Brian Chisholm (politician)

Brian Chisholm
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates
Incumbent
Assumed office
January 9, 2019
Serving with Nic Kipke and LaToya Nkongolo
Preceded byMeagan Simonaire
ConstituencyDistrict 31B (2019–2023)
31st district (2023–present)
Personal details
BornBrian Alan Chisholm
(1970-11-07) November 7, 1970
Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
PartyRepublican
SpouseKristie
Children1
Alma materClemson University
OccupationMortgage Banker

Brian Alan Chisholm (born November 7, 1970) is an American politician who represents northern Anne Arundel County in the Maryland House of Delegates. A member of the Republican Party, he represented District 31B from 2019 to 2023, afterwards representing the 31st district.[1]

Early life and education

Chisholm was born in Madison, Wisconsin, on November 7, 1970. He graduated from Severna Park High School in Severna Park, Maryland,[1] where he played on the school's football team as a guard[2][3] and the school's baseball team as a catcher.[4] Chisholm holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in marketing from Clemson University.[1]

Political career

Chisholm was a member of the Pension Oversight Commission of Anne Arundel County, Maryland from 2015 to 2018. He was vice-chair of the commission from 2017 to 2018.[1]

In 2014, Chisholm ran for election to one of two District 31B seats in the Maryland House of Delegates, but came in fourth in a field of eight candidates in the Republican primary. On October 19, 2017, he announced that he would again run for the House of Delegates,[5] and, together with incumbent and fellow Republican Nic Kipke, won.[6] Chisholm was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates om January 9, 2019, and has served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee during his entire tenure.[1] He is also a member of the Maryland Freedom Caucus.[7][8]

In May 2026, House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk wrote to Chisholm and state delegate Mark N. Fisher to apologize and remove an episode of Fisher's "Dumbest Bill in America" video series in which the lawmakers accused Chinese-born state delegate Chao Wu of being a "Chinese communist spy", frequently using the derogatory term "Chicom", and questioned his motive for introducing a bill to require data transparency in AI training. Chisholm also mocked Wu's accent, responding to a 10-second clip of Wu providing testimony during the bill's hearing by mimicking an Asian accent, and called Wu's job history, which included stints at the Food and Drug Administration and defense contractor Maryland Aerospace, "scary as hell".[9] The legislators' comments were also condemned by the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland, the Maryland Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus, and House minority leader Jason Buckel.[10] In response, the Maryland Freedom Caucus released a statement criticizing Peña-Melnyk for "sending private letters policing podcasts and using CCP-style speech tactics" against caucus members.[11] A spokesperson for Peña-Melnyk dismissed the Freedom Caucus's statement, calling it a "deflection tactic to avoid taking accountability for their deeply troubling comments".[9] In a follow-up statement, Chisholm said that his discussion with Fisher was not about Wu's race, ethnicity, or background, and that the conversation should not be whether the lawmakers "should be scolded for asking questions" but rather if Wu is "willing to answer them".[9]

Political positions

COVID-19 pandemic

In April 2020, Chisholm sent a letter to the Maryland Department of Health asking the agency to publicly release more information about COVID-19 outbreaks in elder care facilities.[12]

In May 2020, Chisholm attended a Reopen Maryland rally to protest COVID-19 restrictions put into place through executive orders by Governor Larry Hogan.[13]

During the 2021 legislative session, Chisholm introduced a bill that would provide a property tax credit to businesses in Anne Arundel County that were affected by the state's COVID-19 emergency declarations. The bill received a favorable report from the Anne Arundel County Delegation,[14] but stalled in committee.[15]

Criminal justice

In July 2020, Chisholm organized a "Back the Blue" rally in Annapolis,[16] which he said was separate from the Black Lives Matter movement.[17]

In 2021, Chisholm opposed legislation that would remove the governor of Maryland from the Maryland Parole Commission, and introduced an amendment that would require inmates serving a life sentence to get "unanimous agreement" from the state's parole board to be released. His amendment was rejected in a 91–41 vote.[18]

Education

In April 2023, Chisholm sent a letter to State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury accusing the Maryland State Department of Education of hiding scores from failing schools by altering data files available on the department's website. An investigation conducted by the state inspector general found no evidence of these claims.[19]

