{{Short description|American politician (born 1961)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=March 2022}} {{Infobox officeholder |name = Kathy Szeliga |image = Kathy Szeliga Press Conference (28133161470) (cropped).jpg |state_delegate = Maryland |district = 7A |term_start = January 12, 2011 |term_end = |predecessor = J. B. Jennings |successor = |constituency = 7th district (2011–2023)<br>district 7A (2023–present) |alongside = Ryan Nawrocki |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|10|10}} |birth_place = Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |death_date = |death_place = |party = Republican |spouse = {{marriage|Mark|1980}} |children = 2 |education = Towson University (BA) }} '''Kathy Szeliga''' (born October 10, 1961) is an American politician who has served as a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates since January 12, 2011, and as Minority Whip from 2013 to 2021. Szeliga was the Republican nominee for the United States Senate in 2016 to replace Barbara Mikulski, who retired.<ref>{{cite news |first=Nicole |last=Gaudiano |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2015/03/02/barbara-mikulski-retires-senate/24252897/ |title=Longtime Sen. Barbara Mikulski to retire |date=March 2, 2015 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref>
==Background== Szeliga was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in October 1961. She is of Polish descent.<ref name="everywoman">{{Cite news |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-kathy-szeliga-senate-profile-20160421-story.html |title=Kathy Szeliga, Republican everywoman, says she brings business experience, blue-collar background |first=Erin |last=Cox |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |access-date=September 4, 2019 |date=April 21, 2016}}</ref> She was raised in a military family, her father being a lieutenant colonel in the United States Army. Szeliga married her husband in 1980, and the couple struggled financially at first. Szeliga worked as a dishwasher, a maid, and a housekeeper. She entered college in her thirties, enrolling at Towson State University and graduating summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in elementary education. She began working as a teacher in Baltimore City Public Schools and started a construction business with her husband.<ref name="Leading" />
Szeliga first got involved with politics in the mid-1990s, organizing opposition against the Maryland School Performance and Assessment Program, a controversial test used to assess schools.<ref name="Leading" /> She became involved with state politics after a family friend, James M. Kelly, was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates. She worked as a legislative aide to Kelly, then for Delegate John G. Trueschler, and eventually became chief of staff for then-State Senator Andy Harris.<ref>{{cite news |first=John |last=Fritze |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-md-senate-gop-2016-story.html |title=Kathy Szeliga wins GOP Senate nomination |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=April 27, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160428100139/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/2016-senate-race/bal-md-senate-gop-2016-story.html |archive-date=April 28, 2016}}</ref> She decided to run for Delegate after Del. J. B. Jennings decided to run for the State Senate. She was elected and immediately placed on the Appropriations Committee.<ref name="msa">{{cite web |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa15446.html |title=Kathy Szeliga, Maryland State Delegate |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=March 26, 2022 |date=March 14, 2022}}</ref><ref name="everywoman" /><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.daggerpress.com/2010/12/30/harford-2010-the-dagger%E2%80%99s-top-ten-stories-of-the-year/ |title=Harford 2010: The Dagger's Top Ten Stories Of The Year |work=The Dagger |date=December 30, 2010 |access-date=April 27, 2016}}</ref>
==In the legislature== thumb|Nawrocki (right) and Szeliga (left) represent District 7A in the Maryland House of Delegates. Szeliga was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 11, 2011. She served as a member of the Appropriations Committee from 2011 to 2015, the Transportation Committee from 2015 to 2016, and the Health and Government Operations Committee since 2017. From 2013 to 2021, Szeliga served as the House Minority Whip,<ref name="msa" /> making her the highest-ranking elected Republican woman in Maryland.<ref name="Leading">{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=A relative newcomer, Szeliga has become leading voice for GOP |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-kathy-szeliga-senate-profile-20161022-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 23, 2016}}</ref> A founding member of the Maryland Freedom Caucus,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=House Freedom Caucus could be gaining more firepower in Annapolis |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/08/01/house-freedom-caucus-could-be-gaining-more-firepower-in-annapolis/ |access-date=August 2, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 2, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Natalie |title=Maryland House Republicans launch freedom caucus to push back on Dems |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/01/14/maryland-house-republicans-launch-freedom-caucus-to-push-back-on-dems/ |access-date=January 14, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 14, 2025}}</ref> ''Maryland Matters'' has described Szeliga as one of the most vocal conservatives in the Maryland House of Delegates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Freshman House Republican riles colleagues with suggestion they're wasting their breath |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/14/freshman-house-republican-riles-colleagues-with-suggestion-theyre-wasting-their-breath/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 14, 2023}}</ref>
In May 2024, Szeliga faced criticism after making a Twitter post denouncing a video of "Queers for Palestine" protesters blocking a Florida interstate to bring attention to the Gaza war, writing, "These 'queers' need a one-way ticket to Gaza to see how Hamas feels about their lifestyle choices." In an interview with WBAL-TV, Szeliga rejected criticisms that her post was homophobic or anti-LGBTQ, saying that it was meant to be "informational".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Duncan |first1=Rachel |title=Maryland delegate stands by post calling out 'Queers for Palestine' in Florida |url=https://www.wbaltv.com/article/delegate-kathy-szeliga-social-media-post-calls-out-queers-for-palestine/60791069 |access-date=May 15, 2024 |work=WBAL-TV |date=May 14, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
