Brenda Thiam

Brenda Thiam was born in Pinehurst, North Carolina. She earned a high school diploma from Hoke County High School; a bachelor's degree in physical education from North Carolina Central University in 1994; a master's degree in education from the University of Maryland at College Park in 2002; a Ph.D. in special education leadership from Capella University in 2015; and a postgraduate certificate in applied behavioral analysis from Pennsylvania State University in 2017.[1][2]

Thiam's career experience includes working as a special education teacher. She has also served as a behavioral health technician for Achieving True Self and a director of education at the Community School of Maryland.[1]

Maryland State House

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm a current special education teacher with nearly 30 years of classroom teaching and school leadership experience. I have a bachelor's degree, a master's degree, a doctoral degree, and a postgraduate certificate in applied behavior analysis. I've taught in non-public school settings, as well as in public school settings as a special education teacher and specialist for students with autism.

I served in the Maryland General Assembly from 2020 to 2023 in the House of Delegates, and represented District 2B. I was the first African-American woman in Maryland's history to serve in the Republican Caucus. I served on the judiciary committee and was appointed as the minority whip. I sponsored HB221, which passed into law in 2022 and helps disabled veterans obtain an angler's license at no cost.

I currently serve on the Board of Directors for Brook Lane Health Services, who provide mental health services for people who require them. I also serve on the Board of Directors for Meritus Health. Other community service and volunteer roles include serving as president of the Washington County Commission for Women; president and leadership roles with the Washington County Republican Club; Partners In Care; and Black Conservative Federation.

I've been recognized by various community organizations and received awards from Black Conservative Federation; E2R (From Evolution to Resolution); and the YMCA Achievers, to name a few.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Ensure public safety by supporting local law enforcement as they protect and serve our community. I will emphasize collaboration between law enforcement, residents, and community organizations to address crime and improve neighborhood safety. Revisions are needed for laws regarding youth and their engagement in committing crimes. Accountability is paramount when youth commit crimes and parents must be part of that accountability process.Improve educational outcomes for Maryland's students; successfully prepare students for post-secondary outcomes by ensuring they receive research-based instruction in core academics. I support parents to have a meaningful voice in their student's education, that is focused on best practices in education. I support the B.O.O.S.T. program, which allows low income families to apply for scholarships for K-12 students to attend eligible non-public or private schools in Maryland.Government Accountability: government must not overextend itself into the lives of its citizens. Government must also be responsible and held accountable with regard to how tax dollars are spent. Responsible taxation is a must. Oversight of government spending must occur and findings during audits must be resolved expeditiously.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education, limited government, economic growth, public safety, and family values.

Lieutenant Governor of Maryland

Brenda Thiam did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I live in Hagerstown, but I was born and raised in Raeford, North Carolina. I'm the middle child of five children raised by a mother who was divorced and always worked two jobs to take care of us. I attended and graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1994. I moved to Maryland in 1995 but made Hagerstown my home in 2006 through a few cities. I obtained my doctorate (PhD) in special education leadership. Before politics, I taught special education to students with autism. I was also a director of a nonpublic school for children with autism. I'm a former State Delegate in the Maryland General Assembly where I represented constituents of Hagerstown, district 2B (2020-2023).

My husband and I recently established a nonprofit organization to meet the residential and supported employment needs of adults with autism and intellectual disability. We are awaiting licensure from the State to operate at full capacity.

I'm a Board Member of Brook Lane Health Services. I have recently volunteered with Meals-On-Wheels to help deliver meals to seniors. Until I became employed with Partners In Care, Inc., I volunteered with the organization to assist with transporting seniors to various appointments. I'm an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (Frederick County Alumnae Chapter).

I'm married and my husband and I have one daughter who is a freshman in college. We have two fur babies, Johnny and Zeus.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

I'm a former state delegate in the Maryland General Assembly. My experiences in Annapolis have prepared me for the work in Washington, DC as a representative in the U.S. Congress. While I served in the legislature, I was able to obtain funding from the Governor's budget for the Commission on Aging to assist them with improving programs for seniors.