Energy

In February 2026, during debate on a bill that would prohibit investor-owned utilities from paying employee bonuses and supervisor compensation with ratepayer dollars, Chisholm introduced two amendments, that would given the Maryland Public Service Commission the ability to allow utilities to continue paying salaries with ratepayer money after a public evidentiary proceeding or if it was needed to ensure system reliability or the utility's response to storms. The amendments were rejected.[20] Later that month, he introduced several bills aimed at lowering electricity prices in Maryland, including the repeal of the Climate Solutions Now Act, withdraw Maryland from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and repealing certain EmPOWER Maryland fees.[21] In March 2026, during debate on the Utility RELIEF Act, Chisholm introduced an amendment to the bill to withdraw Maryland from RGGI, referring to the program as a "grift".[22]

Electoral reform

In 2021, Chisholm opposed legislation that would allow registered voters to opt-in to an absentee ballot list instead of reapplying for mail-in ballots before statewide elections, introducing an amendment that would require voters to have a government-issued ID to vote. His amendment was rejected.[23]

During the 2026 legislative session, Chisholm opposed the congressional redistricting map proposed by the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission, which would redraw Maryland's 1st congressional district to improve the Democratic Party's chances of winning it, saying that the map would "disenfranchise one million Republicans".[24]

National politics

In May 2024, Chisholm signed onto a letter condemning the jury's guilty verdict in the Trump hush money trial, calling the ruling a "political prosecution from a kangaroo court and left-leaning prosecutor" that is turning the U.S. justice system into a "third world parody of law and order".[25]

Taxes

In 2021, Chisholm opposed legislation that would allow Maryland counties to set up a progressive income tax, introducing an amendment that would have required counties to lower the tax on lower income brackets if officials opt to increase the tax for higher income brackets. His amendment was rejected.[26]

Personal life

Chisholm currently lives in Severna Park, Maryland and works as a mortgage banker. He is married and has one child.[1]

Chisholm co-owns, with former state delegate Sid Saab, a fitness gym in Severna Park.[27][28] In February 2021, a former employee filed a lawsuit against the two lawmakers, alleging that she was retaliated against for reporting sexual harassment by another co-worker.[29] A federal jury ruled for the employee in September 2023.[30]

Electoral history

Maryland House of Delegates District 31B Republican Primary Election, 2014[31]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Nicholaus R. Kipke 3,920 31.0
Republican Meagan C. Simonaire 3,075 24.3
Republican Gus Kurtz 1,779 14.1
Republican Brian A. Chisholm 1,607 12.7
Republican Faith M. Loudon 1,017 8.1
Republican Don Dwyer, Jr. 890 7.0
Republican Paul William Drgos, Jr. 230 1.8
Republican David Lee Therrien 111 0.9
Maryland House of Delegates District 31B Republican Primary Election, 2018[32]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Nicholaus R. Kipke 4,579 43.2
Republican Brian Chisholm 4,119 38.9
Republican John R. Leopold 1,030 9.7
Republican David Therrien 863 8.1
Maryland House of Delegates District 31B Election, 2018[33]
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Brian Chisholm 20,573 33.2
Republican Nicholaus R. Kipke 20,434 33.0
Democratic Karen Patricia Simpson 11,257 18.2
Democratic Harry E. Freeman 9,602 15.5
Write-in Others 49 0.1