In June 2024, Szeliga and three other Republican lawmakers signed onto a letter to the superintendent of Baltimore County Public Schools calling for the termination of Alexa Sciuto, a LGBTQIA+ advocate who taught at Baltimore County Schools. In the letter, the legislators alleged that Sciuto made death threats toward Kit Hart, the chair of the Carroll County Moms for Liberty chapter, citing a tweet from Sciuto that read, "Officer, I swear I didn't mean to murder her" above a picture of Hart. Sciuto had made the post after Hart failed to clearly define the word "woke" during a parents' rights panel in Towson. In June 2025, Sciuto filed a defamation lawsuit against the lawmakers, multiple Moms for Liberty members, and Libs of TikTok, claiming that her tweet was rhetorical and that the lawmakers had mischaracterized it as a death threat.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Griffith |first1=Kristen |title=Baltimore teacher sues state Republicans, Moms for Liberty members, Libs of TikTok |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/baltimore-county-schools-lawsuit-tiktok-D4YOI6FW4BHHDIVBFQ6ZIIYI2A/ |access-date=June 9, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=June 9, 2025 |language=en}}</ref> Sciuto's lawsuit against the lawmakers was dismissed in April 2026.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Segelbaum |first1=Dylan |title=Baltimore teacher can’t sue GOP lawmakers, but some claims can proceed |url=https://www.thebanner.com/education/k-12-schools/baltimore-teacher-defamation-lawsuit-lawmakers-moms-for-liberty-libs-of-tiktok-X6NOCBBANFBQBKH3UA4Z7WBPP4/ |access-date=April 22, 2026 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=April 21, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
Szeliga represented the 1st congressional district as a delegate to the 2024 Republican National Convention, pledged to Donald Trump.<ref>{{cite web |title=REPUBLICAN PARTY NATIONAL CONVENTION DELEGATES |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/40party/html/repc.html |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=16 November 2024}}</ref> Had Trump won Maryland in the 2024 presidential election, Szeliga would have been an elector pledged to Trump.<ref>{{cite web |title=Presidential Electors for the 2024 General Election |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2024/Electors_PG24.pdf |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=November 23, 2024}}</ref>
In February 2026, ''WBFF'' reported that Szeliga's campaign treasurer, James Appel, had been questioned by the Federal Bureau of Investigation regarding more than $100,000 in inconsistent bank balance connected to her campaign account. A few weeks later, Szeliga told ''The Baltimore Sun'' that her campaign finance committee may have been the victim of financial fraud, adding that she was cooperating with investigators, her campaign had begun an internal audit of its accounts, and would file amended finance reports with the Maryland State Board of Elections if discrepancies were found.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ibrahim |first1=Mennatalla |title=Del. Szeliga raises campaign fraud concerns as FBI probes $100K discrepancy |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/03/10/kathy-szeliga-campaign-fraud-victim/ |access-date=March 10, 2026 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 10, 2026}}</ref> In March 2026, Appel was indicted on federal charges of wire fraud and money laundering. According to the indictment, Appel allegedly routed $100,000 from Szeliga's campaign and another $100,000 from a local tennis nonprofit organization to refinance a loan on a 65-foot Pacific Mariner yacht.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fenton |first1=Justin |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Republican Party official indicted on wire fraud, money laundering charges |url=https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/maryland-james-appel-XDAWKSSKDZE2NJ56R2BHA77DEM/ |access-date=March 30, 2026 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 30, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
===Robocall controversy=== In June 2018, Szeliga accused state delegate Richard Impallaria of sending out campaign mailers attacking Szeliga by calling her a closet Democrat. Impallaria initially declined responsibility for this, but after Szeliga emailed him to say she would inform their GOP colleagues about the fliers targeting her, he forwarded the email to every member of the House Republican caucus in which he referred to himself as the "evil genius" responsible for the attacks on Szeliga.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Feuding Lawmakers Take Their Quarrel to House GOP Caucus |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/06/22/feuding-lawmakers-take-their-quarrel-to-house-gop-caucus/ |access-date=January 2, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 22, 2018}}</ref> The calls misleadingly claimed that Szeliga was a supporter of the transgender community and had voted in favor of a bill that would make it illegal to discriminate against someone on the basis of gender identity.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Delegate's Chief of Staff Charged for Misleading Robocall in 2018 GOP Primary |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/01/10/delegates-chief-of-staff-charged-for-misleading-robocall-in-2018-gop-primary/ |access-date=January 2, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Maryland GOP delegate's aide charged with making illegal robocall against fellow delegate on transgender issues |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-transgender-robocall-20190110-story.html |access-date=January 2, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 10, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hernández |first1=Arelis R. |title=GOP aide charged in connection with deceptive robocall about transgender rights |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/gop-aide-charged-in-connection-with-deceptive-robocall-about-transgender-rights/2019/01/10/fb34c854-1508-11e9-90a8-136fa44b80ba_story.html |access-date=January 2, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 10, 2019}}</ref>
===Redistricting lawsuit=== {{Tweet | name = Kathy Szeliga | username = KathyForMD | replyto = SpeakerAJones | date = March 26, 2022 | ID = 1507709380250251267 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20220326132208/https://twitter.com/KathyforMD/status/1507709380250251267 | archive-date = March 26, 2022 | url-status = dead | text = Bitches!! The court is not gonna like to see that. The seven judges that get to see this and make a final decision will not like this press release. That is even better for us }} In February 2022, Szeliga filed a lawsuit against the state's newly enacted congressional maps, arguing that the maps violated the Maryland Constitution's requirement that districts be compact and respect natural boundaries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stole |first1=Bryn |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland Republican delegates ask state's highest court to throw out new General Assembly district map |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-redistricting-lawsuit-20220210-pkt5za5webeejbv36adkna3zci-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 11, 2022}}</ref> On March 26, 2022, Judge Lynne A. Battaglia ruled that the congressional maps were unconstitutional, calling them a "product of extreme partisan gerrymandering".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jeff |last2=Opilo |first2=Emily |title=Finding 'extreme' gerrymandering in Maryland's new congressional map, judge orders do-over |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-congressional-redistricting-decision-20220325-pqwwrukaeremlis2xei5oekyqi-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 26, 2022}}</ref> Shortly after the ruling, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones released a statement on Twitter expressing disappointment in the ruling against the maps. Szeliga responded profanely to this statement, in a now-deleted tweet saying "Bitches!! The court is not gonna like to see that. The seven judges that get to see this and make a final decision will not like this press release. That is even better for us". She later apologized for the tweet, saying it was intended to be private and was inappropriate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Republican lawmaker draws criticism after tweeting profanity in response to Maryland General Assembly leaders |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-kathy-szeliga-20220326-20220326-cy3dotjngrbtvnhvgjonsiaplm-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 26, 2022}}</ref>
