{{Short description|American politician (born 1979)}} {{Use mdy dates|date=May 2023}} {{Infobox officeholder |name = Nic Kipke |image = House Committee Testimony (55064700814) (Kipke closer crop).jpg |caption = Kipke in 2026 |office = Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates |term_start = May 1, 2013 |term_end = April 13, 2021 |predecessor = Tony O'Donnell |successor = Jason Buckel |1blankname = Whip |1namedata = Kathy Szeliga |office1 = Member of the Maryland House of Delegates |term_start1 = January 10, 2007 |term_end1 = |alongside1 = LaToya Nkongolo and Brian Chisholm |predecessor1 = John R. Leopold<br>Joan Cadden |successor1 = |constituency1 = 31st district (2007–2015; 2023–present)<br>District 31B (2015–2023) |birth_name = Nicholaus Ryan Kipke |birth_date = {{birth date and age|1979|1|26}} |birth_place = Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |death_date = |death_place = |spouse = {{marriage|Morgan Uebersax||August 29, 2012|end=div}}<br>Susannah Warner |children = 3 |party = Republican |education = Anne Arundel Community College |website = {{URL|www.kipke.com/}} }} '''Nicholaus Ryan Kipke''' (born January 26, 1979) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing the 31st district since 2007. A member of the Republican Party, he previously served as the minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates from 2013 to 2021.
==Background== Kipke was born in Baltimore<ref name="msa" /> to father Ken Kipke.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title='Sine Die, Mike. Sine Die.' |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/04/09/sine-die-mike-sine-die/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 9, 2019}}</ref> He graduated from Chesapeake High School and later attended Anne Arundel Community College.<ref name="msa" />
After attending school and college, Kipke worked as a restaurant manager for FriendCo Restaurants until 2000, when he became a manufacturer representative for REPS & Associates, Inc.<ref name="msa" />
==In the legislature== thumb|Kipke speaks on the floor of the Maryland House of Delegates, 2026 Kipke was sworn into the Maryland House of Delegates on January 10, 2007. He represented District 31 from 2007 to 2015 and again since 2023, and District 31B from 2015 to 2023.<ref name="msa">{{cite web |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/06hse/html/msa14623.html |title=Nicholaus R. Kipke, Maryland State Delegate |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=June 8, 2019 |date=June 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Pasadena Republican Del. Nic Kipke runs for reelection to represent reconstituted District 31 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-kipke-reelection-20220221-kodi2szmhngt7ed3wgthohcy74-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> He has served as a member of the Health and Government Operations Committee during his entire tenure.<ref name="msa" />
In December 2008, following an unexpected drop in state revenues, Governor Martin O'Malley ordered a furlough for state employees.<ref>{{cite news |title=O'Malley Enacts Furloughs of Maryland State Employees |url=https://www.nbcwashington.com/local/omalley-enacts-furloughs-of-maryland-state-employees/1847551/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=WRC-TV |date=December 17, 2008}}</ref> Kipke voluntarily participated in the state employee furlough later that month. The constitutionality of doing this was unclear, as the Constitution of Maryland prohibits the state government from furloughing state legislators.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Green |first1=Andy |title=Another legislator furloughs himself |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-148829-another_legislator_furloughs_h-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 8, 2008}}</ref>
In May 2013, Kipke was elected Minority Leader, unseating Tony O'Donnell.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/cg2-arc-9d6104d9-d65c-5c68-882a-70671c21e1ea-20130501-story.html |title=Kipke ousts O'Donnell as Maryland House GOP leader |first=Alex |last=Jackson |work=The Capital |location=Annapolis, Maryland |date=May 1, 2013 |access-date=June 28, 2018}}</ref> He stepped down as minority leader in April 2021, saying that he would focus on upcoming elections in Anne Arundel County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Republicans in Maryland House of Delegates pick new leaders |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-house-gop-leaders-20210413-blf3g6c5bvepdgqmclktejbewm-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 13, 2021}}</ref> Kipke chaired the exploratory committee for Anne Arundel County councilmember Jessica Haire's 2022 Anne Arundel County executive campaign, later endorsing her candidacy in June 2021.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Romano |first1=Ada |title=Anne Arundel County Councilwoman Jessica Haire announces Republican run for county executive |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-nic-kipke-jessica-haire-20210616-20210616-hmtbnvxazfadvaqtazdgc5wase-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 16, 2021}}</ref>
