s about how you treat people especially the most vulnerable. Supporting working families. Helping those struggling with housing and food insecurity. Standing up for dignity and respect for every person. That’s not politics that’s living out what many children of God are taught every day.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Yes. Government has a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable residents have access to basic necessities like food, housing, and healthcare. I support maintaining these programs and improving them where needed, while also ensuring accountability and encouraging pathways to long-term stability and independence.

2. Environment:

Yes. I support practical, incentive-based approaches like tax credits and grants that encourage residents, businesses, and nonprofits to reduce their carbon footprint. These programs promote innovation and environmental responsibility without relying on government mandates, while also supporting economic growth and job creation.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Yes. I support expanding scholarship opportunities so that families, especially low-income families, have access to the educational options that best meet their children’s needs. Every student deserves the chance to succeed, and giving parents more choices helps ensure that outcome while still supporting strong schools overall.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

Yes. I believe in protecting the dignity and value of every human life. Rather than legalizing physician-assisted suicide, we should focus on expanding access to quality palliative care, mental health support, and compassionate services that help individuals and families through difficult circumstances.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics should vote for me because I share core values of faith, family, service, and respect for human dignity. I was baptized at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, and those values continue to guide me today. I’m committed to supporting the most vulnerable, expanding educational opportunities, and strengthening families. If elected, I will serve District 34A with integrity, respect, and a strong commitment to our community.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

The Church’s charitable mission and the generosity of other organizations isn’t always enough to connect low-income families with the essentials and get them back on their feet. With access to basic necessities, residents can more fully participate in our communities, our economy, and provide for a better future for their children. Funding in Maryland’s budget to support our most vulnerable neighbors should be among the last things that should be cut in attempts to balance our state’s checkbook.

2. Environment:

We are called to be good stewards of the Earth and its environment that we all share. Renewable energy and other sustainable practices aren’t always, unfortunately, accessible to all or affordable. I support tax credits and grant programs that encourage our residents, businesses, and non-profits to reduce their carbon footprint without breaking the bank or the compulsion of fees.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I support these scholarships offered through Maryland’s BOOST program, especially for students wishing to attend a religious school. Funding for BOOST shares the same budget pool as our public schools, where the vast majority of our students are served. Funding to public schools is allocated based on enrollment. Even with enrollment lost to private schools, public schools still have fixed costs. More funding won’t fix all of the challenges in our public schools, but less funding could weaken them. Given this and our state’s fiscal health, I cannot support increasing BOOST funding at this time.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

Our Catholic faith holds that all life is sacred. Because of that and independent socioeconomic concerns, I don’t support physician-assisted suicide/medical aid in dying. Despite the best efforts of palliative care, I recognize though how maintaining Maryland’s law can prolong the suffering of a patient and their families. The proposed End of Life Option Act, while implementing safeguards for patient autonomy and consent, doesn’t address my other concerns. Legalizing this option could pressure lower-income patients and their families into ending a life because of the financial burden of care.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I ask for the vote of Maryland’s Catholics because my Catholic faith motivates me and my desire to serve others. My upbringing taught me to contribute my time, talent, and treasure to my community, and with my background in campaigns, running for office was the way I felt called to give back. In every interaction on the campaign trail and every position I take, I try to reflect Christ’s love for everyone. Having been involved with my parish’s adult choir and pastoral council, I also appreciate how churches and other faith communities are powered by volunteers and are places of community.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

We are all called to support the most vulnerable members of our society. I support measures to encourage the personal virtue of charity in our tax code and other incentive programs. However, the government using its coercive power to squeeze Marylanders’ hard-earned dollars out of their pockets and funnel them into ineffective, already-bloated government programs that reinforce the cycle of poverty only harms the most vulnerable among us and must be guarded against and opposed.

2. Environment:

Provided that the programs at issue are fully incentive-based and are administered with level-headed regard for efficient energy generation, I agree. Unfortunately, this is not currently the case in Maryland. I would fight for major reforms for these programs so that smart energy sources with both less environmental and economic impact, like natural gas and nuclear, are embraced. The ability of our citizens to affordably heat and cool their homes must always be at the forefront of our energy policy.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I am a passionate proponent of school choice. Whether those schools are public, parochial, charter, or home, the education of a child is not a one-size-fits all proposition, and taxpayer dollars must be made to follow the education of our children, not the funding of a system and its administrators for the sake of that system. Introducing competition into the marketplace of education is the best thing we can do to ensure better results for our next generation of leaders.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

As an elected official, I will always defend the sanctity and value of life. The current atrocities being committed by the MAiD program in Canada must be a cautionary tale for Marylanders that when living becomes voluntary, the value of life itself becomes optional. Life is inherently valuable, and the government, which is bound by the United States Constitution to defend the right to life, must never become a willing participant in the sadly growing trade of death.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