==2016 U.S. Senate campaign== {{Main|2016 United States Senate election in Maryland}} thumb|Kathy Szeliga for Senate campaign sign, 2016 Szeliga announced in November 2015 that she would be running for the Republican nomination to replace Senator Barbara Mikulski in the 2016 US Senate election in Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-szeliga-senate-20151110-story.html |title=Kathy Szeliga joins Senate race, seeking Mikulski's seat |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 10, 2015 |access-date=April 15, 2016 |first=Michael |last=Dresser |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117025846/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/bs-md-szeliga-senate-20151110-story.html |archive-date=November 17, 2015}}</ref> She was the first Republican in the 2016 Senate primary to release ads on television.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/2016-senate-race/bal-kathy-szeliga-airs-first-ad-in-gop-senate-primary-race-20160407-story.html |title=Kathy Szeliga airs first ad in GOP Senate primary race |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 7, 2016 |access-date=April 15, 2016 |first=John |last=Fritze |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410031224/http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/politics/2016-senate-race/bal-kathy-szeliga-airs-first-ad-in-gop-senate-primary-race-20160407-story.html |archive-date=April 10, 2016}}</ref> On April 15, Citizens United announced they had bought $25,000 worth of radio airtime to promote Szeliga ahead of the April 26 primary.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/citizens-united-airs-md-radio-ads-backing-gop-senate-candidate-kathy-szeliga/2016/04/15/df03f0c0-02fe-11e6-9203-7b8670959b88_story.html |title=Citizens United airs Md. radio ads backing GOP Senate candidate Kathy Szeliga |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 15, 2016 |access-date=April 16, 2016 |first=Fenit |last=Nirappil}}</ref> Szeliga won the primary on April 26, 2016, and faced Representative Chris Van Hollen in the general election on November 8, 2016,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.abc2news.com/news/national/democracy-2016/del-kathy-szeliga-wins-the-republican-nomination-for-open-us-senate-seat|title=Del. Kathy Szeliga wins the Republican nomination for open U.S. Senate seat|newspaper=ABC 2 Baltimore |date=April 26, 2016 |access-date=April 27, 2016 |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> in which she was defeated by a landslide 61% – 36% spread.<ref>{{Cite news |first=Deb |last=Belt |url=https://patch.com/maryland/bethesda-chevychase/maryland-senate-race-democrat-chris-van-hollen-vs-del-kathy-szeliga |title=Maryland Senate Race: Chris Van Hollen Easily Defeats Kathy Szeliga |date=November 8, 2016 |work=Bethesda-Chevy Chase, MD Patch |access-date=September 4, 2019}}</ref>
==Political positions== ===COVID-19 pandemic=== In April 2020, Szeliga co-signed a letter calling on the Maryland Department of Health to share data on the 2,000 inmates released during the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House Republicans Press Hogan Administration for Data on Prisons, Nursing Homes |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/04/26/house-republicans-call-for-hogan-to-disclose-date-about-newly-released-inmates/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 26, 2020}}</ref>
In August 2020, Szeliga condemned Montgomery County Health Officer Travis Gayles's decision to block private schools from holding in-person classes during the pandemic, calling it a "blatant abuse of power by an unelected bureaucrat".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Opilo |first1=Emily |title=Montgomery County health officials bar private schools from in-person classes in the fall |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-education-private-schools-reopen-montgomery-county-20200801-goabfw6myfh7lm423xk3brels4-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 2, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Montgomery County Yields on Private School Reopenings |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/07/montgomery-county-yields-on-private-school-reopenings/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 7, 2020}}</ref>
In June 2021, Szeliga celebrated Governor Larry Hogan's decision to end early the $300 supplemental weekly unemployment insurance provided by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Democrats Slam Hogan's Decision to End Expanded Unemployment Benefits, Look to Block Action |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/06/02/democrats-slam-hogans-decision-to-end-expanded-unemployment-benefits-look-to-block-action/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 2, 2021}}</ref>
===Crime and policing=== In 2020, Szeliga introduced a raft of anti-crime bills, including bills that would make gun theft a felony and another requiring individuals incarcerated for violent crimes to serve 90 percent of their term before they're eligible for parole.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House GOP Wants to Get Tough on Crime |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/16/house-gop-wants-to-get-tough-on-crime/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 16, 2020}}</ref>
In 2021, Szeliga opposed Anton's Law, a bill that would allow certain officer misconduct records to be available for public inspection, arguing that the bill would allow the disclosure of unfounded claims against police officers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Gaskill |first2=Hannah |title=The General Assembly Overrode Hogan's Vetoes of Police Reform Bills. We Break Down the Votes |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/10/the-general-assembly-overrode-hogans-vetoes-of-police-reform-bills-we-break-down-the-votes/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 10, 2021}}</ref> She also opposed the Police Reform and Accountability Act, an omnibus police reform bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Jones' Policing Bill Moves Forward Intact Despite Attempts to Amend It |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/11/jones-policing-bill-moves-forward-intact-despite-attempts-to-amend-it/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 11, 2021}}</ref>
During the 2023 legislative session, Szeliga introduced a bill to repeal the Juvenile Justice Reform Act, a bill that was introduced and passed in the previous year's legislative session that restricted the state's ability to charge juveniles for most offenses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Parker |first1=Luke |title=Anne Arundel Police complaints against reform are latest chapter in Maryland's troubled history with youth justice |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/crime/ac-cn-police-complaints-juvenile-justice-reform-20230126-uvdu6o45pjcapbaspqyjzqadzq-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Capital Gazette |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 26, 2023}}</ref>