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Brian A. Chisholm". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. January 26, 2026. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  2. ↑ "Brian Chisholm, OL". The Baltimore Sun. December 8, 1988. p. 34. Retrieved May 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  3. ↑ "1988 Anne Arundel County Sun All-County Football Team". The Baltimore Sun. November 24, 1988. p. 225. Retrieved May 12, 2026 – via Newspapers.com.
  4. ↑ O'Malley, Pat (December 14, 1988). "A heaping helping of questions without answers". The Baltimore Sun. p. 122. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  5. ↑ Cook, Chase (October 19, 2017). "Severna Park Republican announces run for District 31B delegate seat". The Capital. Archived from the original on June 20, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  6. ↑ Cook, Chase (June 26, 2018). "Leopold comeback ends as Kipke, Chisholm have majority lead in delegate race". The Capital. Archived from the original on August 23, 2019. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  7. ↑ Kurtz, Josh (August 2, 2024). "House Freedom Caucus could be gaining more firepower in Annapolis". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 2, 2024.
  8. ↑ Jones, Natalie (January 14, 2025). "Maryland House Republicans launch freedom caucus to push back on Dems". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on January 14, 2025. Retrieved January 14, 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 Gaskill, Hannah (May 11, 2026). "Peña-Melnyk calls on Dels. Fisher, Chisholm to apologize after racist remarks". The Daily Record. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  10. ↑ Brown, Danielle J. (May 12, 2026). "Lawmakers condemn 'deeply offensive,' 'racist' video targeting immigrant delegate". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 12, 2026.
  11. ↑ Wood, Pamela (May 11, 2026). "Republican delegates face criticism for video mocking Chinese-born colleague". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved May 11, 2026.
  12. ↑ Gaskill, Hannah (April 26, 2020). "House Republicans Press Hogan Administration for Data on Prisons, Nursing Homes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  13. ↑ Gaskill, Hannah (May 15, 2020). "Protesters at Annapolis Reopen Rally Call for an End to 'Tyranny'". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  14. ↑ Sanchez, Olivia (February 12, 2021). "Anne Arundel state delegation votes to support business property tax credits during state of emergency". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on February 12, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  15. ↑ Sanchez, Olivia (March 22, 2021). "General Assembly crossover deadline arrives as Anne Arundel lawmakers work to pass bills". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on March 23, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Maryland delegates organize rally to support police in Annapolis". Carroll County Times. July 21, 2020. Archived from the original on July 21, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  17. ↑ DuBose, Brooks (July 23, 2020). "Maryland Republicans delegates host Back the Blue rally in Annapolis to support law enforcement". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on July 25, 2020. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  18. ↑ Leckrone, Bennett (March 3, 2021). "House of Delegates Moves Forward with Reform to De-Politicize Parole Decisions". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  19. ↑ Reed, Lillian (May 9, 2023). "Maryland State Department of Education did not cover up test scores from failing schools, inspector finds". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on January 20, 2024. Retrieved October 2, 2023.
  20. ↑ Condon, Christine (February 7, 2026). "House caps amount of utility employee salaries that can come out of ratepayers' pockets". Maryland Matters. Retrieved February 7, 2026.
  21. ↑ Grabenstein, Andrea (February 28, 2026). "Freedom Caucus pushes for energy rollbacks". Southern Maryland News. Retrieved March 9, 2026.
  22. ↑ Condon, Christine (March 18, 2026). "Broad energy bill passes Maryland House with bipartisan support". Maryland Matters. Retrieved March 20, 2026.
  23. ↑ Leckrone, Bennett (March 4, 2021). "House Rejects Republicans' Amendments to Expanding Absentee Ballot List". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  24. ↑ Corasaniti, Nick; Robertson, Campbell (February 2, 2026). "Maryland Moves to Give Democrats Extra House Seat, but Big Hurdles Remain". The New York Times. ProQuest 3299552210. Retrieved February 2, 2026.
  25. ↑ Pittman, Elijah (May 31, 2024). "Maryland Democrats guarded, Republicans angry in wake of Trump conviction". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 1, 2024.
  26. ↑ "Bills on the Move: Procurement Reform, Local Tax Rates, Transit Funding, Balloons". Maryland Matters. April 8, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  27. ↑ Seiss, Jane (October 2, 2018). "New RockWell Fitness Owners Plan Improvements At Community Gym". Severna Park Voice. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  28. ↑ Hernández, Arelis; Wiggins, Ovetta (January 9, 2019). "Meet the freshman class of the Maryland General Assembly". The Washington Post. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  29. ↑ DuBose, Brooks (February 26, 2021). "Two Anne Arundel delegates sued by former gym employee who claims she was fired after reporting sexual harassment". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved June 21, 2022.
  30. ↑ Miller, Hallie; Willis, Adam; Wood, Pamela (September 9, 2023). "Banner political notes: Verdict goes against 2 politicians; A Tree-Mendous celebration; Forward Party has a candidate". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved October 14, 2024.
  31. ↑ "Official 2014 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  32. ↑ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
  33. ↑ "Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates". Maryland State Board of Elections.
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