I also obtained funding via a legislative bond for a community center located in a socioeconomically disadvantaged area of Hagerstown. I sponsored HB221 that enabled disabled veterans to obtain a complimentary angler's license. I have the skillset to debate policy on the floor and work collaboratively with Republican colleagues and members across the aisle.President Ronald Reagan stated when a nation can't control its borders, it's no longer a nation. Our borders have become dangerously compromised, which allows illegal aliens to enter. Some who enter illegally are found on terrorist watch lists and have committed felonious crimes in their native country. The Biden administration can easily resolve this crisis at the border by closing the border. I'm in support of immigrants coming to America if they are seeking asylum or coming to pursue education opportunities to have a better life. However, it must be done the right way and they must come legally. Our immigration system is severely broken and we must fix the system, but not compromise the integrity of the process.I'm pro 2nd amendment and support American citizens who choose to conceal and carry a firearm. It's our constitutional right to do so and our rights must be upheld. Democrats believe we have a gun violence problem, but I believe we have a mental health problem. People who choose to use a firearm to murder children in a school or people in a theater or church are mentally ill. Guns don't kill people; people use guns to kill people. We have background checks in place for people who choose to purchase and/or carry a firearm. A high percentage of crimes involving a firearm are committed by repeat offenders. Policy needs to focus on punitive measures for repeat offenders who commit crimes and a firearm is used.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Education and workforce

Immigration

Black women's mortality rate when giving birthSenior citizens

Law enforcement

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My mother. She was a godly Christian woman who prayed for her enemies. I witnessed God bless my mother in many ways when she prayed for people who didn't like her.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Book: Please Stop Helping Us: How Liberals Make It Harder for Blacks to Succeed, by Jason Riley.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

A person must be of good moral character and demonstrate integrity and trustworthiness. Good leadership skills are also a necessary characteristic to possess as an elected official. The life of an elected official can be very busy; therefore, prioritization of tasks and organization is paramount. The elected official must also be a people person. They must know how to relate to people from all walks of life and people who come from diverse backgrounds.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I'm an active listener. I take notes, when possible so that I can capture conversations with people and reference the conversation later to determine if there's any action needed. I understand the importance of responding promptly to constituents regarding major concerns. If the person took the time to reach out to me with a concern, I must take some time to follow up and try to resolve the issue. I understand the importance of time management. It's important to prioritize tasks and delegate specific tasks to others to ensure major tasks are completed. I also use a checklist to complete a list of tasks. This keeps me focused as tasks are completed.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

An elected official must represent the Will of the People. This requires listening to what constituents have to share and deciding if concerns can be addressed through policy development. The elected official must keep their constituents abreast of what's going on in Congress. An elected official also introduces legislation and debates legislation in committee hearings and on the floor. It's also important for the elected official to read legislation by other elected officials and offer friendly amendments to make the bill better.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Work hard for everything in life and understand that no one owes you anything. If you want something, work for it. You'll appreciate it more than if someone gave it to you.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I remember the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

Burlington Industries. I worked there for one year; until I went to college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible. The scriptures encourage me and remind me of the promises of God.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

na

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Cover Me by Rodney Posey

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Being on time and not waiting until the last minute to complete a task.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

A U.S. Representative must be able to work collaboratively and respectfully with others who have different political views. It's also important to have integrity and good moral character. People must be able to trust you as a representative and trust you will listen to the concerns of constituents. It's adamant to follow up with constituents and respond to emails and telephone calls. The representative must keep his/her constituents abreast of legislation that is important to the district.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I think it's beneficial for a representative to have some government or political experience, but it's not necessary. It takes time to get through the logistics and processes of a newly elected or appointed position. However, if the person is a quick study, they should be able to navigate the position fine.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The economy, immigration, and education.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