===2023 sine die adjournment=== On April 10, 2023, less than 10 minutes before the legislature adjourned sine die, House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones sought to move onto the next bill after Minority Leader Jason C. Buckel had explained his vote on House Bill 1071. After a series of other Republican lawmakers began making appeals to also explain their votes, which were rejected by Jones, Kipke began shouting "I challenge the rule of the speaker" and called on someone else to take over proceedings for the rest of the legislative session, followed later with "Madame Speaker, you need to have a seat". Jones had limited the process of delegates explaining their vote given the short amount of time they had left in the legislative session.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Zorzi |first1=William F. |title=Chaos erupts in House of Delegates as tension grips final moments of General Assembly session |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/04/11/chaos-erupts-in-house-of-delegates-as-tension-grips-final-moments-of-general-assembly-session/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> Kipke was soon joined by a handful of other Republican state delegates, who began quoting the chamber's rule book and speaking over Jones, who responded, "Speaker's discretion. And that is what my discretion is".<ref name="Chaos">{{cite news |last1=Tansill-Suddath |first1=Callan |last2=Wintrode |first2=Brenda |last3=Wood |first3=Pamela |title=Minutes to midnight, chaos erupts on the floor of the House of Delegates |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/house-disruption-sine-die-VJEZXRR7SREXHI674HM2VDJBFA/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> This continued until the legislature adjourned sine die at midnight, preventing several bills from receiving a final vote before the deadline.<ref name="Chaos" /> The Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland demanded "a [public] apology for the disrespect" shown to Jones following this shouting match.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Md. Republicans demanded the speaker step aside. Black lawmakers demand an apology. |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/dc-md-va/2023/04/11/maryland-lawmakers-argue-session/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |newspaper=The Washington Post |date=April 11, 2023}}</ref> Kipke told ''The Baltimore Banner'' the next day that he had "nothing to apologize for", but later said that he called Jones to apologize for his tone.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland delegate apologizes for telling House speaker to 'sit down' |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/kipke-no-apology-4XW4AOBKT5AEBBKHJPQQ6VDU7A/ |access-date=April 11, 2023 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=April 11, 2023}}</ref>
===2026 Maryland Senate campaign=== {{main|2026 Maryland Senate election#District 31}} On March 25, 2025, Kipke announced that he would seek election to the Maryland Senate in 2026 to replace retiring state senator Bryan Simonaire, who endorsed his candidacy.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Natalie |title=Anne Arundel Sen. Bryan Simonaire not seeking reelection in 2026 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/03/25/anne-arundel-sen-bryan-simonaire-not-seeking-reelection-in-2026/ |access-date=March 25, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 25, 2025 |url-status=live |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250325214544/https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/03/25/anne-arundel-sen-bryan-simonaire-not-seeking-reelection-in-2026/ |archive-date=March 25, 2025}}</ref>
==Political positions== ===COVID-19 pandemic=== In April 2020, Kipke wrote a letter to Governor Larry Hogan calling on him to lift the state's ban on outdoor activities, which were put into place to slow the spread of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wagner |first1=Bill |title=Republicans to Hogan: Reopen the Chesapeake to recreational boaters during the coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/ac-cs-recreational-boating-restrictions-update-0422-20200422-feeclq3mdzf43gwrcw3fr2jfmq-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 22, 2020}}</ref> He also co-signed a letter to the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services to request more information about the 2,000 inmates released from custody at the beginning of 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 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 26, 2020}}</ref>
In August 2020, Kipke defended Hogan's decision to restrict counties from issuing restrictions on in-person instruction, saying "Every public school administration in the state has been given the opportunity to make a decision on reopening, the same opportunity should be afforded to private and religious schools".<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Hogan Strips Counties of Power to Block On-site Instruction |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/08/03/hogan-strips-counties-of-power-to-block-on-site-instruction/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 3, 2020}}</ref> He later supported Hogan's calls in January 2021 to reopen schools by March 1,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Shwe |first1=Elizabeth |title=Hogan Declares Schools Should Reopen by March, As Lawmakers Debate How To Address Learning Loss |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/21/hogan-declares-schools-should-reopen-by-march-as-lawmakers-debate-how-to-address-learning-loss/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 21, 2021}}</ref> calling it the House of Delegates Republican Caucus's "number one priority".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Whitlow |first1=James |title=Maryland House GOP bill seeks to use state funds to send students to private school if public schools don't reopen by fall |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/harford/aegis/cng-ag-caucus-education-20210128-c25pndh6ozfslikijz7tn22zie-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |newspaper=The Aegis |location=Bel Air, Maryland |date=January 28, 2021}}</ref> Kipke also wrote to Chief Judge Mary Ellen Barbera to request an update on the reopening of the state's courts.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=House Republicans Call for the Courts to Reopen |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/01/25/house-republicans-call-for-the-courts-to-reopen/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 25, 2021}}</ref>
