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Lesley Lopez
Lesley Lopez
Lesley Lopez
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Lesley Jeanne Lopez (born November 28, 1983) is an American politician who is a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from District 39. A member of the Democratic Party, she unsuccessfully ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 6th congressional district in 2024, losing to April McClain Delaney in the Democratic primary election.

Key Information

Early life and education

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The oldest of three siblings,[1] Lopez was born in Paget Parish, Bermuda,[2] while her mother Patricia was serving on active duty in the U.S. Navy. She grew up in Southern California in a blended family. As a child she was adopted by her stepfather, Emsley Lopez, also a naval officer. Her paternal grandparents migrated to the United States from the Philippines.[1][3]

Lopez attended schools in San Bernardino, California. While in elementary school, she survived a school shooting in which a man from a neighboring apartment complex began shooting at her classmates.[4] She later attended the University of California, San Diego, where she earned a B.A. in political science, and George Washington University, where she earned an M.P.A. in management.[5]

Career

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Early career

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After graduating, Lopez worked as a journalist for ABC News's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, BBC, CNN, America's Most Wanted, and the Eurovision Song Contest.[6] She also worked as an adjunct professor of communications at George Washington University, where she became a member of Service Employees International Union Local 500.[3]

Lopez first became involved with politics while working with immigrant families. She served as the press secretary for U.S. Representative Henry Cuellar from 2008 to 2011, afterwards serving as the communications director for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus until 2013.[7] In this capacity, she helped pass the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act through the U.S. Senate and reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, which was expanded to include protections for undocumented immigrants.[3]

Lopez later worked as the communications director for various other organizations, including the National Immigration Forum, the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, and the US-China Business Council, from 2014 to 2017.[5] Since 2017, she has worked as the chief communications director for Run for Something.[8]

Maryland House of Delegates

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In 2017, after state delegate Charles E. Barkley announced that he would run for the Montgomery County Council at-large district in 2018, Lopez filed to run for state delegate in District 39. She ran on a slate with state senator Nancy J. King and state delegates Kirill Reznik and Shane Robinson.[3] Lopez won the Democratic primary election on June 27, 2018, placing first with 21.3 percent of the vote.[9]

Lopez was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 9, 2019. She was a member of the Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2022, afterwards serving on the Health and Government Operations Committee.[5] Lopez ran for re-election in 2022, during which she formed a slate with union activist Clint Sobratti, who sought to unseat incumbent delegate Gabriel Acevero.[10] All three incumbents, including Acevero, won the Democratic primary on July 19, 2022.[11]

During the 2020 Democratic Party presidential primaries, Lopez endorsed U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren.[12]

Members of the Women's Legislative Caucus of Maryland stand on the steps outside of the Governor's House
Lopez was president of the Women's Legislative Caucus of Maryland (pictured) from 2022 to 2023

In March 2022, Lopez was voted in as the president of the Women's Caucus of Maryland by a 50–12 vote, one year ahead of when she was due to become its president under the caucus's traditional order. In response, the 11 Republican members of the caucus resigned from the caucus in protest, later demanding it be renamed to the "Democrat Women's Caucus of Maryland". Lopez defended her election, saying in an interview with Maryland Matters that she "had some plans of what I wanted to do [as caucus president] when I moved up so I accelerated the timeline" and had approached state senator Adelaide Eckardt, a Republican, about joining her leadership team, but she declined.[13] She had also sent handwritten notes to each of the members who had left the caucus. Republicans have since declined to rejoin the caucus, and have discussed forming their own.[14]

2024 congressional campaign

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Main article: 2024 Maryland's 6th congressional district election

On June 1, 2023, she announced her candidacy for the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 6th congressional district to succeed outgoing U.S. Representative David Trone.[15] During the Democratic primary, she received endorsements from several members of the legislature[16] and ran on a platform of gun safety, addressing the opioid crisis, and protecting reproductive rights.[17] Lopez was unable to put together a robust campaign[18] and was defeated by former National Telecommunications and Information Administration deputy administrator April McClain Delaney in the Democratic primary election on May 14, 2024, placing fifth with 4.6 percent of the vote.[19]

Political positions

[edit]

Education

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In September 2019, Lopez joined Maryland Attorney General Brian Frosh and 43 other members of the Maryland General Assembly in co-signing a letter to U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos asking for information about her implementation of the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.[20][21]

During the 2021 legislative session, Lopez endorsed a bill to expand collective bargaining rights to employees at Maryland's 16 community colleges.[22]

In April 2024, Lopez expressed concerns with efforts to ban books in public schools and libraries and called for federal protections against book bans. She also supported increasing funding for local school districts and teachers, and hiring more support personnel in schools.[23]

Gun policy

[edit]

In August 2019, Lopez said she opposed the Maryland State Police's decision to repeal limits for concealed carry permits for business owners, pointing out that the decision followed mass shootings in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio.[24]

In 2020, Lopez introduced a bill requiring firearms to be stored in an area where a minor could not gain access to it.[25]

