Arthur Ellis (Maryland politician)
{{Short description|American politician (born 1961)}}
{{Infobox officeholder
| name = Arthur Ellis
| image = Arthur Ellis.jpg
| caption = Ellis in 2022
| state_senate = Maryland
| district = 28th
| term_start = January 9, 2019
| term_end =
| predecessor = Thomas M. Middleton
| successor =
| birth_name = Arthur Carr Ellis
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1961|07|26}}
| birth_place = Portland Parish, Jamaica
| party = Democratic
| spouse = Rosalind
| children = 2
| residence = Indian Head, Maryland, U.S.
| education = University of Maryland, College Park (BS)
City University of New York (MS)
| website = {{URL|https://www.arthurellis.us/|Campaign website}}
| allegiance = {{flag|United States}}
| branch = {{air force|United States}}
| profession = Certified Public Accountant
| serviceyears = 1983–2001
| rank = Second Lieutenant
| mawards = Commendation Medal
| committees = Finance
}}
Arthur Carr Ellis (born July 26, 1961) is an American politician and accountant who has served as a member of the Maryland Senate from the 28th district since 2019.
Background
Ellis was born in Portland Parish, Jamaica, on July 26, 1961.{{cite web |title=Arthur Ellis, Maryland State Senator |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa18045.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=March 2, 2019 |date=February 22, 2019}}{{cite web |last1=Marks |first1=Audrey |author1-link=Audrey Marks |title=Ambassador Marks Hails Jamaicans Who Won In Mid-term Elections |url=https://jis.gov.jm/ambassador-marks-hails-jamaicans-who-won-in-mid-term-elections/ |publisher=Jamaica Information Service |date=November 20, 2023 |access-date=July 5, 2023}} He graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park with a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and agriculture in 1983, and the City University of New York (CUNY) with a Master of Science in accountancy in 1990. He served in the United States Air Force from 1983 to 1989, and in the U.S. Air Force Reserves until 2001, attaining the rank of second lieutenant. He returned to the United States and moved to Maryland after being discharged from the military after being injured while serving.{{cite news |last1=Wright |first1=Charlie |title=Charles County NAACP honors black law enforcement, Hall of Fame members |url=https://www.somdnews.com/independent/spotlight/charles-county-naacp-honors-black-law-enforcement-hall-of-fame-members/article_b07e202e-44f3-56c9-ad09-1cc32a55e9c6.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Independent |date=March 21, 2018}}
After graduating from CUNY, Ellis became an associate at Mitchell & Titus, and afterwards worked as an instructor for the Maryland Association of Certified Public Accountants, the University of the District of Columbia, and the University of Maryland Global Campus until 1993. From 2008 to 2017, he worked as a volunteer leader at the University of Maryland Extension.
[[File:2018 Maryland Senate District 28 Democratic primary election.svg|thumb|left|175px|2018 Democratic primary results by precinct
{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#7996e2|Ellis}}
|{{legend|#7996e2|50–60%}}
|{{legend|#6674de|60–70%}}
|{{legend|#584cde|70–80%}}
}}
{{collapsible list
| title = {{legend|#f1c92a|Middleton}}
|{{legend|#f1c92a|50–60%}}
|{{legend|#DEB02A|60–70%}}
|{{legend|#ce9b1e|70–80%}}
}}
]]
Ellis became involved in politics as a member of the Charles County NAACP chapter, becoming its communications director in 2016. In March 2017, he criticized the state's $900,000 purchase and preservation of land where Josiah Henson was enslaved before escaping to freedom, arguing that the money would be better spent on youth programs.{{cite news |last1=Norris |first1=Joseph |title=Charles County NAACP celebrates 75 years |url=https://thebaynet.com/charles-county-naacp-celebrates-75-years-html/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=The BayNet |date=March 27, 2017}} He ran for the Maryland Senate in 2018, challenging six-term incumbent Thomas M. Middleton. Ellis defeated Middleton in an upset{{cite news |last1=Sanderson |first1=Michael |title=Middleton Upset in Senate Race, Among Numerous Annapolis Leaders Departing |url=https://conduitstreet.mdcounties.org/2018/06/27/middleton-upset-in-senate-race-among-numerous-annapolis-leaders-departing/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Conduit Street |publisher=Maryland Association of Counties |date=June 27, 2018}} in the Democratic primary on June 26, 2018, receiving 52.0 percent of the vote and edging out Middleton by 651 votes.{{cite news |last1=Zorzi |first1=William F. |title=Stunning Developments: Middleton, Vallario Lose, Conway Trails; Generational Change in Baltimore |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/06/27/stunning-developments-middleton-vallario-lose-conway-trails-generational-change-in-baltimore/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 27, 2018}} Following Middleton's defeat, the Maryland Republican Party targeted the district, backing businessman and Charles County Republican Party chairman Bill Dotson,{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Races for Maryland Senate, House of Delegates |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/09/30/races-for-maryland-senate-house-of-delegates/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=September 30, 2018}}{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Maryland GOP wages 'Fight for Five' campaign to end Democrats' supermajority in state Senate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-fight-for-five-20181017-story.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 26, 2018}} who Ellis defeated in the general election on November 6, 2018, with 66.2 percent of the vote.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=GOP's 'Drive for Five' Stalls |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/11/07/gops-drive-for-five-stalls/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 7, 2018}}
Maryland Senate
File:Senate Finance Testimony on Families Serve Act (53560516289).jpg
Ellis was sworn into the Maryland Senate on January 9, 2019. Since 2020, he has served as the assistant deputy majority leader.
