Longtime Maryland State Senator Absent from Legislature for Months

Joanne C. Benson, who has represented District 24 for 35 years, has missed the entire current legislative session due to personal challenges.

Mar. 13, 2026 at 8:48pm

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Joanne C. Benson, the longtime state senator for Maryland's District 24, has been absent from the legislature for the entirety of the current session, raising concerns among her constituents and fellow politicians about the representation of her district. Benson, who is 85 years old, has cited personal challenges including the loss of two sisters and her own health issues requiring surgery and extended recovery time.

Why it matters

Benson's extended absence means she has been unable to vote on major legislation impacting her district, including funding decisions. This has led to concerns from her constituents and other politicians about the district's representation during a critical legislative session.

The details

According to committee attendance, votes and quorum reports, Benson has missed every day of the current legislative session in Annapolis. One of the delegates in her district, Democrat Tiffany Alston, has expressed concern over Benson's failure to report to the legislature, saying "People want to make sure that she is taking the time she needs to take care of herself, but people are concerned about what that means for them, their pocketbook issues." Alston is one of two people running to replace Benson in the state Senate, after Benson did not refile for office.

  • The current legislative session in Annapolis began in early 2026.
  • Benson has missed every day of the session so far.
  • The legislative session is scheduled to end on April 13, 2026.

The players

Joanne C. Benson

An 85-year-old Maryland state senator who has represented District 24 for 35 years, first as a delegate and then as a senator.

Tiffany Alston

A delegate in Benson's district who is one of two people running to replace Benson in the state Senate.

Kevin Ford

The other candidate running to replace Benson in the state Senate.

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What they’re saying

“People want to make sure that she is taking the time she needs to take care of herself, but people are concerned about what that means for them, their pocketbook issues.”

— Tiffany Alston, Delegate (NBC Washington)

“If she steps down, the way our process works is the central committee would appoint, and I would definitely submit my name. But that's a decision she has to make based on what she thinks is best for — really it should be what's best for our constituents.”

— Tiffany Alston, Delegate (NBC Washington)

“Senator Joanne Benson has dedicated decades of service to Prince George's County and District 24 and she deserves our respect and gratitude for that service. I know she has been navigating several personal challenges and my thoughts remain with her and her family.”

— Kevin Ford, Candidate for State Senate (NBC Washington)

What’s next

Benson said she plans to return to the legislature by next week, with one month remaining in the current session. If she steps down, the Democratic central committee will appoint an interim replacement until the June primary election.

The takeaway

Benson's extended absence has raised concerns about the representation of her district during a critical legislative session, highlighting the challenges that can arise when an elected official faces significant personal challenges. Her decision on whether to resign before the end of her term will have important implications for the future representation of District 24.