During the 2021 legislative session, Lopez introduced legislation to ban privately made firearms.[26] The bill failed to pass out of committee.[27] She reintroduced the bill in 2022,[28] during which it passed[29] and became law without Governor Hogan's signature.[30] Following the bill's passage, Lopez was invited to the White House by President Joe Biden, where he announced a new United States Department of Justice rule regulating privately made firearms.[31]

Health care

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During the 2026 legislative session, Lopez introduced a bill that would require Medicaid and other state programs to cover the cost of monitoring devices for individuals with a higher chance of elopement.[32]

Israel

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Lopez supports a two-state solution to the Israeli–Palestinian conflict.[33] In October 2023, amid the Gaza war, Lopez said she supported Israel's right to defend itself and called for humanitarian aid to Palestine.[34]

Policing reform

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In June 2020, Lopez pledged to stop taking campaign contributions from the Fraternal Order of Police.[35]

During the 2023 legislative session, Lopez introduced a bill to allow municipalities to establish police accountability boards.[36]

Social issues

[edit]

In 2019, Lopez introduced a bill to expand the state's child pornography laws to include lascivious behavior and computer-generated images. The bill unanimously passed the Maryland General Assembly.[37]

In May 2022, following the leak of a draft majority opinion for the U.S. Supreme Court case Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, Lopez sent a letter on the behalf of the Women's Legislative Caucus of Maryland to Governor Larry Hogan, asking that he release the $3.5 million in funds to train abortion care providers as part of the Abortion Care Access Act.[38] Hogan denied her request, effectively delaying the law's implementation until July 2023.[39] During her 2024 congressional campaign, Lopez said that she would support codifying the Roe v. Wade decision on the federal level.[17] During the 2025 legislative session, she introduced legislation to create a $25 million grant fund to expand abortion access for uninsured or underinsured individuals.[40] The bill passed and was signed into law by Governor Wes Moore, but was blocked from going into effect by federal health officials, who said the program "exceeds permissible use" of the fees collected by the Affordable Care Act.[41]

During the 2023 legislative session, Lopez introduced a bill prohibiting the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services correctional staff from discriminating against gender nonconforming individuals and would allow these individuals to be housed in a facility that aligns with their gender identity.[42]

During the 2026 legislative session, Lopez introduced a bill that would expand the state's 311 system statewide through the use of AI chatbots and voicebots.[43]

Personal life

[edit]

Lopez is married to her husband Richard Kelly, an app developer at Capital One. The couple married on September 23, 2018, in a ceremony at the Woodend Sanctuary.[44][45] Together, they have two children.[46]

Electoral history

[edit]
Maryland House of Delegates District 39 Democratic primary election, 2018[47]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Lesley J. Lopez 5,422 21.3
Democratic Gabriel Acevero 5,116 20.1
Democratic Kirill Reznik (incumbent) 5,088 20.0
Democratic Shane Robinson (incumbent) 4,934 19.4
Democratic Bobby Bartlett 2,487 9.8
Democratic Andy Hoverman 1,281 5.0
Democratic Clint Sobratti 1,139 4.5
Maryland House of Delegates District 39 election, 2018[48]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Gabriel Acevero 28,554 31.0
Democratic Lesley J. Lopez 27,722 30.1
Democratic Kirill Reznik (incumbent) 25,236 27.4
Republican Verelyn Gibbs Watson 10,316 11.2
Write-in 324 0.4
Maryland House of Delegates District 39 election, 2022[49]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic Lesley J. Lopez (incumbent) 27,722 33.3
Democratic Gabriel Acevero (incumbent) 23,104 33.0
Democratic Kirill Reznik (incumbent) 22,292 31.9
Write-in 1,259 1.8
Maryland's 6th congressional district Democratic primary results, 2024[50]
Party Candidate Votes %
Democratic April McClain Delaney 22,985 40.4
Democratic Joe Vogel 14,940 26.3
Democratic Ashwani Jain 4,750 8.3
Democratic Tekesha Martinez 3,992 7.0
Democratic Lesley Lopez 2,600 4.6
Democratic Laurie-Anne Sayles 1,845 3.2
Democratic Destiny Drake West 1,086 1.9
Democratic Mohammad Mozumder 1,005 1.7
Democratic Joel Martin Rubin (withdrawn) 820 1.4
Democratic Peter Choharis (withdrawn) 818 1.4
Democratic Geoffrey Grammer (withdrawn) 651 1.1
Democratic George Gluck 437 0.8
Democratic Kiambo White 401 0.7
Democratic Stephen McDow (withdrawn) 246 0.4
Democratic Altimont Wilks 179 0.3
Democratic Adrian Petrus 166 0.3

References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Lesley Lopez

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Lesley J. Lopez is an American Democratic politician serving as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from District 39 in Montgomery County since January 9, 2019. She holds the position of Deputy Majority Whip, a leadership role within the Democratic caucus. Lopez serves on the Health and Government Operations Committee and previously sat on the Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2022. She has also led the Women Legislators of Maryland as president. In 2024, Lopez ran for the Democratic nomination in Maryland's 6th congressional district but remained in the state legislature following the primary. Prior to her election, she accumulated experience in public affairs, including work on Capitol Hill and in communications roles.

