Craig Zucker
{{Short description|American politician (born 1975)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}}
{{Infobox officeholder
|name = Craig Zucker
|image = Craig Zucker (54323755254) (cropped).jpg
|state_senate = Maryland
|district = 14th
|term_start = February 4, 2016
|term_end =
|predecessor = Karen S. Montgomery
|successor =
|state_delegate1 = Maryland
|district1 = 14th
|term_start1 = January 12, 2011
|term_end1 = February 4, 2016
|predecessor1 = {{ubl|Herman L. Taylor Jr.|Karen S. Montgomery}}
|successor1 = Pamela E. Queen
|birth_name = Craig Jason Zucker
|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1975|3|23}}
|birth_place = Englewood, New Jersey, U.S.
|death_date =
|death_place =
|party = Democrat
|spouse = Jenny
|children = 2
|education = St. Thomas Aquinas College (BS)
Johns Hopkins University (MA)
|website = {{URL|craigzucker.com|Campaign website}}
}}
Craig Jason Zucker (born March 23, 1975) is an American politician who has represented District 14 in the Maryland Senate since 2016. A member of the Democratic Party, he previously represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2011 to 2016.
Early life and education
Zucker was born in Englewood, New Jersey, and raised in nearby Teaneck.{{cite news |title=Happy Birthday To Englewood Democrat Craig Zucker |url=https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/englewood/neighbors/happy-birthday-to-englewood-democrat-craig-zucker/640157/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Englewood Daily Voice |location=Englewood, New Jersey |date=March 23, 2017 |language=en |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221349/https://dailyvoice.com/new-jersey/englewood/neighbors/happy-birthday-to-englewood-democrat-craig-zucker/640157/ |url-status=live }} He earned his Bachelor of Science from St. Thomas Aquinas College in 1997, and his masters degree in government from Johns Hopkins University in 2004.{{cite web |title=Craig J. Zucker, Maryland State Senator |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa15448.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=November 21, 2023 |date=January 23, 2023 |archive-date=July 7, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230707172650/https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/05sen/html/msa15448.html |url-status=live }}
Political career
Zucker first got involved in politics as a college intern for U.S. Senators Bill Bradley and Carl Levin, and later worked as a scheduler for Senator Barbara Boxer. He worked as a legislative director to Maryland state delegate Peter Franchot from 1999 to 2000, afterwards working as a deputy district director for U.S. Representative Albert Wynn until 2004. Zucker served as the vice-chair of the Mid-County Recreation Advisory Board in Montgomery County, Maryland from 2004 to 2006, and as the deputy chief of staff to Comptroller Peter Franchot until 2010.
In 2002, Zucker unsuccessfully ran for the Maryland House of Delegates in District 14,{{cite news |last1=Cottman |first1=Michael H. |title=Now, More Minorities On Ballot |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2002/09/05/now-more-minorities-on-ballot/7e1ffb57-9cfd-4852-a102-905654e9cf7c/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=September 5, 2002}} placing fourth with 12.3 percent of the vote in the Democratic primary election.
In August 2024, Zucker became a senior vice president of strategic development and government relations at Service Coordination Inc.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |last2=Sears |first2=Bryan P. |title=Sen. Craig Zucker to Service Coordination Inc., other personnel comings and goings |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/08/07/sen-craig-zucker-to-service-coordination-inc-other-personnel-comings-and-goings/ |access-date=October 14, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 7, 2024}}
=Maryland General Assembly=
Zucker was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 12, 2011, and was a member of the Appropriations Committee during his entire tenure. From 2015 to 2016, he served as the House chair of the Joint Audit Committee.
