Christa Tichy Seeks Maryland House Seat Amid Calls for LGBTQ Representation

Bonnie Cullison (D-Montgomery County) announced her retirement, prompting Christa Tichy, a queer Democrat, to enter the race. Tichy advanced from the June primary and will appear on the November ballot, positioning herself as a successor to one of Maryland’s first openly LGBTQ legislators. She emphasizes preserving LGBTQ representation in Annapolis and fears that the current Trump-Vance administration could threaten existing rights. Tichy also highlights her status as the only female candidate in the primary, arguing that her voice is essential for working families, education, and labor issues.

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Tichy broke barriers as Maryland’s first female licensed Master Electrician and now teaches electrical-trade courses. She says her students often come from underserved communities, reinforcing her commitment to workforce development and encouraging more women to enter skilled trades. Her policy agenda includes improving workplace conditions—such as properly fitting equipment for women—and expanding paid leave for workers reluctant to take time off.

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State Del. Kris Fair (D-Frederick County), chair of Maryland’s LGBTQ+ Caucus, was among the first elected officials to publicly endorse Tichy’s campaign. Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass also offered support. Tichy credits volunteers who canvassed neighborhoods and braved rain on Election Day, describing their dedication as a key factor in her primary victory.

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• “But when Bonnie made that announcement, I knew right away that that’s what I was supposed to do,” — Christa Tichy — Christa Tichy, Democratic candidate for the Maryland House of Delegates

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• “I think there’s a lot of fears with the present administration of losing certain rights. And you know, Bonnie was a big advocate for marriage equality. I want to continue that, and you know, make sure that legislation that protects that is in place,” — Christa Tichy — Christa Tichy, Democratic candidate for the Maryland House Delegates

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• “I mean, of all the candidates that ran, I was the only female. […] I thought we needed that voice. We could not just let that voice be forgotten,” — Christa Tichy — Christa Tichy, Democratic candidate for the Maryland House Delegates

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• “I knew that this was my passion, and I felt this is where I could be most effective on a state level when it came to education, labor, for working with families,” — Christa Tichy — Christa Tichy, Democratic candidate for the Maryland House Delegates

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• “A lot of my constituents knew that I was engaged in getting married, and they met my now wife, and our marriage was like part of the campaign,” — Christa Tichy — Christa Tichy, Democratic candidate for the Maryland House Delegates

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• “I think there was an energy and an excitement to seeing two people that much in love that actually could win. I think that all contributed to it,” — Christa Tichy — Christa Tichy, Democratic candidate for the Maryland House Delegates

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These statements, combined with her professional experience and endorsements, illustrate Tichy’s strategy to blend personal narrative with policy priorities as she seeks to maintain LGBTQ representation and advance workforce initiatives in Maryland’s General Assembly.

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