Early life and education

Family background and upbringing

Lesley Lopez was born on November 28, 1983, in , while her mother, Patricia Lopez, served on active duty as a in the United States . She was raised primarily in , where she grew up in a blended environment that emphasized military-influenced values such as service and resilience, shaped by her mother's naval career.

Academic and early professional training

Lopez earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in and from the . She subsequently pursued graduate studies at George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management, where she developed expertise in public affairs, political management, and communications strategies applicable to campaigns and government roles. Her early professional training centered on and , beginning with roles in newsrooms that honed her skills in media production and reporting. This foundation transitioned into Capitol Hill positions, including staff work that provided hands-on experience in legislative communications and advocacy, preparing her for subsequent leadership in organizations like the . These experiences, spanning over two decades by the time of her legislative service, emphasized practical training in navigating political and media environments.

Pre-political career

Journalism and media roles

Lopez entered after completing her , working in production roles for nearly a decade across several prominent networks and programs. Her initial position was as a on the Fox program from 2005 to 2006, where she supported investigative content focused on criminal pursuits. In 2009, she served in a production capacity at ABC News's This Week with George Stephanopoulos, contributing to the Sunday public affairs talk show. Lopez also held stints at BBC and CNN, engaging in newsroom operations, alongside involvement in Eurovision coverage, which encompassed international broadcasting logistics and event production.

Advocacy and Capitol Hill positions

Prior to her election to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2019, Lesley Lopez accumulated over two decades of professional experience in public affairs, including staff positions on focused on communications and advocacy. She served as a congressional staffer, handling roles that involved policy communication and legislative support, which equipped her with insights into federal policymaking processes. Lopez held the position of communications director for the (CHC), a group comprising Democratic members of Congress advocating for policies affecting Hispanic Americans, such as , , and access to education and healthcare. In this role, she managed media relations, press strategies, and public messaging to advance the caucus's legislative priorities, including efforts to promote comprehensive and protections for immigrant communities. Additionally, Lopez worked in communications at the National Immigration Forum, an advocacy organization that lobbies for policies emphasizing legal pathways, border security enhancements, and integration of immigrants into the workforce. Her contributions there centered on advocating for reforms to the U.S. system, including support for measures that would expand work visas and provide relief for undocumented immigrants brought to the country as children, aligning with broader pro- stances of the organization. These positions underscored her focus on issues impacting and immigrant populations through strategic communications and policy engagement on .

Political career

2018 election to Maryland House of Delegates

Lopez, a communications professional with prior experience at the and the National Immigration Forum, announced her candidacy for one of the three seats in District 39 as a Democrat in early 2018. The district, encompassing parts of Montgomery County including Silver Spring and Wheaton, is predominantly Democratic, making the June 26, 2018, primary the decisive contest. Lopez positioned herself as a fresh voice emphasizing advocacy for immigrant communities and progressive policies, receiving endorsements from incumbents Delegate Kirill Reznik and Delegate Shane Robinson, who highlighted her activist background amid internal party tensions over slate-making practices. The Democratic primary featured six candidates vying for three nominations: Lopez, Reznik, Robinson, Gabriel Acevero, Elizabeth A. Proctor, and David Moon. in the district was approximately 25%, with Lopez securing second place among the winners. Official results showed Acevero leading with 12,664 votes (24.5%), followed by Lopez with 11,048 votes (21.4%), and Reznik with 9,354 votes (18.1%); Robinson placed fourth with 8,682 votes (16.8%) and failed to advance. Lopez's campaign focused on organizing and critiques of establishment influence, framing the race as a push for democratic rather than incumbent-backed selections. In the November 6, 2018, , Lopez faced Republican Verelyn Gibbs Watson and minor-party candidates, but the heavily Democratic ensured a Democratic sweep. Lopez received 23,455 votes (30.2%), trailing Acevero's 24,210 (31.2%) but ahead of Reznik's 21,372 (27.5%), with Watson garnering 8,680 votes (11.2%). Her victory marked her entry into the , effective January 2019, alongside her primary co-winners.

Legislative tenure and committee assignments

Lopez was elected to the in November 2018 and sworn in on January 9, 2019, representing District 39 in Montgomery County. She secured re-election in November 2022 for the 2023–2026 term, maintaining her seat amid the Democratic supermajority in the chamber. During her tenure, Lopez has focused on issues intersecting , operations, and judicial matters, consistent with her committee roles. In January 2023, Lopez was appointed Deputy Majority Whip, a position assisting the in coordinating Democratic votes and floor strategy. This role underscores her rising influence within the Democratic , though Maryland's legislative sessions operate on a part-time basis with annual 90-day meetings. Lopez's initial committee assignment was to the House Judiciary Committee, where she served from 2019 to 2022, contributing to deliberations on , , and civil proceedings. Following the 2022 reorganization, she transitioned to the Health and Government Operations Committee, which oversees initiatives, insurance regulations, and state —areas aligning with bills she has sponsored on overdose prevention and healthcare access. No subcommittees or vice-chair roles are documented in official records for her assignments.