During the 2021 legislative session, he said he supported the Hogan administration's RELIEF Act, a $1 billion coronavirus relief package that included stimulus checks and tax cuts for lower-income Marylanders and businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stole |first1=Bryn |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland Gov. Hogan proposes $1 billion COVID-19 relief legislation, including stimulus payments to some residents |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/coronavirus/bs-md-hogan-economic-relief-20210111-jurs5piasfextlyt4fon6yjbwe-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 11, 2021}}</ref>
===Crime and policing=== During the 2019 legislative session, Kipke introduced a bill that would strengthen sentences for murder convictions and repeat violent offenders to 10-year periods.<ref name="2019Agenda" /> In 2020, he introduced a bill that would require local governments to comply with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requests to detain individuals for an additional 48 hours.<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 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 16, 2020}}</ref>
In April 2021, Kipke was one of two House Republicans to vote in favor of the Maryland Police Accountability Act of 2021, a police transparency and accountability reform package.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stole |first1=Bryn |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland General Assembly passes landmark policing legislation, sends package to Gov. Hogan |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-police-reform-package-passes-20210407-6xrj6ni2iffpdlxboqnavjmjwy-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 7, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |last2=Kurtz |first2=Josh |title=General Assembly Passes Police Reform Package On to the Governor |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/04/08/general-assembly-passes-police-reform-package-on-to-the-governor/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=April 8, 2021}}</ref>
During the 2023 legislative session and following a 12-year-old bringing a loaded gun to school in January 2023, Kipke introduced a bill that would allow 10 and 12 year olds to be charged with gun crimes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ford |first1=William J. |title=House, Senate Republicans urge Democratic colleagues to 'take action' to combat violent crime |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2023/03/03/house-senate-republicans-urge-democratic-colleagues-to-take-action-to-combat-violent-crime/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 3, 2023}}</ref>
===Development initiatives=== In 2014, Kipke said he supported a bill that would cut off the National Security Agency from using the state's water and electricity infrastructure. He withdrew his support from the bill after U.S. Representative Dutch Ruppersberger criticized the bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jackson |first1=Alex |title=Kipke called a coward for withdrawing support of proposal to cut off NSA utilities |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/carroll/cct-arc-624b32a6-a9bc-56c1-b85e-ddf96f8d5c49-20140217-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Carroll County Times |publisher=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 17, 2014}}</ref> Kipke later said in December 2018 that he had signed onto the bill while rushing to a meeting and only discovered later what the bill proposed.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=New Lawmakers Get the Low-Down |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/12/06/new-lawmakers-get-the-low-down/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=December 6, 2018}}</ref>
In January 2016, Kipke said he supported Governor Larry Hogan's Project C.O.R.E. program, a $700 million plan to demolish and redevelop vacant homes in poorer areas of Baltimore.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wenger |first2=Yvonne |title=Gov. Hogan announces $700M plan to target urban decay in Baltimore |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/baltimore-city/bs-md-ci-hogan-demolition-20160105-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 5, 2016}}</ref>
===Education=== In February 2017, Kipke said he opposed a Baltimore City Public Schools request for $65 million to shrink a $130 million budget deficit and avoid laying off more than 1,000 workers, calling it a "problem with management" and saying he would not support the request unless the school system developed a plan to fix its budgetary issues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Dresser |first2=Michael |last3=Prudente |first3=Tim |title=Baltimore schools CEO: No commitments yet from State House, City Hall to close funding gap |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/education/bs-md-ci-schools-funding-hunt-20170215-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 15, 2017}}</ref>