===Development initiatives=== In September 2017, Szeliga joined delegates Richard Impallaria and Pat McDonough in signing a letter to Harford County Executive Barry Glassman urging him to stop issuing permits for homes being built in Joppatowne, Maryland, after an auxiliary men's organization of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community said that its builders would only sell homes in the community to Ahmadi Muslims. Shades and Springs Inc., the company building the homes, denied that they would only sell to Ahmadi Muslims, saying that its homes would be open to all.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Knezevich |first1=Alison |title=State lawmakers seek review of Harford County project |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-ha-old-trails-development-20170914-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 19, 2017}}</ref>
In April 2023, Szeliga wrote to the Maryland Department of the Environment to express concerns with a proposal to convert the LaFarge quarry in Middle River, Maryland into an industrial park, asking the agency to study the property before allowing development.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Russell |first1=Lia |title=Baltimore County Council member wants to amend planning process after opposition to Middle River quarry project |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-county/bs-md-co-bc-middle-river-park-protests-20230424-e3vzj3pn2racplt6qltwrsoe5a-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 24, 2023}}</ref>
===Education=== In March 2019, Szeliga opposed a bill that would allow local school districts to decide their class calendar, which undid an earlier executive order by Governor Larry Hogan that mandated a post-Labor Day start for schools statewide.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=House Joins Senate in Overriding Hogan's Veto of School Calendar Bill |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/03/29/house-joins-senate-in-overriding-hogans-veto-of-school-calendar-bill/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 29, 2019}}</ref>
During the 2021 legislative session, Szeliga introduced a bill to establish a full-time virtual public school.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Md. Republican Lawmaker Seeks to Create a Statewide Virtual Public School |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/03/md-republican-lawmaker-seeks-to-create-a-statewide-virtual-public-school/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 3, 2021}}</ref> She also opposed the legislature's veto override of the Blueprint for Maryland's Future, calling it "financially irresponsible".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Republican Delegates Offer Bills Pushing In-Person Learning |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/29/republican-delegates-offer-bills-pushing-in-person-learning/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 29, 2021}}</ref>
In April 2023, Szeliga sent a letter to State Superintendent Mohammed Choudhury accusing the Maryland State Department of Education of hiding scores from failing scores by altering data files available on the department's website. An investigation conducted by the state inspector general found no evidence of these claims.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Reed |first1=Lillian |title=Maryland State Department of Education did not cover up test scores from failing schools, inspector finds |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-test-scores-investigation-20230509-bjgtcizhbrcxrbm2jzmtz4lrhy-story.html |access-date=October 2, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 9, 2023}}</ref>
===Foreign policy=== During her Senate campaign, Szeliga was critical of the Iran Nuclear Deal.<ref name="FirstDebate" />
===Gun policy=== In 2013, Szeliga voted against a bill that banned assault rifles and required a person to obtain a license to buy a handgun.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hicks |first1=Josh |title=Szeliga sticks to her guns in opposing stricter firearms laws |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/szeliga-sticks-to-her-guns-in-opposing-stricter-firearms-laws/2016/08/05/81ca0108-5b26-11e6-9aee-8075993d73a2_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=August 6, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=House Democrats take push for gun control to home districts |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-ci-gun-violence-day-of-action-20160629-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 30, 2016}}</ref> In August 2016, during a meeting with gun control activists and gun violence victims, she said she supported stricter enforcement for existing firearms laws but opposed stricter regulations.<ref name="Sleeves" /> During the 2018 legislative session, Szeliga introduced the Parishioner Protection Act, a bill that would allow churchgoers to carry firearms.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=David |title=Controversial Harford bills to arm churchgoers, teachers going nowhere in General Assembly session |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/ph-ag-harford-gun-bills-20180405-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Aegis |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 5, 2018}}</ref> The bill was reintroduced in 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=David |title=Harford Del. Szeliga reintroduces bill to allow parishioners to carry guns |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/ph-ag-szeliga-church-bill-0213-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 12, 2019}}</ref>
===Health care=== During her Senate campaign, Szeliga said she opposed the Affordable Care Act, saying that it hurt small businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Small business group backs Kathy Szeliga for Senate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-small-business-group-backs-szeliga-20160908-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 8, 2016}}</ref> She did not support its repeal, saying that she instead supported making it more workable.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Furguson |first1=E. B. III |title=Szeliga campaigns in Annapolis after radio debate with Van Hollen |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/opinion/readers-respond/ph-ac-cn-szeliga-visit-1008-20161007-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Capital Gazette |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 8, 2016}}</ref> Szeliga also said she supported privatizing parts of medical care provided by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, but opposed a full privatization of the department.<ref name="Veterans">{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Senate candidates spar over medical care for veterans at first forum |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-first-senate-forum-20160917-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 17, 2016}}</ref>
In April 2023, Szeliga voted against a bill to establish a framework for a legal marijuana industry in Maryland following the passage of Question 4, saying she opposed the bill's various provisions in the licensing process and zoning requirements for dispensaries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |last2=Janesch |first2=Sam |title=Maryland lawmakers send cannabis legalization, gun control bills to governor ahead of Monday deadline |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-saturday-house-20230408-wvpbs3tw6jfmhh3zbs6vydcjzi-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 8, 2023}}</ref>
===Immigration=== During her Senate campaign, Szeliga said she opposed building a wall on the U.S.-Mexico border.<ref name="FirstDebate" />