Key bills sponsored and legislative impact

During her tenure in the Maryland House of Delegates, Lesley Lopez has primarily sponsored legislation in , government transparency, and reproductive access, with several bills enacted into law. In the 2024 legislative session, she sponsored House Bill 411, which requires the Maryland Department of Health to report annually on standing orders for reversal drugs like , including distribution data and barriers to access; the bill was signed into Chapter 850 on May 9, 2024. In 2023, Lopez sponsored House Bill 58, part of the Maryland State Agency Transparency Act, expanding the Open Meetings Act to require state agencies to provide public notice and access to certain ethics commission proceedings; it became Chapter 149 on April 11, 2023. A prominent example from the 2025 session is , the Public Health Abortion Grant Fund Act, which Lopez sponsored to establish a $25 million fund sourced from implementation revenues (not general taxpayer funds) for grants covering care, travel, and related services for uninsured or underinsured patients; the bill passed the on March 28, 2025, the Senate on April 3, 2025, and was signed by on May 13, 2025, as part of 170 bills enacted that day. Lopez described the measure as building on Maryland's post-Dobbs leadership in , emphasizing non-taxpayer funding to mitigate interstate patient influx costs. Lopez's legislative impact is concentrated in her role on the House Health and Government Operations Committee, where she has influenced bills on medical access and reporting, though many of her sponsored measures address niche reporting requirements rather than broad reforms. Enacted bills have enhanced state oversight of reversal programs and agency transparency, potentially improving emergency response data collection, while the abortion grant fund expands service availability amid national restrictions, drawing support from reproductive rights advocates but criticism from opponents of state-funded procedures. Her sponsorship success rate reflects Democratic majorities in the General Assembly, with passed bills often aligning with party priorities on and .

2024 congressional campaign and aftermath

Lopez announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in on June 1, 2023, pledging to apply her experience as a state delegate to address issues like economic challenges and public safety at the federal level. , encompassing parts of Montgomery, Frederick, Carroll, and Washington counties, became open after incumbent Democrat sought a U.S. seat, drawing a crowded field of more than 15 Democratic candidates. Lopez's campaign emphasized her legislative record and background in public affairs, positioning her as a pragmatic voice amid competitors including Joe Vogel and former federal prosecutor McClain-Delaney. The Democratic primary occurred on , 2024, with 56,921 votes cast across 16 candidates. Lopez garnered 2,600 votes, equivalent to 4.57% of the total, placing her fifth behind Delaney (22,985 votes, 40.38%), Vogel (14,940 votes, 26.25%), Ashwani Jain (4,750 votes, 8.34%), and (3,992 votes, 7.01%). Delaney secured the nomination and went on to win the general election in November 2024 against Republican Neil Parrott. Lopez's modest showing reflected the fragmented field, where no candidate exceeded 40% in the first round, though her vote share trailed frontrunners who raised significantly more funds—Delaney reported over $2 million in contributions by early 2024, compared to Lopez's lower totals tracked by the . In the aftermath, Lopez conceded the primary and resumed her duties in the representing District 39, where she continued serving on committees including the Environment and Transportation and panels during the 2024 legislative session. No public endorsement of Delaney or other candidates emerged from Lopez post-primary, and her campaign focused on local constituent services rather than further federal pursuits by late 2024. The race highlighted divisions within Democrats, with Lopez's emphasis on state-level governance contrasting the national profiles of top finishers, though her bid elevated visibility for District 39 issues in a competitive primary environment.

Political positions

Domestic policy issues

Lopez has prioritized legislation, sponsoring and advocating for measures to regulate untraceable firearms known as "ghost guns." In the 2022 legislative session, she led efforts on House Bill 124, which banned the sale of ghost gun kits and unfinished frames or receivers starting June 1, 2022, and possession by January 1, 2023, a measure that advanced after reconciling differences between House and versions. The bill became law without the governor's signature, addressing a rise in unserialized firearms recovered at scenes, with law enforcement seizing over 300 such guns in 2021. Lopez argued in a 2021 Washington Post that state-level restrictions serve as a model for federal policy, citing the proliferation of these weapons via online kits that evade background checks. In criminal justice and policing, Lopez served on the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2022, where she co-sponsored bills enhancing penalties for sexual offenses by those in positions of authority and expanding victim compensation. She supported 2021 police reform initiatives, including bans on chokeholds and requirements for use, as endorsed by gun violence prevention groups emphasizing accountability alongside stricter purchasing rules. Her legislative record includes HB 575 in 2024, altering the Criminal Injuries Compensation Board to improve awards for victims of violent crimes. On social issues, Lopez has championed reproductive rights expansion, backing the Women's Legislative package of bills in 2023 to protect abortion access, including measures for insurance coverage and provider protections following the 2022 Dobbs decision. She co-sponsored an abortion grant program to fund services for low-income and out-of-state patients, highlighting in public statements the gap between legal rights and practical access amid increased demand in . As president of the Women Legislators of , she has focused on economic supports intertwined with , such as family leave and child care affordability. Regarding education, Lopez, a former educator, has aligned with efforts to bolster public schools through increased funding and supports for educators, including bills enacted in 2023 that expanded and resources amid post-pandemic recovery. Her committee work on Health and Government Operations has indirectly addressed school-related health mandates, such as opioid reversal training.