In December 2015, following the resignation of state senator Karen S. Montgomery, Zucker applied to serve the remainder of her term in the Maryland Senate.{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Longtime state legislator from Montgomery resigns |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/longtime-state-legislator-from-montgomery-resigns/2015/12/04/affc75de-9a96-11e5-8917-653b65c809eb_story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=December 4, 2015 |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130151826/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/longtime-state-legislator-from-montgomery-resigns/2015/12/04/affc75de-9a96-11e5-8917-653b65c809eb_story.html |url-status=live }} His candidacy was backed by Senate president Thomas V. Miller Jr.{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Miller pushes for Hogan to fill empty Senate seat for Montgomery County |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/miller-pushes-for-hogan-to-fill-empty-senate-seat-for-montgomery-county/2016/01/26/de812000-c44c-11e5-9693-933a4d31bcc8_story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=January 26, 2016 |archive-date=January 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160130085705/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/miller-pushes-for-hogan-to-fill-empty-senate-seat-for-montgomery-county/2016/01/26/de812000-c44c-11e5-9693-933a4d31bcc8_story.html |url-status=live }} In January 2016, the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee voted to nominate Zucker to fill the seat,{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |last2=Olivo |first2=Antonio |title=Montgomery Democrats nominate Del. Zucker to fill empty Senate seat |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/montgomery-democrats-to-nominate-someone-for-key-state-senate-seat/2016/01/21/f6a7f26c-bfdd-11e5-9443-7074c3645405_story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=January 21, 2016 |archive-date=August 10, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220810015500/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/montgomery-democrats-to-nominate-someone-for-key-state-senate-seat/2016/01/21/f6a7f26c-bfdd-11e5-9443-7074c3645405_story.html |url-status=live }} and Governor Larry Hogan appointed him to the seat at the end of the week. Zucker was sworn in on February 4, 2016.{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Craig Zucker to be sworn in as state senator Thursday |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-zucker-to-be-sworn-in-as-senator-thursday-20160203-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 3, 2016 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-zucker-to-be-sworn-in-as-senator-thursday-20160203-story.html |url-status=live }}
File:Bill Testimony SB295 (54282014150) (cropped).jpg
Zucker was a member of the Education, Health, and Environmental Affairs Committee until 2018, afterwards serving in the Budget and Taxation Committee. In December 2019, following the election of Bill Ferguson as President of the Maryland Senate, Zucker was named as the chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title='We Rise and Fall Together,' Ferguson Tells Nervous Montgomery Co. Leaders |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/13/we-rise-and-fall-together-ferguson-tells-montgomery-co-leaders/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 13, 2019 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/13/we-rise-and-fall-together-ferguson-tells-montgomery-co-leaders/ |url-status=live }} In August 2021, Ferguson appointed Zucker as the chair of the Capital Budget Subcommittee following the resignation of Douglas J. J. Peters.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Ferguson Adds to His Leadership Team, Shifts Some Senators' Committee Assignments |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/08/02/ferguson-adds-to-his-leadership-team-shifts-some-senators-committee-assignments/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 2, 2021 |archive-date=November 17, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231117224104/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/08/02/ferguson-adds-to-his-leadership-team-shifts-some-senators-committee-assignments/ |url-status=live }}
Since 2016, Zucker serves as the Senate member on the Maryland Commission on Disabilities.{{Cite web |title=Maryland Department of Disabilities |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/12dod/html/dod.html#commission |access-date=2024-06-05 |date=May 2, 2024 |website=Maryland Manual On-line |publisher=Maryland State Archives}}
Political positions
=Education=
In 2018, Zucker introduced a bill that would require the state to teach sexual consent. The bill passed and became law.{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |last2=Chason |first2=Rachel |title=Maryland lawmakers advance bill that requires schools to teach sexual consent |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-lawmakers-advance-bill-that-requires-schools-to-teach-sexual-consent/2018/03/30/3aa2f666-3448-11e8-8abc-22a366b72f2d_story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Washington Post |date=March 31, 2018 |archive-date=December 23, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223211830/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-lawmakers-advance-bill-that-requires-schools-to-teach-sexual-consent/2018/03/30/3aa2f666-3448-11e8-8abc-22a366b72f2d_story.html |url-status=live }}
During the 2019 legislative session, Zucker introduced legislation that would add seats for a parent and teachers to the Maryland State Board of Education,{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Lawmakers Again Look to Add Parent, Teachers to State Education Board |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/02/14/lawmakers-again-look-to-add-parent-teachers-to-state-education-board/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 14, 2019 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221349/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/02/14/lawmakers-again-look-to-add-parent-teachers-to-state-education-board/ |url-status=live }} and the Ready to Read Act, which requires school systems to provide additional support to kindergarten and first grade students with reading challenges. Both bills passed and became law.{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Hogan to Sign Bills That Expand Health Care, Increase Age to Buy Tobacco |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/05/12/hogan-to-sign-bills-that-expand-health-care-increase-age-to-buy-tobacco/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 12, 2019 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221350/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/05/12/hogan-to-sign-bills-that-expand-health-care-increase-age-to-buy-tobacco/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Here Is a Capsule Look at 10 Bills Hogan Allowed to Become Law |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/05/28/here-is-a-capsule-look-at-10-bills-hogan-allowed-to-become-law/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 28, 2019 |archive-date=April 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425072228/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/05/28/here-is-a-capsule-look-at-10-bills-hogan-allowed-to-become-law/ |url-status=live }}
In 2022, Zucker introduced a bill that would prohibit public schools from secluding other students except under certain conditions.{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Bill Would Require Cameras in Special Education Classrooms to Capture Possible Abuse |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/05/bill-would-require-cameras-in-special-education-classrooms-to-capture-possible-abuse/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 5, 2020 |language=en |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/05/bill-would-require-cameras-in-special-education-classrooms-to-capture-possible-abuse/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Lawmakers Consider Bill to Ban Seclusion in Maryland Public Schools |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/14/lawmakers-consider-bill-to-ban-seclusion-in-maryland-public-schools/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 14, 2022 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221349/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/14/lawmakers-consider-bill-to-ban-seclusion-in-maryland-public-schools/ |url-status=live }}
=Electoral reform=
In 2016, Zucker voted to overrode Governor Larry Hogan's veto on a bill that would restore voting rights to released felons.{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Released felons gain right to vote in Maryland after veto override |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-felons-voting-20160209-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 9, 2016 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-felons-voting-20160209-story.html |url-status=live }}
During the 2017 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill that would require Maryland to use an independent redistricting commission to draw its congressional and legislative districts if New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania all passed legislation to do the same. The bill passed, but was vetoed by Governor Hogan.{{cite news |last1=Zorzi |first1=William F. |title=Hogan Launches New Front in War on Gerrymandering |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/01/18/hogan-launches-new-front-in-war-on-gerrymandering/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 18, 2018 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/01/18/hogan-launches-new-front-in-war-on-gerrymandering/ |url-status=live }}
In 2018, Zucker introduced a bill that would require social media websites to record data on political advertisements and users targeted by them, which passed and became law without Governor Hogan's signature.{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Maryland to regulate political ads on Facebook after Gov. Hogan lets bill become law |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-facebook-ads-not-sign-20180525-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 25, 2018 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-facebook-ads-not-sign-20180525-story.html |url-status=live }}
=Gambling=
During the 2020 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill to authorize the state to issue sports betting licenses to fund the state's sports wagering industry and public schools.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Senate Passes Bill to Take Gambling Out of the State Constitution |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/18/senate-passes-bill-to-take-gambling-out-of-the-state-constitution/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 18, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221348/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/18/senate-passes-bill-to-take-gambling-out-of-the-state-constitution/ |url-status=live }} The bill passed and became law.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Sports Betting Will Go to Ballot in November |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/19/sports-betting-will-go-to-ballot-in-november/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 19, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221350/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/19/sports-betting-will-go-to-ballot-in-november/ |url-status=live }} After voters approved a statewide referendum to legalize sports betting in the 2020 general election, Zucker led a workgroup to develop a bill regulating the state's sports wagering industry,{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Sports Betting Compromise Sets Stage for Votes on Assembly's Final Day |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/10/sports-betting-compromise-sets-stage-for-votes-on-assemblys-final-day/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 11, 2021 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221349/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/10/sports-betting-compromise-sets-stage-for-votes-on-assemblys-final-day/ |url-status=live }} which passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Sports Betting Deal Approved Overwhelmingly; Hogan Likely to Sign |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/12/sports-betting-deal-approved-overwhelmingly-hogan-likely-to-sign/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 13, 2021 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221351/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/12/sports-betting-deal-approved-overwhelmingly-hogan-likely-to-sign/ |url-status=live }}