During the 2020 legislative session, she introduced a bill that sought to protect Harford County's 287(g) agreement with the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).<ref>{{cite news |last1=Anderson |first1=David |title=Harford legislators enter 2020 session with new member, changes in General Assembly leadership |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/cng-ag-harford-legislative-preview-2020-0108-20200108-fn3kj3wmhnegrenu7ajyotbroq-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Aegis |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 8, 2020}}</ref> In February 2021, she opposed a bill to extend the state's earned income tax credit to undocumented immigrants.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=After Debate, House Approves Relief for Tax-Paying Immigrants |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/26/after-debate-house-approves-relief-for-tax-paying-immigrants/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 26, 2021}}</ref> In February 2026, Szeliga opposed a bill to prohibit counties from entering into 287(g) program agreements with ICE, saying that the programs helped remove serious offenders from communities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wilson |first1=Katharine |last2=Ibrahim |first2=Mennatalla |title=Maryland General Assembly pass ban on local officers, ICE agreements |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/12/maryland-ice-police-general-assembly-immigration/ |access-date=February 12, 2026 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 12, 2026}}</ref>
In February 2026, Szeliga criticized a bill passed by the Baltimore County Council to prohibit private detention facilities from operating in the county, saying in a joint statement with state delegate Ryan Nawrocki that there was no evidence that ICE intended to operate a detention facility in Hunt Valley and that Baltimore County "should be assisting federal authorities to protect the public, not fighting them".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Montcalmo |first1=Chris |title=Klausmeier applauds Baltimore County Council passage of bill banning ICE detention facilities, Delegates Szeliga and Nawrocki slam decision |url=https://nottinghammd.com/2026/02/18/klausmeier-applauds-baltimore-county-council-passage-of-bill-banning-ice-detention-facilities-delegates-szeliga-and-nawrocki-slam-decision/ |access-date=February 22, 2026 |work=Nottingham MD |date=February 18, 2026}}</ref>
===Minimum wage=== Szeliga opposes increases to the minimum wage, calling it a "short-term fix"<ref name="Leading" /> and saying that low-wage earners are more interested in a career than a bump in salary.<ref name="FirstDebate">{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Szeliga, Van Hollen clash in first Senate debate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-senate-debate-van-hollen-szeliga-20161005-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 7, 2016}}</ref>
===National politics=== During her Senate campaign, Szeliga said she opposed shutting down the government over policy disputes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Republican lawmaker mounting campaign for Senate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-senate-gop-20150927-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 28, 2015}}</ref>
In June 2016, Szeliga distanced herself from comments made by then-presumptive Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump against Judge Gonzalo P. Curiel, a federal judge of Mexican descent, calling them "insulting"<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Kathy Szeliga says Trump statements on Judge Gonzalo Curiel are 'insulting' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-kathy-szeliga-says-trump-statements-on-judge-gonzalo-curiel-are-insulting-20160606-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 6, 2016}}</ref> and "racist".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Nirappil |first1=Fenit |title=Maryland's GOP Senate nominee: Trump's comments on judge 'racist' |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/marylands-gop-senate-nominee-trumps-comments-on-judge-racist/2016/06/06/da33eb94-2c0d-11e6-9b37-42985f6a265c_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=June 6, 2016}}</ref> In October 2016, she said he was "appalled" by a vulgar discussion Trump had on ''Access Hollywood'' in 2005 about groping and trying to have sex with women.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hicks |first1=Josh |title=Szeliga, GOP Senate candidate, condemns Trump remarks but will vote for him |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/szeliga-md-senate-candidate-says-shes-appalled-by-trump-remarks/2016/10/08/15fe5f96-8d62-11e6-875e-2c1bfe943b66_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 8, 2016}}</ref> She later endorsed Trump in the 2016 United States presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fritze |first1=John |title=Kathy Szeliga, Chris Van Hollen clash in only televised Senate debate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-senate-debate-sun-wjz-20161026-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 27, 2016}}</ref> Szeliga also attacked Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server while serving as United States Secretary of State.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Portnoy |first1=Jenna |title='Man-splaining' and presidential politics: Maryland Senate debate |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/green-party-candidate-walks-on-stage-trying-to-crash-maryland-senate-debate/2016/10/26/6ab1a4cc-9b80-11e6-b3c9-f662adaa0048_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 26, 2016}}</ref>
In February 2019, Szeliga assisted Maryland Republican National Committee representative David Bossie in assembling a "Trump 2020 Leadership Team" in Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Costa |first1=Robert |last2=Hernández |first2=Arelis R. |last3=Johnson |first3=Jenna |title=Trump ally launches effort to blunt Md. governor's potential 2020 challenge |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/trump-ally-launches-effort-to-blunt-a-potential-2020-challenge-by-md-governor/2019/02/25/c3429464-393c-11e9-a2cd-307b06d0257b_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=February 25, 2019}}</ref>
In August 2020, Szeliga joined five other Republican state delegates in signing an American Legislative Exchange Council letter against providing additional federal assistance to cash-strapped states and counties, calling it a "bailout" for states that haven't managed their fiscal affairs properly.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=As states, localities face fiscal squeeze, budget hardliners say no to "bailout" |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/05/as-states-localities-face-fiscal-squeeze-budget-hardliners-say-no-to-bailout/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 5, 2020}}</ref>
In November 2020, Szeliga retweeted posts from House Minority Whip Steve Scalise and a video clip from Tucker Carlson Tonight that questioned the results of the 2020 United States presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Leading Md. Republicans Largely Align With Trump on Election Outcome |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/11/10/leading-md-republicans-largely-align-with-trump-on-election-outcome/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 10, 2020}}</ref> In July 2022, Szeliga defended U.S. Representative Andy Harris after the United States House Select Committee on the January 6 Attack said he had met with Trump to discuss a strategy on blocking the results of the presidential election in certain states, comparing it to supporters of Hillary Clinton questioning the results of the 2016 presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jeff |title=Leading Maryland Republicans don't condemn Rep. Andy Harris for meeting with Trump on blocking election results |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-andy-harris-trump-republicans-20220714-k6oxumnnzzc5vdlvqrpll2blqe-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 14, 2022}}</ref>