Education policy

Lopez sponsored House Bill 405 in the 2021 Maryland legislative session, which proposed authorizing courts to award attorney's fees and related costs to parents who prevail in judicial actions concerning the public of children with disabilities, aiming to facilitate greater parental advocacy in disputes. The bill reflects a position favoring enhanced legal support for families navigating individualized education programs under federal and state law. In higher education, she introduced House Bill 920, requiring Maryland institutions of postsecondary to submit annual reports on institutional debt to the Maryland Higher Education Commission by October 1, promoting fiscal transparency to inform policy on burdens and institutional solvency. This measure addresses concerns over rising administrative costs and borrowing in public and private colleges, potentially aiding oversight amid Maryland's postsecondary enrollment trends. Lopez has prioritized student health and safety in schools through sponsorship of House Bill 852, the Protecting Our Kids From Overdoses Act, which mandates policies for access to opioid overdose-reversing medications like in educational institutions to mitigate fentanyl-related risks among youth. The legislation underscores a focus on preventive interventions in K-12 and higher education environments, responding to national overdose data showing over 100,000 annual U.S. deaths, with increasing adolescent involvement. Her legislative record aligns with advocacy for public school resources, as demonstrated by co-sponsorship of bills enacted in 2023 that expanded educator supports and protections, earning endorsements from the American Federation of Teachers-Maryland for bolstering public education infrastructure. These efforts prioritize state-funded enhancements over market-based reforms like vouchers, consistent with Democratic priorities in Montgomery County, where public schools serve over 160,000 students.

Gun control and Second Amendment

Lopez has been a vocal advocate for measures in , sponsoring legislation to restrict unserialized firearms known as "ghost guns." In the 2022 legislative session, she introduced House Bill 1160, which prohibited the sale, receipt, and transfer of ghost gun kits and unfinished frames or receivers starting June 1, 2022, and banned possession effective January 1, 2023; the bill passed the General Assembly and was signed into law after overriding Larry Hogan's . This effort built on her earlier co-sponsorship of related bills, including measures to address unserialized firearms that evade background checks and traceability, positioning her as a leader in state-level prevention alongside groups like Moms Demand Action. She has supported broader restrictions on firearms, including Maryland's assault weapons ban enacted in , which the U.S. declined to overturn in a 2024 ruling, allowing the state to maintain limits on certain semi-automatic rifles and high-capacity magazines. Lopez publicly celebrated this decision on , emphasizing its role in combating while framing it as protective of community safety. Additionally, she has endorsed safe storage laws to prevent child access to firearms, arguing that such requirements could reduce accidental shootings and suicides by up to 50% based on data from advocates, and backed expansions of background checks, including efforts to override vetoes on universal check legislation in 2021. Regarding the Second Amendment, Lopez's legislative record prioritizes public safety regulations over expansive interpretations of individual gun rights, consistent with Democratic priorities in , though she has not publicly advocated for outright repeal of the amendment. Her positions align with state-level efforts to implement post-Heller restrictions, such as those upheld in federal courts, without direct commentary challenging the right to bear arms for . Critics from Second Amendment advocacy groups, including those responding to Maryland's post-Bruen permit reforms, have opposed similar measures as infringing on constitutional protections, but Lopez has framed her initiatives as targeted responses to rising gun trafficking and untraceable weapons rather than blanket disarmament.

Policing and criminal justice reform

Lopez serves on the Maryland House Judiciary Committee, which oversees legislation on policing and criminal procedure. In this role, she has addressed bills aimed at enhancing police accountability, stating in early 2020 that the committee would soon consider multiple police reform proposals amid national discussions following high-profile incidents. In 2023, Lopez sponsored House Bill 712, which authorized Maryland's 88 municipalities with police departments to create local police accountability boards, modeled after the statewide boards mandated by the 2021 Police Accountability and Reform Act. These boards review officer misconduct and recommend disciplinary actions, aiming to improve transparency without altering core policing structures. The bill passed the House but did not advance in the Senate. On matters, Lopez has prioritized bills strengthening penalties for violent and exploitative crimes over measures reducing incarceration. She co-sponsored the 2022 ghost gun ban (House Bill 1246), prohibiting unserialized firearms often linked to criminal activity, which was signed into law on May 12, 2022. Additional sponsorships include House Bill 226 (2023), elevating penalties for sexual offenses committed by authority figures against minors, and measures mandating hate crimes training for the Police Training and Standards Commission (2020). These efforts emphasize victim protections and enhancements rather than budget reallocations or sentencing reductions associated with some advocates.