In March 2017, Kipke voted against a bill that would limit suspensions and expulsions for elementary school students, speaking out against provisions that he said would "eliminate required parental involvement".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |title=Bill curbing suspensions, expulsions of youngest Maryland students nears final approval |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-suspension-expulsion-20170322-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 22, 2017}}</ref>
In March 2018, Kipke defended Governor Larry Hogan's decision to tie school safety funding to casino revenues, telling its critics to "check the partisanship at the door".<ref>{{cite news |last1=DePuyt |first1=Bruce |title=Upping the Political Stakes, Dems Say Hogan Safety Plan Falls Short |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2018/03/03/upping-the-political-stakes-dems-say-hogan-safety-plan-falls-short/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 3, 2018}}</ref> In 2019, he introduced a bill that would allow school systems to establish a "special police officer program" to patrol school buildings.<ref name="2019Agenda" />
During the 2020 legislative session, Kipke introduced an amendment to the Blueprint for Maryland's Future that would eliminate the education reform bill's spending mandates if its proposed programs did not improve student performance after three years. The amendment was rejected by the Maryland House of Delegates.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland House of Delegates approves historic, expensive plan to improve public schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-kirwan-vote-20200306-cic247gnpbg2vpvvvwcpmzwxz4-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 6, 2020}}</ref> He later criticized the Blueprint bill for not including any specific funding, which provided through other bills passed that year<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |last2=Gaskill |first2=Hannah |title=Sweeping Education Reform Bill Headed to Governor's Desk |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/03/18/sweeping-education-reform-bill-headed-to-governors-desk/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 18, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland lawmakers give final OK to sweeping education bill as early adjournment looms |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-assembly-tuesday-20200317-7lmml76wdrd7xcbvljy2ncsjqm-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 17, 2020}}</ref> that Kipke further criticized as a burden to Maryland residents and businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland would expand sales tax to professional services to pay for Kirwan school upgrades, under House leaders' plan |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-ga-kirwan-sales-tax-20200219-vo5iatrmrzhg7fpgrkp4twwefq-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 19, 2020}}</ref> In May 2020, Kipke co-signed a letter to Hogan asking him to veto the Blueprint bill, citing the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaines |first1=Danielle E. |title=House Republicans Press for Vetoes of Blueprint, Tax Bills |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/05/04/house-republicans-press-for-vetoes-of-blueprint-tax-bills/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 4, 2020}}</ref>
In April 2023, Kipke 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>
===Gun policy=== In 2019, Kipke proposed an amendment on a bill requiring background checks for long gun sales to ban 3D printed guns, which was rejected by the Maryland House of Delegates by a 47-85 vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Bill requiring background checks for private long gun sales moves forward in Maryland House of Delegates |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/anne-arundel/bs-md-house-gun-debate-20190316-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 16, 2019}}</ref> In 2020, he criticized a bill that would require background checks for shotgun and rifle transfers, saying it would "not do anything to protect Marylanders from gun violence".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Dems Call GOP Gun Bill Amendments 'a Distraction' |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2020/01/29/dems-call-gop-gun-bill-amendments-a-distraction/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 29, 2020}}</ref>
===Marijuana=== In 2016, Kipke voted to sustain Hogan's veto on a bill to decriminalize marijuana paraphernalia.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Hogan veto overturned; marijuana paraphernalia won't be a crime in Maryland |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-vetoes-overturned-20160121-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 21, 2016}}</ref>
===Minimum wage=== In March 2019, Kipke said he opposed a bill that would raise the state's minimum wage to $15 by 2025, arguing it would damage small businesses.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland House of Delegates approves bill to raise state's hourly minimum wage to $15 by 2025 |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/bs-md-minimum-wage-vote-20190301-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 1, 2019}}</ref>
===National politics=== In 2008, Kipke ran for delegate to the Republican National Convention in Maryland's 1st congressional district, pledged to former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani.<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2008 Presidential Primary Election results for Delegates to the Republican National Convention |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2008/results/primary/gen_results_2008_3_056X.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=May 15, 2023}}</ref> In 2012, Kipke served as a delegate to the Republican National Convention, pledged to former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney.<ref name="msa" />
In November 2020, Kipke defended President Donald Trump's false claims of 2020 election fraud, writing in an email to ''Maryland Matters'':<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 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 10, 2020}}</ref> {{blockquote|I think everyone should take a deep breath. The President has the right to challenge the results and there is a legal process for that. At the same time, Senator Biden has the right to think he has won. In due time we all will know who won and I encourage everyone to be respectful of people on both sides. If Biden wins, I'm going to pray that he does a good job as President and leads as a centrist and not allow the far left to dominate his policies. I don't know if there was election fraud but if there was it should be investigated. All legal votes must be counted.}}
In January 2021, Kipke condemned the January 6 United States Capitol attack and urged Republicans upset by the results of the 2020 presidential election to "understand that we are the party of law and order".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Campbell |first1=Colin |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Maryland State Police preparing for armed protesters at State House next week as FBI issues nationwide warning |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-hogan-security-20210111-kir3qo7tnzhr3nkcojayuilexy-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 11, 2021}}</ref>
===Redistricting=== During the 2019 legislative session, Kipke introduced a bill that would add an amendment to the Constitution of Maryland requiring the Maryland House of Delegates adopt single-member districts, eliminating its multi-member districts.<ref name="2019Agenda">{{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 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 25, 2019}}</ref> He also co-sponsored a bill that would require Maryland's congressional and legislative district maps to be drawn using an independent redistricting commission.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Hogan, GOP Expand the Battlefield in War on Gerrymandering |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/01/16/hogan-gop-expand-the-battlefield-in-war-on-gerrymandering/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 16, 2019}}</ref>
In February 2022, Kipke was one of three Republican state delegates to join a Fair Maps Maryland lawsuit against the state's new legislative redistricting map,<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 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 10, 2022}}</ref> later calling Anne Arundel County's districts "illegally gerrymandered".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=GOP delegates say new Anne Arundel County legislative districts are illegally gerrymandered |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-legislative-map-lawsuit-20220301-wvupz4ewrfeijiu2nlaqeuhcdi-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 1, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Republican Delegates Ask Court of Appeals to Throw Out New Legislative Map |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2022/02/10/republican-delegates-ask-court-of-appeals-to-throw-out-new-legislative-map/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 10, 2022}}</ref> The Maryland Court of Appeals ruled 4-3 against the plaintiffs in April 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Stole |first1=Bryn |title=Maryland's highest court rejects legislative map challenge, clearing way for July 19 primary |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-legislative-map-appeals-court-20220413-tlrr3bgmofdnjmerxfjrpa777e-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 13, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Lash |first1=Steve |title=Just-released opinion reveals Md. high court approved redistricting by single vote |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2022/09/01/just-released-opinion-reveals-md-high-court-approved-redistricting-by-single-vote/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Daily Record |date=September 1, 2022}}</ref>
===Social issues=== In 2015, Kipke voted in committee for a bill that would provide fertility treatment benefits to married lesbian couples, but said he would introduce an amendment to the bill that would repeal the state's in vitro fertilisation coverage requirement.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |title=Bill would require fertility benefits for lesbians |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/features/bs-md-in-vitro-benefit-20150317-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 18, 2015}}</ref>
In 2016, Kipke voted against a bill to restore voting rights for ex-felons, calling it a "distracting issue" in discussions on how to help people re-entering society.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Voting rights for felons spur impassioned debate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-felons-voting-20160118-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 18, 2016}}</ref>
In May 2019, Kipke penned a letter to Governor Larry Hogan asking him to withhold state funds from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra (BSO) after it cancelled its summer concert series and cut musicians' pay and vacation time.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Broadwater |first1=Luke |title=Legislative leaders call on Gov. Hogan to release funding for the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-hogan-bso-20190531-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 31, 2019}}</ref> He later voted in favor of a bill providing $3.2 million in additional funding to the BSO over two years in June 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=House GOP Sounds Discordant Note on BSO Funding |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2019/06/02/house-gop-sounds-discordant-note-on-bso-funding/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 2, 2019}}</ref>
In 2020, Kipke said he supported a referendum to legalize sports betting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Barker |first1=Jeff |title=Question 2 asks Marylanders to legalize sports betting. Where? Which sports? For exactly what purposes? Stay tuned. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-pr-md-sports-betting-maryland-referendum-20200930-dfnitf6elnhjljgrcfwi2huzny-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 30, 2020}}</ref>
In 2023, Kipke said he opposed the Maryland Child Victims Act, a bill that would eliminate the statute of limitations on child sexual abuse cases, saying that he considered the bill "unconstitutional". He later voted for the bill during legislative session.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Child Victims Act passes the Maryland House of Delegates, nears governor's desk |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-child-victims-house-20230331-id5cgmz6zbhvjl4ttlpe4z3kba-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 31, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=After years of attempts, Maryland will expand ability to sue institutions for child sexual abuse |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/child-abuse-lawsuit-legislation-6RF3BODPV5DQZDB46GEIRNG6UM/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Baltimore Banner |date=March 31, 2023}}</ref>
===Taxes=== Kipke criticized the O'Malley administration for repeatedly raising taxes during his tenure, calling it "the real crisis in Maryland",<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=O'Malley's final State of the State pitches minimum wage |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-omalley-final-state-of-the-state-to-pitch-minimum-wage-20140122-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 23, 2014}}</ref> and called for the repeal of Maryland's "Rain Tax".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dresser |first1=Michael |last2=Wheeler |first2=Timothy B. |title=GOP leaders call for tax cuts, repeal of stormwater fee |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-session-eve-20140107-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 7, 2014}}</ref> During the Hogan administration, he endorsed administration proposals and introduced bills to cut taxes in the state,<ref name="2019Agenda" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cox |first1=Erin |title=Maryland Governor Larry Hogan tax relief targets poor families, new manufacturing |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bal-hogan-tax-relief-targets-poor-families-manufacturers-20160112-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 12, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=House GOP Unveils Package of Bills to Aid Small Business |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/18/house-gop-unveils-package-of-bills-to-aid-small-business/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 18, 2021}}</ref> and criticized legislation raising taxes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Witte |first1=Brian |title=Maryland lawmakers propose alcohol tax hike for health plan |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-ap-health-disparities-alcohol-tax-20200921-7qzrrprcijekrjqughu2hmyuoa-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 21, 2020}}</ref><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 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 12, 2020}}</ref>
Kipke has criticized proposals to allow counties to implement a progressive income tax,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel county executive to push for state law allowing local progressive taxes |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/maryland/anne-arundel/ac-cn-progressive-taxes-20191209-20191210-3pqexcf4ezajpmmjtsr2jeybte-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=December 10, 2019}}</ref> calling the idea a "failed economic strategy" and an "adolescent approach to taxes".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman lobbies for progressive tax legislation |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/ac-cn-pittman-progressive-taxes-20210121-20210121-b3p3hhkqxvhv5g6oe4rogkhk2a-story.html |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 21, 2021}}</ref> In 2021, during a debate on a bill to allow counties to impose bracket-based income taxes, he introduced an amendment that would prohibit counties from increasing income taxes on wealthier residents without lowering taxes on those with lower income. The amendment failed by a 48-88 vote.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Leckrone |first1=Bennett |title=Roundup: House Republicans Attempt Amendments on Local Tax, Election Measures |url=https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/25/roundup-house-republicans-attempt-amendments-on-local-tax-election-measures/ |access-date=May 15, 2023 |work=Maryland Matters |date=February 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227125357/https://www.marylandmatters.org/2021/02/25/roundup-house-republicans-attempt-amendments-on-local-tax-election-measures/ |archive-date=February 27, 2021 |url-status=live}}</ref>
==Personal life== Kipke is married to his wife, Susannah Kipke, who owns Mrs. Kipke's Secure Gun Storage in Millersville, Maryland.<ref name="GunSafetyAct" /> Together, they have three children.<ref name="birth">{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Maryland House Minority Leader Nic Kipke helps deliver new daughter at home |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/ac-cn-kipke-birth-20190605-story.html |access-date=June 6, 2019 |work=The Capital |location=Annapolis, Maryland |date=June 4, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190605095401/https://www.capitalgazette.com/news/government/ac-cn-kipke-birth-20190605-story.html |archive-date=June 5, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> In May 2023, Susannah joined a National Rifle Association lawsuit challenging the Gun Safety Act of 2023, a gun control bill signed by Governor Wes Moore during the 2023 legislative session.<ref name="GunSafetyAct">{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Wife of Anne Arundel Del. Kipke joins suit challenging Maryland's new gun control laws |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/ticker/bs-md-pol-susannah-nic-kipke-gun-suit-20230518-6rh2ucba5zabpng57grkj4v4he-story.html |access-date=May 18, 2023 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 18, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230518200253/https://www.baltimoresun.com/ticker/bs-md-pol-susannah-nic-kipke-gun-suit-20230518-6rh2ucba5zabpng57grkj4v4he-story.html |archive-date=May 18, 2023 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
Kipke's first marriage, to Morgan Uebersax Kipke, ended in divorce in 2012.<ref name="juralindex">{{cite web |title=Morgan Nichole Kipke Vs Nicholaus Ryan Kipke Court Case Details |url=https://www.juralindex.com/civil/morgan-nichole-kipke-vs-nicholaus-ryan-kipke-case-details-6f4726cd84070cf886886a59d1aa05a4.html |website=JuralIndex.com |access-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608025358/https://www.juralindex.com/civil/morgan-nichole-kipke-vs-nicholaus-ryan-kipke-case-details-6f4726cd84070cf886886a59d1aa05a4.html |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The Vote Smart web site in 2013 listed Nic and Morgan Kipke as having two children.<ref>{{cite web |title=Representative Nic Kipke Biography |url=https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/67311/nic-kipke |website=VoteSmart.org |publisher=Vote Smart |access-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130527220115/https://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/67311/nic-kipke |archive-date=May 27, 2013}}</ref> Kipke's web site showed Nic and Morgan Kipke in photos with two children in 2008 and 2010.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nic Kipke, District 31 |url=https://www.kipke.com/ |website=Kipke.com |publisher=Friends of Nic Kipke |access-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120182734/https://www.kipke.com/ |archive-date=November 20, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Nic Kipke, District 31 |url=https://www.kipke.com/ |website=Kipke.com |publisher=Friends of Nic Kipke |access-date=January 13, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100807155653/https://www.kipke.com/ |archive-date=August 7, 2010}}</ref>
Kipke is the chair of the church council of the Our Lady of the Chesapeake Catholic Church in Pasadena, Maryland.<ref name="msa" />
==Electoral history== {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 31 Republican primary election, 2006<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2006 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Legislative District 31 | work = elections.maryland.gov | publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2006/results/primary/legislative_district_31.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Steve Schuh |votes = 4,860 |percentage = 28.6 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Don H. Dwyer Jr. |votes = 3,641 |percentage = 21.5 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Nicholaus R. Kipke |votes = 3,514 |percentage = 20.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = James Christopher Braswell |votes = 2,627 |percentage = 15.5 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Pat Corcoran |votes = 2,325 |percentage = 13.7 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 31 election, 2006<ref>{{cite web | title = Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election results for Legislative District 31 | work = elections.maryland.gov | publisher = Maryland State Board of Elections | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2006/results/general/legislative_district_31.