Shaneka Henson

Shaneka Henson was born in Annapolis, Maryland. She received a bachelor's degree from Coppin State University in 2006 and a J.D. from the University of Baltimore School of Law in 2010. Henson's professional experience includes founding a law firm in 2020 and working as an attorney for the Maryland Office of Attorney General and the YWCA of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County.[2]

Shaneka Henson has not yet completed [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

If you are Shaneka Henson, click here to fill out [the profile publisher]'s 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

Who fills out the candidate survey?

Any candidate running for elected office, at any level, can complete [the profile publisher]'s Candidate Survey. Completing the survey will update the candidate's [the profile publisher] profile, letting voters know who they are and what they stand for.  More than 32,000 candidates have taken [the profile publisher]'s candidate survey since we launched it in 2015. Learn more about the survey here.

Help improve [the profile publisher] - send us candidate contact info.

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Shaneka Henson is a Democratic member of the Maryland House of Delegates appointed in May 2019 to follow the late Michael E. Busch. In October 2019 House Speaker Adrienne A. Jones assigned Henson to serve on the Appropriations Committee.

Henson was previously a member of the Annapolis City Council representing Ward 6 from December 4, 2017 to April 29, 2019. In June 2017 Henson was endorsed by the Maryland League of Conservation Voters followed by a coveted endorsement from the Sierra Club in October 2017.

In 2020, Henson sponsored a bill that took effect October 1, 2020 that would allow incarcerated parents to have their child support order frozen while imprisoned if they are serving a jail sentence of 180 days or more. Prior to the law's passing, the threshold was 18 months. Henson introduced a bill that took effect October 1, 2020 to close a loophole in state law allowing the City of Annapolis to avoid the responsibility for inspecting and licensing public housing units like other rentals in the city.

In June 2020, during the coronavirus pandemic, Henson accepted an appointment to Attorney General Brian Frosh's Access to Justice Housing Affordability Task Force to combat the anticipated surge in evictions and foreclosures resulting from job losses. In January 2021 Speaker Adrienne Jones appointed Henson to the Maryland Sexual Assault Evidence Kit Policy and Funding Committee ("SAEK Committee").

In 2020, Henson founded a law firm based in Annapolis, MD.

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?

As an elected official since 2017, Shaneka Henson entered the Maryland House of Delegates after the passing of Maryland's beloved former Speaker Mike Busch. Her bold and passionate leadership is here to pave the way and change the narrative in Annapolis.In 2019, Annapolis native Shaneka Henson joined Maryland's House of Delegates succeeding the late former Speaker Michael E. Busch. Learn more about the trial attorney and former Alderwoman who's family values make her a passionate and bright leader. Visit www.shanekahenson.comOur Delegate Fights for Us!

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Housing

Shaneka Henson believes that safe, affordable, and non-discriminatory housing for all is a human right. Henson fights for public and private expansion of affordable housing implemented with sustainable, smart growth strategies.

Health Care

Shaneka Henson is a passionate advocate for open and equitable access to health and wellness resources/services. Delegate Henson fights for health education, growth and preservation of public parks, workplace safety, and preventative care. She pushes for expansions to public healthcare and access to healthcare for all.

Environment

Shaneka Henson is proud to support and push for the use of clean & renewable energy, water quality regulations aligned with the Chesapeake Bay "pollution diet" and air quality standards (indoor and atmospheric) that sustain healthy communities. Henson believes supporting a healthy environment is critical to civilization worldwide.

Education

Shaneka Henson fights for every student's opportunity to access high quality education regardless of their zip-code and family status. Henson tackles opportunity gaps in the education system head-on and fights to ensure that all students are prepared for success.

Public Safety

Shaneka Henson is committed to getting guns and other dangerous weapons out of places they don't belong and supporting survivors and communities impacted by violence. Henson fights for community-based public safety solutions that effectively respond to crime but increasingly preve