Social and cultural issues

Lopez sponsored House Bill establishing the Care Access Grant Program and Fund, which provides state-funded grants to support access to services for low-income individuals traveling from restrictive states or facing financial barriers. This initiative, enacted amid post-Dobbs v. demand surges, allocated resources through the Department of Health to providers and funds, aligning with Democratic priorities to expand reproductive healthcare infrastructure despite fiscal debates over taxpayer involvement. No public record indicates positions on policies, —legalized federally since 2015—or explicit family structure advocacy beyond general women's participation promoting gender equity in legislation.

Foreign policy and international affairs

Lopez's involvement in foreign policy has been constrained by her role in the , where international affairs are not within state purview. Her public statements on such matters emerged prominently during her unsuccessful 2024 Democratic primary campaign for , where she addressed the Israel-Hamas conflict following the October 7, 2023, attacks.

Positions on Israel and Middle East conflicts

Lopez condemned the attacks on as a "brutal" assault and a "horrific ," emphasizing 's right to in response. In a district forum, she advocated for continued U.S. involvement in supporting 's security while urging measures to minimize civilian casualties in Gaza and provide humanitarian assistance. These positions align with mainstream Democratic views, balancing alliance with against calls for restraint and aid amid the escalation. No detailed stances on broader issues, such as or , were prominently featured in her legislative record or campaign materials.

Positions on Israel and Middle East conflicts

Lopez condemned the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, describing it as unleashing "cycles of terror" on Israeli civilians that must end. She affirmed 's right to while advocating for Palestinian freedom and prosperity, aligning with a two-state framework. In response to the ensuing Gaza conflict, Lopez called for an unconditional to address the , citing over 30,000 Palestinian deaths by April 2024 and deeming the scale of destruction unacceptable. During her 2024 congressional campaign, she emphasized continued U.S. support for Israel's security alongside urgent aid delivery and hostage releases. Earlier, upon entering the House race in June 2023, Lopez expressed commitment to engaging the Jewish community and maintaining a relationship with , stating she would not remain silent on relevant issues. Her positions reflect a balance between condemning and critiquing military escalation, consistent with moderate Democratic stances amid intra-party divisions on the conflict.

Controversies and criticisms

Opposition to legislative initiatives

Lopez has voiced opposition to efforts to expand rights in , including the Maryland State Police's 2019 decision to ease restrictions on permits for business owners by allowing modifications to remove work-related limitations. The change aimed to align state practices with court rulings on permit issuance but drew criticism from advocates, including Lopez, who argued it increased risks to public safety without sufficient safeguards. Her legislative record reflects consistent resistance to bills sought by Second Amendment supporters, such as those aiming to reduce restrictions on transport or permit requirements. In sessions tracked by pro-gun organizations like 2A , Lopez voted against multiple measures to protect or broaden gun owner rights, contributing to her low ratings on conservative scorecards like the John Birch Society's Freedom Index, where she scored 0% in 2023 for supporting government expansion over individual liberties. These positions have drawn rebukes from advocacy groups, who contend they prioritize regulatory burdens over needs amid rising concerns.

Personal and public incidents

Lopez survived a at age seven while attending elementary school in , where a gunman from a neighboring apartment fired multiple shots into the building. She has publicly recounted the trauma of hiding under her desk amid gunfire and the lasting impact on her advocacy for measures. As a survivor of , Lopez has drawn on her experiences to support related legislation and organizations, including serving on the national board of the National Network to End . In February 2023, shortly after testifying in favor of House Bill 600—which aimed to establish a on preventing nonconsensual dissemination of sexually explicit —Lopez received an unsolicited of a man's exposed genitals via direct message, an incident she described as cyber-flashing. She reported the harassment to underscore the urgency of her bill, which advanced despite the personal targeting.

Personal life

Family and residences

Lesley Lopez resides in , within Montgomery County, which encompasses her legislative District 39. She is married to Richard Kelly, and they have two sons, Max and Graham.

Public persona and affiliations

Lesley Lopez projects a public persona emphasizing authenticity in , drawing from her extensive background in communications and policy advocacy. Trained as a , she previously worked as communications director for the and as a staffer on , roles that informed her approach to legislative work focused on practical governance and community leadership. In her office, she displays family photos, highlighting her identity as a alongside her professional duties. As a member of the Democratic Party, Lopez has held key affiliations within the , including serving as Deputy Majority Whip since 2023. She is assigned to the Health and Government Operations Committee and previously served on the Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2022. Additionally, she has led the Women Legislators of Maryland as president, advocating for issues affecting female lawmakers. Lopez engages publicly through social media, maintaining an active presence on X (formerly Twitter) under @LesleyJLopez to communicate with constituents on legislative matters. Her affiliations extend to educational roles, such as directing the Public Relations and Communications master's program at University's College of Professional Studies since July 2024.