= Committee assignments =
- Senate Chair, Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds, 2023–present
- Finance Committee, 2023–present
- Joint Committee on Ending Homelessness, 2019–present
- Education, Health and Environmental Affairs Committee, 2019–2022 (education subcommittee, 2019–2022; health subcommittee, 2019–2022)
- Joint Subcommittee on Program Open Space and Agricultural Land Preservation, 2019–2022
- Senate President's Advisory Work Group on Equity and Inclusion, 2020–2021{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Ferguson Convenes Senate Workgroup to Address Inequities |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/17/in-wake-of-ag-opinion-ferguson-convenes-another-workgroup/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 17, 2020}}
Political positions
During his 2018 campaign, Ellis described himself as a progressive Democrat.{{cite news |last1=Armus |first1=Teo |last2=Chason |first2=Rachel |title='Political earthquake': Progressives oust Democratic incumbents in statehouse primaries |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/political-earthquake-progressives-oust-democratic-incumbents-in-statehouse-primaries/2018/06/27/26994782-7a08-11e8-80be-6d32e182a3bc_story.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=June 27, 2018}}
= Education =
During the 2020 legislative session, Ellis voted against an amendment to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future that would provide $150 million in grants toward programs to improve students' behavioral health, arguing that it could "stigmatize poor kids and create a long-lasting trail of unemployability for these children".{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Senate Panels Approve Education Reform Bill With A Potential Off-Ramp After Five Years |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/12/senate-panels-approve-education-reform-bill-with-a-potential-off-ramp-after-five-years/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2020}} In January 2021, he said he supported overriding Governor Larry Hogan's veto of the Blueprint.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Cardboard Cutouts of Kids Featured at Pro-Kirwan Rally in Annapolis |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/13/cardboard-cutouts-of-kids-featured-at-pro-kirwan-rally-in-annapolis/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 13, 2021}}
During the 2022 legislative session, Ellis introduced a bill that would split up the College of Southern Maryland and use the college's La Plata campus to create a new Charles County Community College.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |date=February 2, 2022 |title=Senator Stands Alone in Fight Over Regional Community College |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/02/senator-stands-alone-in-fight-over-regional-community-college/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters}}
= Electoral reform =
During the 2021 legislative session, Ellis introduced a bill to require the makeup of local election boards to be based on the party affiliation of voters in each county, rather than the governor's political party.{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Bill Would Shift Party Control of Local Election Boards |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/19/bill-would-shift-party-control-of-local-election-boards/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 19, 2021}} He also supported a bill that would eliminate at-large county commissioner districts, requiring commissioners to be elected to individual districts.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=At-Large Districts Are Relics That Produce 'Absurd' Results, Voting Expert Says |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/18/at-large-districts-are-relics-that-produce-absurd-results-voting-expert-says/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 18, 2021}}
= Environment =
During the 2021 legislative session, Ellis introduced an amendment to the Climate Solutions Now Act that would prioritize tree planting projects in underserved areas, and another amendment requiring the state's climate transition workgroup to include a veteran, a formerly incarcerated person, two women and two NAACP members; both amendments were adopted.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Sweeping Climate Bill Passes Senate Committee After Four Voting Sessions |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/23/sweeping-climate-bill-passes-senate-committee-after-four-voting-sessions/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 23, 2021}}
= Policing =
During the 2021 legislative session, Ellis introduced a bill that would prohibit school resource officers from entering schools unless instructed or in the event of an emergency.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lawmakers Restructure the Role of School Police and Rethink School Disciplinary Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/31/lawmakers-restructure-the-role-of-school-police-and-rethink-school-disciplinary-measures/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 31, 2021}} The bill failed to move out of committee.{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=David |title=Havre de Grace police chief, city leaders opposed to school resource officer bills being considered in Annapolis |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/cng-ag-hdg-sro-20210302-uzb7xw4f5jglhk754ahxocbtea-story.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=The Aegis |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 2, 2021}}