As a lifelong, practical Catholic, I would be honored to have the vote of all my fellow Christians as we fight for our values in Annapolis and work to make our community and state a better, safer, and more prosperous place to live, work, and raise our families. My goal in public service is to pass on a stronger community to my children than the one I inherited and in which I was raised.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I do not believe in a vengeful God. My heart goes out to everyone who has lost someone to suicide — whether from physical pain or emotional anguish. I carry that grief personally, and I pray that anyone considering such an end will seek help. Yet I also believe that a loving God would not condemn someone for seeking responsible, compassionate assistance to end suffering that is unbearable and without hope of relief. That deeply personal decision is, I believe, a fundamental human right.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Do we want a voice in our own government? Whatever our faith or party, our current representatives have no real influence in Annapolis — none. They talk loudly about “fighting against” this or that, but their records tell a different story. Maryland has been controlled by one party since 1920 — the longest unbroken run of single-party legislative control in the country. Invisibility is not boldness. I will make District 35A’s needs heard in every bill — and unlike my opponents, I will have earned that seat.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Ensuring that low-income Marylanders have access to essentials like food, housing, and healthcare is a core responsibility of government. Strategic investment in these areas helps stabilize families, reduces long-term costs in emergency services, and strengthens the overall economy.

2. Environment:

We only get one Earth, and Maryland should take practical steps to protect it. Incentives like tax credits and grants help families, small businesses, and nonprofits lower energy costs while reducing emissions. It’s a smart way to support the environment and grow a cleaner, more sustainable economy.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Every child deserves access to the education that fits their needs, regardless of income. Expanding scholarships for low-income students gives families more options and helps ensure no student is limited by financial barriers when seeking the best learning environment.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

Maryland should uphold its current law. Protecting vulnerable individuals —especially seniors, people with disabilities, and those facing serious illness—must remain a priority. The focus should be on expanding access to quality palliative care, mental health support, and compassionate end-of-life services rather than legalizing assisted suicide.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics value life, family, and caring for those in need—so do I. I support policies that protect life at every stage, strengthen families, and expand access to affordable healthcare, food, and housing. I believe in school choice so every child can succeed, and I will defend religious freedom so people of faith can live their beliefs. I’m committed to serving with integrity, compassion, and a focus on uplifting the most vulnerable in our communities.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I support legislation and programs that help low-income residents meet basic needs such as food, affordable housing, healthcare, and mental health services. These investments promote stability, improve long-term outcomes, and strengthen communities. At the same time, I believe the state budget must strike a responsible balance—supporting these important initiatives while also funding other essential priorities. Resources should be managed with strong accountability and efficiency to ensure they reach those most in need.

2. Environment:

I support tax credits or grant programs to encourage Marylanders to reduce their carbon footprint. Maryland has already done a good job with multiple tax credits, rebates, and grant programs specifically designed to help residents and businesses reduce their carbon footprint.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I support expanding funding to help low-income students access nonpublic K–12 schools. My daughter, now a Baltimore City Schools teacher, transferred from public school to Catholic schools (Seton Keough and later the Institute of Notre Dame). It was the right educational choice for her, but it created real financial strain for our family. From personal experience, I know firsthand that low-income families deserve access to diverse, high-quality educational options as well. Expanding access while maintaining strong public schools helps ensure that every child has a fair opportunity to succeed.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I agree that Maryland should uphold the law in its current form. The focus should be on expanding access to high-quality palliative care, effective pain management, and comprehensive mental health support so that patients receive compassionate, holistic care at the end of life. Maryland must continue to approach this issue with caution, prioritizing human dignity while maintaining strong safeguards to protect vulnerable individuals.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Catholics should consider voting for me because, although my faith is Muslim, I believe we share far more in common than we differ. We all value strong families, human dignity, and access to quality, diverse education. I support policies that strengthen families, promote fairness in our justice system, and uplift the most vulnerable in our communities. I am committed to representing everyone—regardless of race, ethnicity, economic status, or religious background—and to leading with unity, respect, and integrity. I humbly ask for your support.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

As a community we are only as well-off as our poorest member. When everyone in the community can live a dignified life with access to food, housing and healthcare, it allows for the growth of the human spirit.

2. Environment:

We are merely stewards of the bounty that has been loaned to us for the duration of our lifetimes. We owe it to our successors to provide with with as bountiful and beautiful a land as our ancestors bequeathed to us.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I believe that public money should be used for education that is equally accessible to all. Unless a nonpublic school is willing to admit every low-income student who meets obvious criteria such as living within a geographical range public monies to pay for scholarships should be extremely discretionary to the situation and the individual.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

Our collective horror of death as part of the cycle of life should not blind us to the obvious suffering of those who seek such an extraordinary end to this existence. Every single legislation for Physician assisted euthanasia has tremendous levels of guardrails which should in effect allow for a steep decline in suicides, and thereby actually save lives!!

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics should vote for me for the same reason as any other Christian denomination or individuals of other faiths should – as a Delegate my job will be to represent my constituents. I do not bring my political views or my faith to what ought to be a transparent, logical process where decisions are made in the interests of the collective good.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I believe that the number one function of government is to provide for our most vulnerable citizens. I support many charitable organizations with my “time and treasure”. But there must be a safety net for all. Healthcare is especially difficult to provide without government support.

2. Environment:

I am a believer in climate change and understand the impact it has, especially on our poorest citizens. We all must take responsibility for our planet. Tax credits or grants should be encouraged for all. Businesses can have the most dramatic impact, but each of us must do our part.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

In these times of budget shortfall, I believe that the priority should be to fund our public schools. They are responsible for educating all of our kids. I know that we must continue to support private schools at current levels, but I would not support increases at this time.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I watched my dad die of pancreatic cancer. He was in my home and we had the invaluable resource of hospice. I saw him pushing the button on his morphine pump over and over. While I’m sure that the dose was controlled, I knew that he was at peace with what was coming and ready to pass. We had talked. He was at peace but I wished him more control over his final time.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

I believe in the great generosity and outreach that churches can have on our society. Although I was not raised in the Catholic faith, I learned the values that it strives to impart. I have spent much of my life volunteering in my community, serving children, women, college students, and the developmentally disabled. If you want to vote for someone who is dedicated to protecting our Earth and uplifting all Americans, I would humbly ask for your vote.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

Supporting those in need is a moral responsibility, but compassion must be paired with accountability. Funding should be directed toward programs that truly help people achieve stability and independence, not create dependency. I support strong partnerships with faith-based and local organizations, which are often closest to those in need. We must ensure taxpayer dollars are used effectively.

2. Environment:

Caring for our environment is important, and part of good stewardship. Incentive-based programs can help reduce our impact. However, these efforts must be balanced with affordability and reliability. Policies should be practical and cost-effective, not place additional burdens on families or small businesses. A responsible approach ensures we protect our environment while also protecting Marylanders from rising costs.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

Every child deserves access to an education that best meets their needs. Expanding scholarships empowers families, especially those with limited means, to choose the right environment for their child. Nonpublic and faith-based schools are valuable partners in education. Parents (not government) should have the primary role in deciding what is best for their children.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

Every human life has inherent dignity. I believe that life begins at conception and continues through natural death. Especially in moments of suffering and vulnerability, life should be protected. Rather than legalizing assisted suicide, we should expand access to quality palliative care, mental health support, and compassionate end-of-life care. Our responsibility is to care for those who are suffering, not to hasten death.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

As a practicing Catholic and active parishioner at Saint Bartholomew’s in Manchester, my faith guides my commitment to serve others with dignity and compassion. I believe in protecting life, supporting families, and being a responsible steward of taxpayer resources. I will work to ensure policies reflect both care for those in need and accountability in government, always respecting the values that strengthen our communities and guide us to do what is right.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I believe public dollars should go to public schools

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

When you’ve seen an individual suffering up close and personal, you have different thoughts about what you want and focus on the person suffering. It is ultimately their choice to make on how they want to live out their life with crippling pain or a debilitating sickness.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Given my eight years in office, I have taken the time to listen, support, and learn from my constituents. It means, like this questionnaire, we don’t always agree but I make every effort to fully understand policy issues from their experiences, my own experiences, and data review and studies to make the best decision for them and for the state. I have been a staunch supporter for women rights, for the immigrant communities, for the dignity of the poor and homeless, for children and their constitutional right for a free and adequate education. Thank you for the opportunity.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics should support me because I stand for faith, family, and service. I believe in protecting human dignity, strengthening families, and ensuring our communities are safe and accountable. I support religious freedom so people of faith always have a voice. At the same time, I believe we must care for those in need by creating real pathways to stability, not dependency. My mission is simple: to make life better for someone else—and that reflects the values many Catholics live every day.

1. Assistance to the Poor:

I agree with this because everyone deserves access to basic needs like food, housing, and healthcare, no matter their income. In a state like Maryland, keeping or increasing funding helps people stay stable and avoid bigger problems like homelessness or serious health issues. It also benefits the whole community—when people have their basic needs met, they’re more able to work, stay healthy, and contribute to society.

2. Environment:

I agree with this because it makes it easier for people and businesses in Maryland to make environmentally friendly choices. Tax credits and grants help lower the cost of things like clean energy, so reducing your carbon footprint is more realistic. It also leads to cleaner air and can create new jobs, which benefits everyone.

3. K-12 Educational Options:

I agree with this because it gives low-income students in Maryland more chances to go to schools that fit their needs. Expanding scholarships helps make education more fair, not just based on money. It can also help students succeed long-term by putting them in environments where they can do their best.

4. Physician Assisted Suicide/Medical Aid in Dying:

I support keeping this law in place because it protects the value and dignity of human life. From a Catholic perspective, every life is sacred, and we should not support actions that intentionally end it. Instead, the focus should be on providing compassionate care, like pain management and emotional support, for those who are suffering. In Maryland, maintaining this law helps ensure that care—not ending life—is the priority.

5. Why Catholics should vote for me:

Maryland Catholics should consider voting for me because my priorities align with values such as human dignity and care for vulnerable people. My primary focus is on issues like education, reducing violence, and strengthening communities—especially efforts that support families and at-risk youth. I believe in protecting life, promoting peace, and advancing the common good. Ultimately, I aim to address practical community challenges in Maryland in a way that promotes fairness, opportunity, and care for others.