Electoral history

State delegate elections

Lopez first sought to the from District 39, a multi-member district in Montgomery County electing three representatives, in the 2018 cycle. In the Democratic primary on June 26, 2018, she competed against incumbents and other challengers, securing nomination as one of the top three Democratic candidates. District 39, encompassing urban and suburban areas including parts of Gaithersburg and Rockville, has consistently favored Democratic candidates due to its voter demographics. In the general election on , 2018, Lopez received 23,455 votes, representing 30.2% of the total, the highest share among all candidates and securing her seat alongside fellow Democrats Gabriel Acevero (25.9%, 20,143 votes) and incumbent Kirill Reznik (27.5%, 21,372 votes). The sole Republican candidate, Verelyn Gibbs Watson, garnered 8,680 votes (11.2%), insufficient to challenge the Democratic sweep in the district's heavily Democratic electorate. Voter turnout in District 39 exceeded statewide averages, reflecting competitive local interest. Lopez sought re-election in 2022 amid redistricting adjustments that minimally altered District 39's boundaries, maintaining its Democratic tilt. She again prevailed in the Democratic primary on , 2022, advancing with incumbents Acevero and Reznik. In the general on November 8, 2022, Lopez was re-elected to a second term, with the Democratic slate defeating Republican opponents in the multi-seat contest. Official canvass certified the results on , 2022, confirming her continued representation through 2026.
Election YearTypeCandidates (Top Results)VotesPercentageOutcome
2018GeneralLesley Lopez (D)23,45530.2%Elected
2018GeneralKirill Reznik (D)21,37227.5%Elected (incumbent)
2018GeneralGabriel Acevero (D)20,14325.9%Elected
2022GeneralDemocratic slate (incl. Lopez)N/A (certified win)N/ARe-elected

Federal congressional bids

Lopez announced her candidacy for the Democratic nomination in on June 1, 2023, following incumbent David Trone's decision to seek a U.S. seat. She positioned her campaign on her eight years of experience as a state delegate, focusing on issues such as , public safety, and constituent services drawn from her legislative record. The race attracted a crowded field of over a dozen Democratic contenders, including state delegates, local officials, and activists, amid the district's shift toward competitiveness after . Lopez filed with the under committee ID H4MD06233 and raised funds through small-dollar donations and contributions from -based PACs and individuals. Her campaign emphasized grassroots organizing in Montgomery County, her home base, while attempting to broaden appeal across the district's rural and suburban areas. In the Democratic primary on May 14, 2024, Lopez garnered 2,600 votes, representing 4.57% of the total 56,921 ballots cast, placing her sixth among the major candidates and failing to advance to the general election. McClain-Delaney won the nomination with 22,985 votes (40.38%), securing the Democratic line against Republican Neil Parrott in November. Lopez conceded the race shortly after the results were certified on June 13, 2024, and returned to her state delegate duties.