=Housing=
During the 2022 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill that would require the Comptroller of Maryland to redirect $14 million from abandoned property funds to a fund providing the right to counsel in eviction cases.{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=General Assembly Advances Tenant Protection Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/04/01/general-assembly-advances-tenant-protection-measures/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 1, 2022 |archive-date=November 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231106011157/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/04/01/general-assembly-advances-tenant-protection-measures/ |url-status=live }} The bill passed and became law.{{cite web |title=Legislation - SB0662 |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0662?ys=2022RS |website=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221350/https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/sb0662?ys=2022RS |url-status=live }}
= Israel =
In November 2023, Zucker and eight other state senators signed a joint letter that threatened to defund immigrants rights group CASA de Maryland because it had called for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza war and condemned the "utilization of US tax dollars to promote the ongoing violence."{{cite news |last1=Thakker |first1=Prem |title=Maryland Democrats Threaten Funding of Immigrant Rights Group That Called for Gaza Ceasefire |url=https://theintercept.com/2023/11/09/maryland-democrats-casa-gaza-ceasefire/ |access-date=November 10, 2023 |work=The Intercept |date=November 9, 2023 |archive-date=November 10, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231110002605/https://theintercept.com/2023/11/09/maryland-democrats-casa-gaza-ceasefire/ |url-status=live }}
=National politics=
In December 2019, Zucker participated in and spoke at a rally in Olney, Maryland, to support of the first impeachment of Donald Trump.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=7 Pro-Impeachment Rallies Set for Tuesday in Md. |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/17/7-pro-impeachment-rallies-set-for-tuesday-in-md/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 17, 2019 |archive-date=September 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230927110036/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/12/17/7-pro-impeachment-rallies-set-for-tuesday-in-md/ |url-status=live }}
=Social issues=
In March 2011, Zucker said he supported the Civil Marriage Protection Act, which legalized same-sex marriage in Maryland.{{cite news |first1=Sarah |last1=Breitenbach |first2=Alan |last2=Brody |title=Freshman legislators aren't shunning spotlight |url=http://www.gazette.net/stories/03112011/polinew194312_32535.php |newspaper=The Gazette |access-date=13 March 2011 |date=March 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303182421/http://www.gazette.net/stories/03112011/polinew194312_32535.php |archive-date=3 March 2016 |url-status=dead}}
In 2013, Zucker voted for a bill to repeal the death penalty in Maryland.{{cite news |title=House roll call |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-house-roll-call-death-20130315-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 15, 2013 |archive-date=June 20, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230620111607/https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-house-roll-call-death-20130315-story.html |url-status=live }}
During the 2018 legislative session and amid the MeToo movement, Zucker introduced legislation that would ban employers from imposing non-disclosure agreements on workers reporting sexual harassment and require employers with more than 50 workers to disclose information about their records in maintaining harassment-free workplaces. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Hogan Signs Bill Cracking Down on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/05/16/hogan-signs-bill-cracking-down-on-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 16, 2018 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601205314/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/05/16/hogan-signs-bill-cracking-down-on-sexual-harassment-in-the-workplace/ |url-status=live }}{{cite news |first=Michael |last=Dresser |title='Sextortion' ban among many new Maryland laws taking effect to protect women |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-new-laws-october-20180926-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 1, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601205314/https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-new-laws-october-20180926-story.html |url-status=live }}
File:Tommy Bloom Raskin Act Press Conference - 51262721315.jpg
During the 2021 legislative session and following the suicide of Jamie Raskin's son, Tommy, Cullison introduced a bill named for Tommy that would allow people to opt into periodic calls from 2-1-1 crisis counselors.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Public Health Bills That Address an Array of Challenges Pass in House |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/12/public-health-bills-that-address-an-array-of-challenges-pass-in-house/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2021 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221350/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/12/public-health-bills-that-address-an-array-of-challenges-pass-in-house/ |url-status=live }} The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Hogan.{{cite news |last1=Flynn |first1=Meagan |title=Mental health law named for Rep. Raskin's late son takes effect in Md. next week |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-tommy-raskin-211/2021/06/21/6750fba8-d211-11eb-ae54-515e2f63d37d_story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 21, 2021 |archive-date=June 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621224524/https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/maryland-tommy-raskin-211/2021/06/21/6750fba8-d211-11eb-ae54-515e2f63d37d_story.html |url-status=live }}
=Taxes=