Yes

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I support term limits for the U.S. Congress.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

No one in particular.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I had an emotional conversation with a 70+-year-old woman while out door knocking. She lives alone (her husband passed away from cancer and she doesn't have children). She has medical bills she's paying from a previous illness. She talked about her struggle to pay her household bills, buy groceries, and medication. She shared her monthly income with me as well as her expenses for the month. There was zero wiggle room for extra spending. Every penny is spent on her rent, household bills, groceries, and prescriptions. She stated she reduced her cable and cell phone bills to basic and she discontinued her house phone bill to try to save money. She doesn't go to the movies or engage in extracurricular activities because she can't afford it. She would love to go to the Maryland Theater in Hagerstown to see a show but that would mean eliminating something in her budget that's needed. She ended by saying she worked since she was 16 years old and had a professional job in her adult years, but it still wasn't enough. She begged me to fight to save social security because that's all she has for income. That has been the typical conversation with older citizens.

Tell us your favorite joke.

A cheese factory exploded in France.

That's awful.

It is Da Brie everywhere.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, but not at the cost of going against your morals, beliefs, and value system.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

The Constitution states that Congress has the power of the purse. Our Founding Fathers wholeheartedly believed that separation of powers was necessary to protect citizens, and this power enabled Congress to be a microscope on the executive branch to not overspend. Congress can impose stipulations regarding how money is used and where funding is allocated. This gives Congress control over the budget and how taxes are utilized.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The US House uses its investigative powers through the use of hearings. Congress has the right to conduct investigations when the need presents itself. Data that is collected as a result of investigations and hearings should be used to explore potential policies or to determine if existing laws are properly administered.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Heath Barnes, Burgess of Woodsboro

What committees interest you?

Education and the Workforce

Ethics

Agriculture

Judiciary

Ways and Means

However, I look forward to working on behalf of American citizens and would be receptive to being assigned to any committee where I'm needed.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

We can not allow the government to be unaccountable to the American people. There must be oversight and transparency with how taxpayer dollars are allocated. Continuing with resolutions and 11th hour possible government shut downs must become an old practice of Congress. The government must apprise constituents of how their tax dollars are spent. The government must be held to the highest standard of accountability to its citizens.

Campaign website

Thiam’s campaign website stated the following:

EDUCATION

As a special education teacher and professional, Brenda brings a wide array of experience to support research-based practices in education. She wants parents to be empowered in their student’s educational process and for students to be educated; not indoctrinated by the agenda of the far-left Democrats. Brenda believes the Department of Education is a federal entity that needs to be severely overhauled or dissolved. Educational power needs to return to the States or more importantly to the local school districts and boards of education. A government closest to its citizens is the best form of government. Local school districts and boards know their communities more than any federal government entity could ever.

Brenda will support parental rights in education. Parents have every right to be involved in the education of their children. If parents are not supportive of questionable content that is provided to the student under the guise of instruction, they should be heard loud and clear. Brenda will support and sponsor legislation that will ensure parent’s rights are guarded and protected.

The Biden-Harris administration is on board with the far-left agenda that is perpetuated by the teacher’s unions and the narrative they are pushing. They believe that young children should be privy to learning about gender-affirming doctrine, and in some states (Maryland) parents are left in the dark about these conversations. Brenda will vote against such policies and will always stand up for research-based instruction when educating children to prepare them for post-secondary outcomes.

2ND AMENDMENT

I’m proud proponent of the 2nd amendment and supports your right to keep and bear arms. As a conceal-and-carry owner, I will ensure your rights are protected as a law-abiding citizen. While serving in Maryland’s state legislature, Brenda supported bills that protected the rights of gun owners and voted against bills that tried to take those rights away. As a law-abiding citizen of the United States of America, you have a right to protect your family and your property from those who seek to do you harm. The current administration continues to try and convince you that guns are a problem in our country. Guns are not the problem; the problem is people who have ill intentions or suffer from a mental illness and use guns to harm others. I will work to protect your 2nd amendment right.

LAW ENFORCEMENT AND CRIME

As the daughter of a deputy sheriff, I know firsthand that safety and security are paramount to the well-being of our families and neighborhoods. As your representative, I will prioritize public safety and work towards creating safer communities for everyone.

My public safety initiatives include:

Support Law Enforcement: Our law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to protect us. I will advocate for policies that provide first responders with the necessary resources, training, and the appreciation they deserve. Crime is increasing more and more in our communities with each passing day. We need law enforcement officers to remain in our communities and help to keep us safe.

We need to focus on avenues to assist law enforcement agencies with recruiting citizens who desire to work in the field of law enforcement. Over the last few years, law enforcement and police officers have been vilified for the work that they do in the community while serving daily. We can’t disparage the entire law enforcement community because of one or two officers who use poor judgment when faced with a life-and-death situation. I will not support policies that defund the police and take resources away from them to give to social justice programs. I will make every effort to support our law enforcement and the men and women who put their lives on the line each day.

ADDRESSING ECONOMIC GROWTH, INFLATION, THE ECONOMY, AND JOBS

We must decrease federal spending on all levels to balance our budget more conservatively. Many Marylanders and middle-class American families are crippled with debt and need a break from increased taxes and inflation.

It is by addressing economic incentives in the 6th District’s Appalachian counties (Washington, Allegany, and Garrett) that businesses can be lured to invest in job creation. We must incentivize businesses to invest in our district.

Confront the challenges posed by the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and the potential displacement of jobs within white-collar sectors in the forthcoming years. It’s crucial to remember that, even if AI may result in job displacement in some industries, it can also open up new opportunities in others. The key to ensuring that people are prepared to adapt to the changing job landscape is comprehensive workforce planning, upskilling and reskilling initiatives, and a coordinated approach between governments, industries, and educational institutions.

CRISIS AT THE BORDER

The Biden-Harris administration and their policies have caused extreme challenges at the southern border and they have put our country in a very dangerous situation. If a country doesn’t have secure borders, it is not a country. Our border is not secure. More and more illegal immigrants are passing across the border and many are coming with nefarious intentions in mind. As a country, we must know who is crossing into our country.

Drugs have come across the border. Murderers have come across the border; human traffickers have come across our borders. We must enact policies that will protect our borders and keep bad people out. I’m married to a man who came from a foreign country and decided to become a citizen of the United States of America. He tells me and our daughter often that America is a beautiful country and we must appreciate the freedoms we are afforded. Immigrants are encouraged to come to America but they must come to America legally, not illegally crossing the borders.

As your representative, I will work with fellow Republicans, and any common-sense Democrats, to protect our borders that will keep us safe from harm. I will work to sponsor and/or support legislation that will improve our system for those who seek to come to our country and become a citizen of the United States of America. The system is badly broken and we have the responsibility to fix it.

PROTECTING THE UNBORN/PRO-LIFE

With the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Woe vs Wade, states can now determine at the legislative level how they’d like to proceed with women’s reproductive rights. As a pro-life Republican, I believe in the sanctity of life for the unborn baby in their mother’s womb. I’m especially concerned about African American women who are pregnant and struggling with the decision to keep their baby or terminate their pregnancy. African American women make up less than 14% of the population, and African Americans make up only 12% of the population. Since the early 1970s, more than 20 million Black children have been aborted. These data may not be accurate as Maryland doesn’t report its abortion data to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

Abortion is not healthcare. It should not be used like birth control when a woman doesn’t want the child. Young women and women need to be aware of their options and they may find that there are other options to consider over abortion. Abortion is a very sensitive topic and options must be discussed with the woman.[3]

—Brenda Thiam’s campaign website (2024)[4]

Brenda Thiam did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2022 Candidate Connection survey.