References

  1. https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa18035.html
  2. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/members/details/lopez01
  3. https://www.mceanea.org/delegate-lesley-lopez-d/
  4. https://marylandmatters.org/2024/04/08/meet-the-state-lawmakers-running-for-congress-del-lesley-lopez/
  5. https://gspm.gwu.edu/lesley-lopez
  6. https://www.latinomontgomerydems.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/LDC-2024-Candidate-Questionnaire-3.pdf
  7. https://www.lopezformaryland.com/about-lesley-1
  8. https://jewishinsider.com/2023/06/maryland-house-race-lesley-lopez-david-trone-democrat-primary/
  9. https://www.cps.gwu.edu/kudos-gspm-alumna-running-maryland-house-representatives
  10. https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/181654/lesley-lopez
  11. https://elections2018.news.baltimoresun.com/state-house/district-39/lesley-j-lopez/
  12. https://ballotpedia.org/Maryland_House_of_Delegates_District_39
  13. https://marylandmatters.org/2018/03/20/district-39-house-primary-39-we-39-re-a-democracy-not-a-monarchy-39/
  14. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_01639.html
  15. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_detail_results_2018_1_DEM01639.html
  16. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_detail_results_2018_2_BOT01639.html
  17. https://www.commercialappeal.com/elections/results/race/2018-11-06-state_house-MD-22166/
  18. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/lopez01?ys=2024RS
  19. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/lopez01?ys=2023RS
  20. https://marylandmatters.org/2025/04/03/shift-change-on-the-second-floor-an-abortion-bill-advances-and-chromite-is-ready-for-its-closeup/
  21. https://allaboveall.org/news/all-above-all-applauds-governor-moore-for-signing-new-law-to-create-grants-to-fund-abortion-services/
  22. https://kffhealthnews.org/news/article/maryland-abortion-care-traveling-patients-uninsured-affordable-care-act-fund/
  23. https://www.vpm.org/2025-07-17/maryland-taps-affordable-care-act-fund-to-help-pay-for-abortion-care
  24. https://legiscan.com/MD/people/lesley-lopez/id/20793
  25. https://marylandmatters.org/2023/06/01/political-notes-lopez-enters-congressional-fray-hoyer-backs-alsobrooks-district-17-developments-a-senior-lobbyist-departs-and-more/
  26. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/primary_results/gen_results_2024_3_6.html
  27. https://www.fec.gov/data/candidate/H4MD06233/
  28. https://www.facebook.com/LopezforMaryland/
  29. https://marylandmatters.org/2022/03/10/policies-diverge-on-house-and-senate-ghost-gun-bills/
  30. https://www.everytown.org/press/victory-for-gun-safety-bill-prohibiting-ghost-guns-will-become-law-following-tireless-advocacy-by-maryland-moms-demand-action-students-demand-action-volunteers/
  31. https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2021/12/17/rise-ghost-guns-maryland/
  32. https://marylandmatters.org/2021/01/28/moms-demand-action-backs-police-reform-legislation-calls-for-tighter-purchasing-restrictions/
  33. https://legiscan.com/MD/bill/HB575/2024
  34. https://marylandmatters.org/2023/02/24/womens-caucus-backing-package-of-bills-focused-on-reproductive-health-criminal-justice-and-economic-issues/
  35. https://x.com/lesleyjlopez
  36. https://marylandeducators.org/pro-public-education-bills-become-law/
  37. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/lopez01?ys=2021RS
  38. https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1812707
  39. https://md.aft.org/political/labor-endorsed-candidates-2022-primary-election
  40. https://mdpgv.org/legislative-priorities-2021/
  41. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DKdGcTwBMJF/
  42. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPWbnaqCG5p/
  43. https://www.everytown.org/press/moms-demand-action-applauds-senate-for-voting-to-override-gov-hogans-veto-of-background-check-legislation/
  44. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/local/maryland/supreme-court-gun-ruling-could-bring-avalanche-of-lawsuits-second-amendment-group-says/65-abe268b9-bf6f-4dc2-b877-01e833c71bfb
  45. https://bethesdamagazine.com/voters-guide/6th-congressional-district/lesley-lopez/
  46. https://marylandmatters.org/2023/02/27/proposed-legislation-would-allow-maryland-municipalities-to-create-police-accountability-boards/
  47. https://marylandmatters.org/2023/05/01/rollout-has-been-uneven-for-accountability-boards-required-by-2021-police-reform-effort/
  48. https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/Details/lopez01?ys=2020RS
  49. https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/24059
  50. https://marylandmatters.org/2025/03/14/gop-attempt-to-derail-abortion-funding-bill-falls-short-after-emotional-debate/
  51. https://bethesdamagazine.com/2023/10/31/how-do-marylands-sixth-congressional-district-candidates-think-the-israel-hamas-crisis-should-be-handled/
  52. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/04/11/lesley-lopez/
  53. https://bethesdamagazine.com/2024/04/22/tensions-flare-at-maryland-congressional-district-6-forum-in-clarksburg/
  54. https://montgomeryperspective.com/2024/04/29/cd6-questionnaire-unconditional-ceasefire-in-gaza/
  55. https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/08/06/maryland-state-police-ease-concealed-carry-gun-restrictions-for-business-owners/
  56. https://thefreedomindex.org/md/legislator/20793/votes/report-md-scorecard-2023/pdf/sca/
  57. https://www.2amaryland.org/legislative/2023/2023_MGA_Vote_Records_PDF_R2_05-12-23.pdf
  58. https://www.2amaryland.org/legislative/2024/2024_MGA_Vote_Records.pdf
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW0X1nawOL0
  60. https://www.dcnewsnow.com/news/capitol-review/del-lopez-on-living-through-a-school-shooting-part-1/
  61. https://marylandmatters.org/2023/02/20/maryland-delegate-harassed-with-unsolicited-sexual-image-after-her-testimony-against-the-practice/
  62. https://afro.com/maryland-delegate-harassed-with-unsolicited-sexual-image-after-her-testimony-against-the-practice/
  63. https://montgomeryperspective.com/2023/06/01/lesley-lopez-is-running-for-congress/
  64. https://www.chiefinfluencer.org/episodes/lesley-lopez-on-the-power-of-authenticity-in-public-service
  65. https://mediarelations.gwu.edu/gwu-college-professional-studies-enhances-pr-program-strategic-appointment-lesley-lopez
  66. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_p2018_2_01639.html
  67. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_7.html
  68. https://www.fredericknewspost.com/news/politics_and_government/elections/lopez-mcdow-join-district-6-congressional-race/article_c2186265-cd15-5558-aa53-e658a35b00e8.html
  69. https://bethesdamagazine.com/2023/06/02/del-lesley-lopez-is-second-dem-to-enter-race-for-trones-seat/
  70. https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/primary_results/gen_results_2024_6_cong_6_P.html
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