In May 2024, Szeliga signed onto a letter condemning the jury's guilty verdict in the Trump hush money trial, calling the ruling a "political prosecution from a kangaroo court and left-leaning prosecutor" that is turning the U.S. justice system into a "third world parody of law and order".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pittman |first1=Elijah |title=Maryland Democrats guarded, Republicans angry in wake of Trump conviction |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2024/05/31/maryland-democrats-guarded-republicans-angry-in-wake-of-trump-conviction/ |access-date=June 1, 2024 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 31, 2024}}</ref>
In February 2025, Szeliga defended the Trump administration's mass firing of federal employees, saying that she was receiving "thank-yous" from federal workers who saw firsthand how the government spends its money because of the furloughs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=O'Neill |first1=Madeleine |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |last3=Wintrode |first3=Brenda |title=Maryland's MAGA Republicans like what they're getting from Trump 2.0 |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/maga-trump-maryland-KMEGFBN3QNEG5OLNAZCKEM7ADM/ |access-date=February 16, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=February 14, 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
===Paid sick leave=== In January 2018, Szeliga said she opposed a bill to require employers with more than 15 workers to provide employees with paid sick leave, calling it "overly prescriptive".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |title=House overrides Hogan veto on sick leave; Miller predicts 'battle' in Senate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-sick-leave-veto-20180110-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 11, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Hicks |first1=Josh |last2=Wiggins |first2=Ovetta |title=House votes to override Hogan's sick-leave veto; showdown now moves to Senate |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/house-votes-to-override-hogans-sick-leave-veto-showdown-now-moves-to-senate/2018/01/11/b10a170e-f68a-11e7-beb6-c8d48830c54d_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 11, 2018}}</ref>
===Redistricting=== In February 2019, Szeliga supported a proposal to create a 2020 referendum to establish an independent redistricting commission in Maryland.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=GOP Redistricting Reform Measure Drawing Rare Bipartisan Support |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/02/03/gop-redistricting-reform-measure-drawing-rare-bipartisan-support/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 3, 2019}}</ref> In November 2025, amid proposals to redraw Maryland's congressional districts to counter Republican gerrymandering efforts in various red states, Szeliga said that she would sue to overturn any map passed by the Maryland General Assembly and gather signatures to petition the congressional map on the 2026 ballot.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mause |first1=Ben |title=Hoyer, Raskin push Ferguson to join redistricting fight; Md. GOP prepares legal challenge |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/11/10/hoyer-raskin-redistricting-ferguson-exclusive/ |access-date=November 10, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 10, 2025}}</ref> In January 2026, she criticized the process used by the Governor's Redistricting Advisory Commission to hear testimony on mid-decade redistricting proposals in Maryland as "authoritarian".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=MD House Republicans call redistricting pursuit 'authoritarian' |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2026/01/27/maryland-mid-cycle-redistricting-moore-gop-opposition/ |access-date=January 27, 2026 |work=Daily Record |date=January 27, 2026}}</ref>
===Social issues=== Szeliga has repeatedly introduced bills aimed at prohibiting transgender students from participating in girls' sports teams in schools.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Migdon |first1=Brooke |title=Maryland House committee defeats transgender sports ban |url=https://thehill.com/changing-america/respect/diversity-inclusion/596579-maryland-house-committee-defeats-transgender/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Hill |date=March 2, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Md. House committee kills bill to ban transgender kids from sports teams |url=https://www.washingtonblade.com/2024/02/01/md-house-committee-kills-bill-to-ban-transgender-kids-from-sports-teams-2/ |access-date=February 2, 2024 |work=The Washington Blade |date=February 1, 2024}}</ref> In March 2014, she voted against a bill banning discrimination against transgender people,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wheeler |first1=Tim |title=Assembly passes transgender rights bill |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-xpm-2014-03-27-bal-assembly-passes-transgender-rights-bill-20140327-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 27, 2014}}</ref> writing that it would "jeopardize the safety of women and little girls by allowing predators and pedophiles access to the women's bathroom, locker rooms, shower rooms and other similar places."<ref name="Sleeves" /> During the 2022 legislative session, Szeliga introduced an amendment to the Inclusive Schools Act, a bill to ban public schools and boards of educations from discriminating against students on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or sex, that would have blocked public schools from discussing gender and sexuality in the classroom. The amendment was blocked by a 95-37 vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House of Delegates Rejects Florida-Like Amendment to School Anti-Discrimination Bill |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/17/house-of-delegates-rejects-florida-like-amendment-to-school-anti-discrimination-bill/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 17, 2022}}</ref> This amendment was criticized by the Maryland State Education Association, who likened it to the "Don't Say Gay" law in Florida.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Tony |title=Pride group responds mixed-gender locker room issue in Harford public schools, says Cassilly is politicizing issue |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/cng-ag-upper-chesapeake-response-to-harford-county-public-schools-locker-rooms-20221021-dcctixlsp5gyfboh34kxj6suuu-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Aegis |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 21, 2022}}</ref>
During the 2019 legislative session, Szeliga introduced a bill with state delegate David Moon that would require legislative sessions to be livestreamed. The bill was withdrawn after House Speaker Michael E. Busch and Senate President Thomas V. Miller Jr. said they would begin livestreaming sessions in 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland lawmakers say bill requiring livestreamed sessions is unnecessary after promises from leaders |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-livestream-assembly-20190226-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 27, 2019}}</ref> On January 30, 2020, the Maryland General Assembly livestreamed its first legislative session on YouTube.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Live From Annapolis, it's the House of Delegates! |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/30/live-from-annapolis-its-the-house-of-delegates/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 30, 2020}}</ref>