In 2022, Ellis said he supported overriding Governor Larry Hogan's veto of a bill to repeal the Law Enforcement Officer's Bill of Rights.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Gaskill |first2=Hannah |title=The General Assembly Overrode Hogan's Vetoes of Police Reform Bills. We Break Down the Votes |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/10/the-general-assembly-overrode-hogans-vetoes-of-police-reform-bills-we-break-down-the-votes/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 10, 2021}}
= Transportation =
During his 2018 campaign, Ellis said he supported upgrades to U.S. 301 and Maryland Routes 5 and 210, as well as expanding MARC rail services to Charles County.{{cite news |last1=Lagasse |first1=Paul |title=Ellis defeats Middleton in primary |url=https://www.somdnews.com/independent/spotlight/ellis-defeats-middleton-in-primary/article_d504fa46-8b55-5e24-a31f-e6ac5caa3d5d.html |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Independent |date=June 29, 2018}} During the 2020 legislative session, he introduced a bill to provide $27 million toward building a light rail line in southern Maryland along Route 5,{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Lawmaker: MDOT Treats Southern Md. 'Like a Toilet' |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/10/lawmaker-mdot-treats-southern-md-like-a-toilet/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 10, 2020}} and another to provide inmates with Maryland Motor Vehicle Administration-administered identification cards and license renewal before their release.{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Bill Would Streamline Process of Supplying MVA ID Cards to Ex-Inmates |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/22/proposed-bill-would-streamline-process-of-supplying-mva-id-cards-to-former-inmates/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 22, 2020}}
During the 2021 legislative session, Ellis introduced a bill to rename Indian Head Highway to the President Barack Obama Highway.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Lawmakers Seek to Rename Md. Highway to Honor Former President |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/12/lawmakers-seek-to-rename-md-highway-to-honor-former-president/ |access-date=July 5, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 12, 2021}}
Personal life
File:2019 Governor's Buy Local Cookout (48322655986).jpg, 2019]]
Ellis is married to his wife, Rosalind. Together, they have two children.
Ellis was inducted into the Charles County NAACP Hall of Fame in 2018.
Electoral history
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 28 Democratic primary election, 2018{{cite web
| title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator
| date = July 31, 2018
| work = elections.maryland.gov
| publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01528.html}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Arthur Ellis
|votes = 8,309
|percentage = 52.0
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Thomas M. Middleton (incumbent)
|votes = 7,663
|percentage = 48.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 28 election, 2018{{cite web
| title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator
| date = December 11, 2018
| work = elections.maryland.gov
| publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01528.html}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Arthur Ellis
|votes = 37,585
|percentage = 66.2
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Bill Dotson
|votes = 19,063
|percentage = 33.6
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 145
|percentage = 0.3
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 28 election, 2022{{cite web
| title = Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator
| date = December 7, 2022
| work = elections.maryland.gov
| publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_6_28.html}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Arthur Ellis (incumbent)
|votes = 30,168
|percentage = 67.0
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Michelle Talkington
|votes = 14,765
|percentage = 32.8
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 64
|percentage = 0.1
}}
{{Election box end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
- {{cite web |title=Members – Senator Arthur Ellis |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/ellis01 |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=July 5, 2023 |date=May 22, 2023}}
- {{commons category inline}}
{{Maryland State Senators}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Ellis, Arthur}}
Category:21st-century African-American politicians
Category:African-American state legislators in Maryland
Category:African-American United States Air Force personnel
Category:American politicians of Jamaican descent
Category:City College of New York alumni
Category:Democratic Party Maryland state senators
Category:Military personnel from Maryland
Category:University of Maryland, College Park alumni
Category:University of Maryland Global Campus faculty
Category:University of the District of Columbia faculty
Category:Naturalized citizens of the United States
Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly