Sebastian Johnson – Candidate for State Delegate, District 19 (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. Candidates who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information can get access through our contact form. The information in this post was submitted directly by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO or its publication.

Basic Information

Political Party: Democrat

Campaign Website: www.sebastianjohnson.org

Social Media Links:

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Why Are You Running For Office?

I’m a longtime resident of District 19, and a proud product of Montgomery County. I learned about the responsibility of citizenship as a student member on our Board of Education. Our schools taught me how to think and engage others, preparing me to excel at Georgetown and Harvard. And our community’s values – generosity, collaboration, service – have shaped who I am. The investments that made my story possible – affordable housing, livable wages, excellent schooling – are out of reach for too many. To protect our democracy and secure our future, we need leaders who can deliver on their promises and preserve opportunities for working families. As your delegate, I pledge to improve our schools, protect our seniors, and help Marylanders struggling to afford the basics. And I will resist the Trump Administration’s persecution of our immigrant neighbors, their unconstitutional assault on our civil rights, and their corrupt and rigged economic agenda.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

Too many Marylanders struggle with rising costs for housing, and healthcare. As your delegate, I will focus relentlessly on the affordability crisis. I support legislation to encourage more affordable housing development near transit, reduce red tape in permitting, and reform outdated zoning laws. I also support rent stabilization and good cause eviction to protect tenants and promote housing stability for working families. I will continue work to lower prescription drug costs through our Prescription Drug Affordability Board. I also support legislation to end tax breaks on advertising for pharmaceutical companies and use the savings to extend ACA subsidies for Marylanders.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

I have the lived and professional experience needed to be a good legislator. I was raised by a single mother in an affordable housing development, and education was my pathway to higher aspirations. After graduating from Georgetown University, I became a teacher like my mother. My time in the classroom inspired me to pursue a Master in Public Policy at the Harvard Kennedy School. I have since worked in a range of policy spaces, from taxation and education to criminal justice and child welfare, with a focus on solutions that allow vulnerable children and their families to thrive.

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