During her Senate campaign, Szeliga said she would reject any Supreme Court nominee that supported abortion rights.<ref name="Sleeves" /> In February 2021, she joined state delegates Sid Saab and Dan Cox at a protest against abortion outside the Maryland State House.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anti-abortion advocates gather for socially distanced rally outside State House in Annapolis |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/politics/ac-cn-march-for-life-20210204-20210205-eaeoaekxznbujkktxfcictry5m-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Capital Gazette |date=February 5, 2021}}</ref> In February 2023, Szeliga said she opposed a bill that would create a 2024 referendum on codifying the right to abortion access, saying that "Maryland's current abortion laws are radical and should not be enshrined in our constitution".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Gov. Wes Moore supports package of bills to protect abortion services, patient and provider data |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-abortion-bills-20230209-n3vqwghcvbgqtgislayz2qfhpq-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 9, 2023}}</ref> to Later that month, she proposed an amendment to the bill that would ban late-term abortions.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House committee hears bills to protect abortion under Maryland constitution |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-jones-hb705-hearing-20230221-tj657f252vhpdeftb5thw5nm3e-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 21, 2023}}</ref>
During protests against the murder of George Floyd in June 2020, protesters in the Little Italy neighborhood of Baltimore tore down and threw a statue of Christopher Columbus into the Jones Falls canal of the Baltimore Harbor.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Allassan |first1=Fadel |title=Protesters toss Columbus statue into Baltimore's Inner Harbor |url=https://www.axios.com/protesters-christopher-columbus-statue-baltimore-38f46f8c-0819-4a9f-a135-961a89a248d3.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Axios |date=July 5, 2020}}</ref> Following this incident, Szeliga called to protect the statue, calling its removal "shameful".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Pols and Police Union Duke it Out On Twitter Over Christopher Columbus Statue |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/07/10/pols-and-police-union-duke-it-out-on-twitter-over-christopher-columbus-statue/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=July 10, 2020}}</ref>
In March 2021, Szeliga opposed a bill to remove "Maryland, My Maryland" as the official state song, likening the bill to cancel culture.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=Democrats on House Committee Vote to Repeal 'Maryland, My Maryland' as an Official State Symbol |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/03/08/democrats-on-house-committee-vote-to-repeal-maryland-my-maryland-as-an-official-state-symbol/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 8, 2021}}</ref>
During the 2025 legislative session, Szeliga opposed a bill that would remove the prohibition of selling condoms in public school vending machines.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Maryland House passes legislation to allow condoms in school vending machines |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/02/21/maryland-house-passes-legislation-to-allow-condoms-in-school-vending-machines/ |access-date=February 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 21, 2025}}</ref>
===Taxes=== During the 2019 legislative session, Szeliga introduced the "Commonsense Tax Cut Act of 2019", a bill to lower the state's income tax rate by 0.25%.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Maryland House GOP to push for state income tax cut, violent offender registry, single-member districts |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-gop-priorities-20190125-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 25, 2019}}</ref> The tax cut would have cost the state an estimated $400 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wiggins |first1=Ovetta |title=Md. GOP caucus wants a violent offender registry, a tax cut and redistricting reform |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/md-gop-caucus-wants-a-violent-offender-registry-a-tax-cut-and-redistricting-reform/2019/01/25/0ebf039c-203c-11e9-8e21-59a09ff1e2a1_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=January 25, 2019}}</ref>
In March 2021, Szeliga introduced an amendment to eliminate taxes on cable and satellite television services.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House Members Talk Digital Taxes During Revenue Package Floor Debate |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/12/house-lawmakers-talk-digital-taxes-during-revenue-package-floor-debate/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2020}}</ref>
In March 2022, Szeliga called on Governor Larry Hogan to provide $1,000 in tax relief to every Maryland resident.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |last2=Gaines |first2=Danielle E. |title=State Leaders Moving to Temporarily Suspend Gas Tax as Revenue Estimates Soar |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/03/10/state-leaders-moving-to-temporarily-suspend-gas-tax-as-revenue-estimates-soar/ |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 10, 2022}}</ref> In June 2022, she said she supported a suspension of the state's gas tax for the remainder of the year following the Russian invasion of Ukraine.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Janesch |first1=Sam |title=U.S. Rep. Harris pushes suspension of state but not federal gasoline tax ahead of automatic state increase |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/business/bs-md-pol-gas-tax-harris-szeliga-20220627-gwjvevdk6fa25btjfscfdzqpz4-story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 27, 2022}}</ref>
==Personal life== Szeliga met her future husband, Mark, in Ocean City, Maryland when she was a high schooler. The two moved to Boulder, Colorado when she was 18, and married in 1980. After the birth of her first child, they moved to Perry Hall, Maryland.<ref name="Leading" /> She is an evangelical Christian.<ref name="Sleeves">{{cite news |last1=Hicks |first1=Josh |title=Facing long odds in Senate bid, Kathy Szeliga — as usual — rolls up her sleeves |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/facing-long-odds-in-senate-bid-kathy-szeliga--as-usual--rolls-up-her-sleeves/2016/10/30/492cfd5a-8fc9-11e6-9c85-ac42097b8cc0_story.html |access-date=May 1, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=October 31, 2016}}</ref>