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Nicholaus R. Kipke |votes = 19,049 |percentage = 18.4 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Don H. Dwyer Jr. |votes = 18,150 |percentage = 17.5 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Steve Schuh |votes = 17,558 |percentage = 17.0 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Joan Cadden (incumbent) |votes = 17,533 |percentage = 16.9 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Thomas J. Fleckenstein |votes = 16,654 |percentage = 16.1 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Craig A. Reynolds |votes = 14,454 |percentage = 14.0 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 58 |percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 31 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_01631.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Nicholaus R. Kipke (incumbent) |votes = 24,143 |percentage = 22.0 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Steve Schuh (incumbent) |votes = 22,805 |percentage = 20.7 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Don Dwyer, Jr. (incumbent) |votes = 22,452 |percentage = 20.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Jeremiah Chiappelli |votes = 12,943 |percentage = 11.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Justin M. Towles |votes = 11,968 |percentage = 10.9 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Robert L. Eckert |votes = 11,856 |percentage = 10.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Libertarian Party (United States) |candidate = Joshua Matthew Crandall |votes = 2,015 |percentage = 1.8 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Constitution Party (United States) |candidate = Cory Faust, Sr. |votes = 1,660 |percentage = 1.5 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 105 |percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 31B 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 | date = December 2, 2014 | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2014/results/General/gen_results_2014_2_01631B.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Nicholaus R. Kipke (incumbent) |votes = 20,858 |percentage = 39.9 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Meagan Simonaire |votes = 19,555 |percentage = 37.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Jeremiah Chiappelli |votes = 6,332 |percentage = 12.1 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Doug Morris |votes = 5,394 |percentage = 10.3 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 88 |percentage = 0.2 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 31B 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 | date = December 11, 2018 | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_01631B.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Brian Chisholm |votes = 20,573 |percentage = 33.2 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Nicholaus R. Kipke (incumbent) |votes = 20,434 |percentage = 33.0 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Karen Patricia Simpson |votes = 11,257 |percentage = 18.2 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Harry E. Freeman |votes = 9,602 |percentage = 15.5 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 49 |percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box begin no change | title = Maryland House of Delegates District 31 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 | date = December 7, 2022 | url = https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_7_43.html}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Nicholaus R. Kipke (incumbent) |votes = 28,518 |percentage = 22.2 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Brian Chisholm (incumbent) |votes = 27,570 |percentage = 21.5 }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |party = Republican Party (United States) |candidate = Rachel Muñoz (incumbent) |votes = 26,117 |percentage = 20.4 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Kevin Burke |votes = 19,953 |percentage = 15.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Democratic Party (United States) |candidate = Milad Pooran |votes = 17,213 |percentage = 15.6 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |party = Libertarian Party (United States) |candidate = Travis S. Lerol |votes = 8,509 |percentage = 6.6 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change |votes = 356 |percentage = 0.3 }} {{Election box end}}
==References== <references />
==External links== {{commons category}} *{{cite web |title=GAM-Delegate Kipke Bio |url=http://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/members/details/kipke |website=mgaleg.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland General Assembly |access-date=June 17, 2020 |date=May 11, 2020}} *{{cite web |title=Maryland Delegate of District 31 Nic Kipke, Pasadena Maryland, Glen Burnie |url=https://www.kipke.com/ |website=www.kipke.com |publisher=Friends of Nic Kipke |access-date=June 17, 2020}} (Official Website)
{{s-start}} {{s-par|us-md-hs}} {{s-bef|before=Tony O'Donnell}} {{s-ttl|title=Minority Leader of the Maryland House of Delegates|years=2013–2021}} {{s-aft|after=Jason Buckel}} {{s-end}}
{{Current members of the MD House of Delegates}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Kipke, Nic}} Category:1979 births Category:Living people Category:21st-century members of the Maryland General Assembly Category:Catholic politicians from Maryland Category:Republican Party members of the Maryland House of Delegates Category:Politicians from Baltimore Category:People from Pasadena, Maryland