Four candidates, all Democrats, are running for three available spots in the 2026 Maryland House of Delegates District 22 election. Two current delegates, Anne Healey and Nicole Williams, are not seeking reelection. Ashanti Martinez is the only incumbent on the ballot.
Ashanti Martinez
Candidate Statement:
“I’m running for re-election to continue fighting for what matters most to Maryland families: strong public schools, affordable healthcare and real economic opportunity. As State Delegate and House Majority Whip, I’ve focused on policies that improve daily life like lowering barriers to care, supporting working families and investing in safer, healthier communities. I believe government should expand opportunity and protect people’s dignity. That means fully funding public education, strengthening our workforce, addressing housing affordability and making smart, responsible investments that move our state forward. I’m proud to represent District 22 and remain committed to showing up, listening and delivering results. This work is about building a Maryland where everyone, regardless of background, has a fair shot to succeed.”
Candidate Biography:
Martinez, 29, of New Carrollton, is a Maryland state delegate and House majority whip. He attended Parkdale High School and Howard University. Martinez has worked as an aide to the Maryland Legislative Latino Caucus, political director for a
congressional campaign, a constituent aide in Prince George’s County government and a policy analyst at CASA. He also served as chief of staff to a county councilmember before being elected to the House of Delegates.
Tracy Gant
Gant did not provide a candidate statement to the Greenbelt News Review.
Candidate Biography:
Gant is mayor of Edmonston and has served in local government since 1992, when she was first appointed to the town council. Elected mayor in 2014, she is the first Black woman to hold the position and has been re-elected multiple times. Gant has held leadership roles in the Maryland Municipal League, including serving as its president, and has also led several county and statewide municipal organizations. She is a military veteran and has more than two decades of experience as a property manager.
Craig Hayes
Candidate Statement:
“I refuse to stand by idly while ICE prepares a massive operation to snatch my neighbors off the streets and send them across the state to an illegal detention center in the county where I was raised. I am running for Delegate because I believe our ongoing constitutional crisis needs a new generation of state leaders who are willing to propose bold policy solutions to not only protect but strengthen our democracy. That is why I support electoral reforms like proportional ranked choice voting and special elections for legislative vacancies so that Maryland voters always have a voice in who represents them. With nearly two decades of experience organizing political campaigns and working directly with elected officials and community leaders, I will be ready on day one to represent the people of District 22 in Annapolis.”
Candidate Biography:
Hayes, 35, of Hyattsville, is a political consultant and campaign strategist with nearly two decades of experience. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Shippensburg University. Hayes worked as a field organizer for Barack Obama’s 2008 campaign, a staff assistant for Congressman John Delaney and a campaign manager for a Maryland House delegate race. He currently works as a senior advisor and project manager on local, state and federal political campaigns.
Molly McKee-Seabrook
Candidate Statement:
“I’m running for Delegate in District 22 as a third-generation Prince Georgian, mother of three, and public servant who understands the challenges facing working families. For over 14 years, I’ve worked in Maryland state policy delivering results for families – and as a proud PGCPS parent, I’m deeply invested in strengthening our schools.
My priorities include fully implementing paid leave, tackling the childcare crisis and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education. I’m committed to improving maternal and reproductive healthcare, making college more affordable and investing in our local economy. I will protect our most vulnerable neighbors and stand up to harmful federal actions that threaten our values and communities. I also believe we must take meaningful action on climate change and I have worked in Annapolis to secure funding for sustainability programs. I’m running to bring practical, compassionate leadership to Annapolis and fight for every family in District 22.”
Candidate Bio:
McKee-Seabrook, 38, of Hyattsville, is a state policy professional with more than 14 years of experience in Maryland government. She holds a bachelor’s degree from St. Mary’s College of Maryland and currently serves as associate director of government relations at the University of Maryland. McKee-Seabrook previously worked for six years as chief of staff to Senate President Bill Ferguson and one year as his legislative aide.
Stephen Lotz is a student at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism interning with the Greenbelt News Review.