==Electoral history== {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 7 Republican primary election, 2010<ref>{{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_01607.html }}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Pat McDonough (incumbent) |votes = 6,479 |percentage = 27.2 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Richard Impallaria (incumbent) |votes = 5,678 |percentage = 23.8 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga |votes = 4,021 |percentage = 16.9 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Brian Bennett |votes = 1,838 |percentage = 7.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Marilyn Booker |votes = 1,808 |percentage = 7.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Roger Zajdel |votes = 1,783 |percentage = 7.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = John Cromwell |votes = 1,031 |percentage = 4.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Jim Berndt |votes = 873 |percentage = 3.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Laine O. C. Clark |votes = 312 |percentage = 1.3 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 7 election, 2010<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2010 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates | work = elections.maryland.gov | publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2010/results/General/gen_results_2010_2_01607.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Pat McDonough (incumbent) |votes = 27,217 |percentage = 23.1 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Rick Impallaria (incumbent) |votes = 25,450 |percentage = 21.6 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga |votes = 24,573 |percentage = 20.9 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Jeff Beard |votes = 14,885 |percentage = 12.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Kristina A. Sargent |votes = 13,551 |percentage = 11.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = James Ward Morrow |votes = 11,960 |percentage = 10.2 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 111 |percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 7 election, 2014<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2014 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates | work = elections.maryland.gov | publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01607.html | date = February 12, 2014}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Pat McDonough (incumbent) |votes = 35,627 |percentage = 26.9 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga (incumbent) |votes = 33,197 |percentage = 25.0 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Rick Impallaria (incumbent) |votes = 32,560 |percentage = 24.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Bob Bowie, Jr. |votes = 11,154 |percentage = 8.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Norman Gifford, Jr. |votes = 10,192 |percentage = 7.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Pete Definbaugh |votes = 9,707 |percentage = 7.3 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 145 |percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = United States Senate Republican primary election results in Maryland, 2016<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2016 Presidential Primary Election results for U.S. Senator | work = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2016/results/primary/gen_results_2016_3_007-.html }}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga |votes = 135,337 |percentage = 35.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Chris Chaffee |votes = 52,066 |percentage = 13.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Chrys Kefalas |votes = 36,340 |percentage = 9.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Richard J. Douglas |votes = 29,007 |percentage = 7.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Dave Wallace |votes = 23,226 |percentage = 6.1 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Sean P. Connor |votes = 21,727 |percentage = 5.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Lynn Richardson |votes = 20,792 |percentage = 5.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = John R. Graziani |votes = 16,722 |percentage = 4.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Greg Holmes |votes = 16,148 |percentage = 4.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Mark McNicholas |votes = 9,988 |percentage = 2.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Joseph David Hooe |votes = 8,282 |percentage = 2.2 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Anthony Seda |votes = 3,873 |percentage = 1.0 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Richard Shawver |votes = 3,155 |percentage = 0.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Garry Thomas Yarrington |votes = 2,988 |percentage = 0.8 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = United States Senate election results in Maryland, 2016<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2016 Presidential General Election results for U.S. Senator | work = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2016/results/general/gen_results_2016_4_007-.html }}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Chris Van Hollen |votes = 1,659,907 |percentage = 60.9 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga |votes = 972,557 |percentage = 35.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Green Party (United States) |candidate = Margaret Flowers |votes = 89,970 |percentage = 3.3 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 3,736 |percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 7 election, 2018<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates | work = elections.maryland.gov | publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01607.html | date = November 12, 2018}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga (incumbent) |votes = 38,617 |percentage = 25.4 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Lauren Arikan |votes = 35,476 |percentage = 23.3 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Rick Impallaria (incumbent) |votes = 34,223 |percentage = 22.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Allison Berkowitz |votes = 19,550 |percentage = 12.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Gordon Koerner |votes = 15,614 |percentage = 10.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Green Party (United States) |candidate = Ryan Sullivan |votes = 8,443 |percentage = 5.5 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 324 |percentage = 0.2 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 7A election, 2022<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election results for House of Delegates | work = elections.maryland.gov | publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_7_10.html | date = December 7, 2022}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Kathy Szeliga (incumbent) |votes = 18,034 |percentage = 37.1 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Ryan Nawrocki |votes = 17,859 |percentage = 36.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Lydia X. Z. Brown |votes = 12,371 |percentage = 25.5 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 295 |percentage = 0.6 }} {{Election box end}}
==References== {{reflist|30em}}
==External links== * [http://www.kathyformaryland.com/ Official Senate Campaign Site] * {{CongLinks | votesmart = 127407 | fec = S6MD03508 }} * {{C-SPAN|67063}}
{{s-start}} {{s-ppo}} {{s-bef|before=Eric Wargotz}} {{s-ttl|title=Republican nominee for U.S. Senator from Maryland<br>(Class 3)|years=2016}} {{s-aft|after=Chris Chaffee}} {{s-end}}
{{Maryland House of Delegates}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Szeliga, Kathy}} Category:1961 births Category:21st-century American women politicians Category:American campaign managers Category:American politicians of Polish descent Category:American women educators Category:Candidates in the 2016 United States Senate elections Category:Educators from Maryland Category:Living people Category:Politicians from Baltimore County, Maryland Category:Politicians from Baltimore Category:Republican Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates Category:Towson University alumni Category:Women state legislators in Maryland Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly Category:Christians from Maryland