Ben Cardin

Who is Ben Cardin?

Benjamin Louis "Ben" Cardin is an American politician and member of the the Democratic Party who serves as the junior United States Senator from Maryland, in office since 2007. Before his election to the Senate, Cardin, who has never lost an election, was a member of the United States House of Representatives, representing Maryland's 3rd congressional district from 1987 to 2007. He also served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1967 to 1987, serving as Speaker from 1979 to 1987.

Cardin was elected to succeed Paul Sarbanes in the 2006 U.S. Senate election, defeating Republican Michael Steele, the Lieutenant Governor of Maryland, by a margin of 54% to 44%. He was re-elected in 2012 with 55% of the vote.