During the 2012 legislative session, Zucker introduced legislation that would provide income tax breaks on up to $2 million of forgiven mortgage debt. The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Martin O'Malley.{{cite news |last1=Ambrose |first1=Eileen |title=Maryland offers tax relief on debt forgiveness |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bal-maryland-to-step-in-with-debt-forgiveness-tax-relief-if-congress-doesnt-act-20120522-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 23, 2012 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221350/https://www.baltimoresun.com/bal-maryland-to-step-in-with-debt-forgiveness-tax-relief-if-congress-doesnt-act-20120522-story.html |url-status=live }}
In 2013, Zucker voted for a bill to index the state's fuel taxes to inflation to pay for transportation projects.{{cite news |title=House roll call on gas taxes |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-house-roll-call-gas-tax-20130322-14-story.html |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 22, 2013 |archive-date=March 25, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230325223422/https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-house-roll-call-gas-tax-20130322-14-story.html |url-status=live }}
=Transportation=
During the 2020 legislative session, Zucker introduced a bill that would require the state to provide at least $500 million toward Maryland Transit Administration projects annually for five years.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title='We Have to Get Things Moving': Baltimore-Area Leaders Urge Transit Boost |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/13/we-have-to-get-things-moving-baltimore-area-leaders-urge-transit-boost/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 13, 2020 |archive-date=November 21, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221351/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/02/13/we-have-to-get-things-moving-baltimore-area-leaders-urge-transit-boost/ |url-status=live }} The bill died in committee.{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Bills Targeting Hogan's Highway Plans Advance; Transit Funding Measure Clears House |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/14/bills-targeting-hogans-highway-plans-advance-transit-funding-measure-clears-house/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 15, 2020 |archive-date=April 24, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230424104929/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/14/bills-targeting-hogans-highway-plans-advance-transit-funding-measure-clears-house/ |url-status=live }}
In 2021, Zucker introduced legislation that would prohibit the Maryland Transit Administration from purchasing buses that are not zero-emission.{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Senators Consider Sweeping Climate Bill - And More Modest Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/28/senators-consider-sweeping-climate-bill-and-more-modest-measures/ |access-date=November 21, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 29, 2021 |archive-date=November 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231118162049/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/28/senators-consider-sweeping-climate-bill-and-more-modest-measures/ |url-status=live }}
Personal life
Zucker is married to his wife, Jenny. Together, they have two children and live in Brookeville, Maryland. His son is autistic.{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Danielle J. |title=Hundreds of developmental disability advocates rally against DDA budget cuts |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/02/03/hundreds-of-developmental-disability-advocates-rally-against-dda-budget-cuts/ |access-date=February 3, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 3, 2025}} Zucker is Jewish.{{cite news |last1=Peck |first1=Louis |last2=Bixby |first2=Ginny |title=Political Notes: Montgomery County GOP elects Dennis Melby as chair |url=https://moco360.media/2024/01/20/political-notes-montgomery-county-gop-elects-dennis-melby-as-chair/ |access-date=January 21, 2024 |work=MoCo360 |date=January 20, 2024}}
Electoral history
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland House of Delegates District 14 Democratic primary election, 2002{{cite web |title=2002 Gubernatorial Election Official Results: Legislative District 14 |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2002/results/p_ld14.html |website=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=November 21, 2023 |date=March 19, 2003 |archive-date=April 16, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230416192215/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2002/results/p_ld14.html |url-status=live }}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Herman L. Taylor Jr. (incumbent)
|votes = 5,352
|percentage = 16.6
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Karen S. Montgomery
|votes = 4,678
|percentage = 14.5
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Anne Kaiser
|votes = 4,280
|percentage = 13.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Craig Zucker
|votes = 3,953
|percentage = 12.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Allan Mulligan
|votes = 2,970
|percentage = 9.2
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Robert "Bo" Newsome
|votes = 2,391
|percentage = 7.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Holly Reed
|votes = 2,217
|percentage = 6.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = A. Michael Kelley
|votes = 2,151
|percentage = 6.7
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Michael B. Dupuy
|votes = 1,420
|percentage = 4.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Mike Cafarelli
|votes = 1,137
|percentage = 3.5
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Peter G. Esser
|votes = 848
|percentage = 2.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Maryland Democratic Party
|candidate = Harold H. Huggins
|votes = 794
|percentage = 2.5
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland House of Delegates District 14 Democratic primary election, 2010{{cite web
| title = Official 2010 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for House of Delegates
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2010/results/Primary/gen_results_2010_1_01614.html
| access-date = 2023-11-21
| archive-date = 2023-07-08
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230708221406/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2010/results/Primary/gen_results_2010_1_01614.html
