Meet Craig

Craig Hayes is an electoral reform advocate, grassroots organizer, and progressive Democrat running for District 22 of the Maryland House of Delegates to bring a new generation of leadership to Annapolis. Craig was born in Germany to an Irish immigrant and a U.S. Air Force service member.

Craig's father dressed in a flight suit in front of an F-16 fighter jet before his incentive flight in 1984 
Craig's dad at Nellis Air Force Base in 1984
Baby Craig sitting in a suitcase while his father packs for a military TDY abroad 
Craig helping his dad pack for a TDY

Because of his father’s deployments abroad, Craig’s grandparents helped raise and mentor him in Washington County, Maryland. There he learned to read music, play the alto saxophone, and cherish one of our state’s most vital natural resources: the Potomac River.

An old photo of Craig as a child playing the trombone while his grandfather plays the tenor saxophone 
Craig playing music with his grandfather

Craig’s family also taught him the value of resilience, service to one’s community, and standing up for what is right. After his grandparents unexpectedly passed away due to failures in our government and healthcare system, Craig vowed to be a champion for reform so that other families may not suffer the same loss and grief.

A proud product of our country’s public schools, Craig graduated summa cum laude from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania with a degree in political science. In addition to leading competitive Democratic campaigns and managing constituent services, he has published and presented research on proportional electoral systems and submitted written testimony in support of electoral reforms like ranked choice voting and local public financing.

Craig volunteering with a local group of students at a Capital Area Food Bank partner's bi-weekly pantry prep
Craig volunteering with a local group of students at a Capital Area Food Bank partner's bi-weekly pantry prep

Craig currently lives in Hyattsville with his partner, Teddy, and their two rescue cats, Floyd and Kairi. In his spare time, he volunteers for a nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive services and support to vulnerable individuals experiencing homelessness and food insecurity.

Photo of Craig and Teddy at a Prince George's County Young Democrats dinner and candidate forum in 2023 
Craig & Teddy at a PGCYD candidate forum and dinner
Photo of a brown and gray male tabby cat named Floyd.
Photo of a brown and gray female tabby cat named Kairi. 
Floyd
Kairi