MARYLAND STATE DELEGATE TALMADGE BRANCH is one of the young, strong voices in the struggle for economic and human equity.

A member of Israel Baptist Church, he is the father of three; two boys and a girl.

He received his elementary and secondary education in Baltimore’s east side public schools. He went on to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Political Science from Salisbury State University.

It was during his political science internship in the Baltimore City Council that Mr. Branch decided to utilize his skills and dedicate his life to public service.

Broadening his scope, he became a special assistant (1984) to Maryland’s first black United States Congressman Parren J. Mitchell of Baltimore, a position held until the congressman’s retirement in 1987.

Delegate Branch then became a registered lobbyist on Capitol Hill in Washington and espoused the causes of the Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense and Education Fund. His work influenced national legislation affecting those of the business sector.

Later, he was appointed Mayor’s Representative to Baltimore’s first-elected black mayor, The Honorable Kurt L. Schmoke.

Former President of the Young Democrats of Baltimore, Delegate Branch led the organization’s “Operation Drug-Out” program in the 1980's, whose message targeted students carrying guns and drugs to school. This effort garnered national recognition on Dan Rather's CBS Evening News, which highlighted the program’s effectiveness.

For several years, he led voter registration drives throughout Maryland. Delegate Branch is a member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), and Chairman of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland (2000 - Present). He is also affiliated with several political and civic organizations, including the Prince Hall Masons of Maryland.

In November 1994, Delegate Branch was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, representing the 45th Legislative District, comprised of approximately 100,000 residents. During his tenure, Delegate Branch has sponsored legislation which secured millions of dollars in funding for projects that provide prime and sub-contracting opportunities for businesses, as well as, much needed employment in construction and allied industries for our community. In 2006 he was named the Majority Whip for the Maryland House of Delegates. Delegate Branch balances his energies between constituent services, public policy issues, and budgetary matters.

Many churches, civic groups and social organizations have invited Delegate Branch to speak before them, and he has received numerous awards and commendations. Notable, accolades of his leadership abilities have been portrayed in the published book, “Eyes to My Soul” by Tyrone Powers. In addition, he is listed among the “Outstanding Young Men in America.”