| url-status = live
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Anne Kaiser (incumbent)
|votes = 6,380
|percentage = 24.1
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Craig Zucker
|votes = 6,216
|percentage = 23.5
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Eric Luedtke
|votes = 3,696
|percentage = 14.0
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Jodi Finkelstein
|votes = 3,154
|percentage = 11.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Robert Bo Newsome
|votes = 2,834
|percentage = 10.7
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Gerald Roper
|votes = 1,660
|percentage = 6.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Neeta Datt
|votes = 1,288
|percentage = 4.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Vanessa Ali
|votes = 1,244
|percentage = 4.7
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland House of Delegates District 14 election, 2010{{cite web
| title = Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2010/results/General/gen_results_2010_2_01614.html
| access-date = 2023-11-21
| archive-date = 2023-07-08
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230708221429/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2010/results/General/gen_results_2010_2_01614.html
| url-status = live
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Anne Kaiser (incumbent)
|votes = 23,503
|percentage = 21.5
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Craig Zucker
|votes = 22,148
|percentage = 20.2
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Eric Luedtke
|votes = 21,165
|percentage = 19.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Patricia A. Fenati
|votes = 14,866
|percentage = 13.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Henry Kahwaty
|votes = 14,152
|percentage = 12.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Maria Peña-Faustino
|votes = 13,639
|percentage = 12.4
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 79
|percentage = 0.1
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland House of Delegates District 14 election, 2014{{cite web
| title = Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01614.html
| date = December 2, 2014
| access-date = November 21, 2023
| archive-date = August 13, 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230813210354/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01614.html
| url-status = live
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Anne Kaiser (incumbent)
|votes = 21,988
|percentage = 20.2
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Craig Zucker (incumbent)
|votes = 20,917
|percentage = 19.3
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Eric Luedtke (incumbent)
|votes = 20,012
|percentage = 18.4
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Patricia Fenati
|votes = 15,392
|percentage = 14.2
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Sharon Trexler Begosh
|votes = 15,096
|percentage = 13.9
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Michael A. Ostroff
|votes = 15,086
|percentage = 13.9
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 114
|percentage = 0.1
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 14 Democratic primary election, 2018{{cite web
| title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for State Senator
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01514.html
| date = July 31, 2018
| access-date = November 21, 2023
| archive-date = August 25, 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230825022249/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01514.html
| url-status = live
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Craig Zucker (incumbent)
|votes = 13,261
|percentage = 100.0
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 14 election, 2018{{cite web
| title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01514.html
| date = December 11, 2018
| access-date = November 21, 2023
| archive-date = November 22, 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231122035418/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01514.html
| url-status = live
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Craig Zucker (incumbent)
|votes = 40,262
|percentage = 72.6
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Robert Drozd
|votes = 15,177
|percentage = 27.4
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 52
|percentage = 0.1
}}
{{Election box end}}
{{Election box begin no change
| title = Maryland Senate District 14 election, 2022{{cite web
| title = Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for State Senator
| work = Maryland State Board of Elections
| url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_6_14.html
| date = December 7, 2022
| access-date = November 21, 2023
| archive-date = November 21, 2023
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20231121221349/https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_6_14.html
| url-status = live
}}
}}
{{Election box winning candidate with party link no change
|party = Democratic Party (United States)
|candidate = Craig Zucker (incumbent)
|votes = 40,262
|percentage = 73.3
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
|party = Republican Party (United States)
|candidate = Alex Bieber
|votes = 12,099
|percentage = 26.6
}}
{{Election box write-in with party link no change
|votes = 55
|percentage = 0.1
}}
{{Election box end}}
References
{{reflist}}
External links
{{commons category}}
- {{cite web |title=Members - Senator Craig J. Zucker |url=https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/zucker01 |website=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=November 21, 2023 |date=November 9, 2023}}
- {{URL|https://craigzucker.com/|Campaign website}}
{{Current Maryland State Senators}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Zucker, Craig}}
Category:Democratic Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates
Category:Democratic Party Maryland state senators
Category:Jewish state legislators in Maryland
Category:Johns Hopkins University alumni
Category:St. Thomas Aquinas College alumni
Category:People from Brookeville, Maryland
Category:Politicians from Englewood, New Jersey
Category:Politicians from Teaneck, New Jersey
Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly