Ben Cardin (5 October 1943-) was a member of the US Senate from Maryland (D) from 3 January 2007 to 3 January 2025, succeeding Paul Sarbanes and preceding Angela Alsobrooks. He previously served in the US House of Representatives from Maryland's 3rd district from 3 January 1987 to 3 January 2007, succeeding Barbara Mikulski and preceding John Sarbanes.
Biography[]
Ben Cardin was born in Baltimore, Maryland on 5 October 1943 to a Jewish family. He graduated from Baltimore City College in 1961, the University of Pittsburgh in 1964, and the University of Maryland School of Law in 1967. Cardin was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 1966, while still attending law school, and he served in the House until 1987, when he was elected to the US House of Representatives. Cardin served in the House for 20 years before being elected to the US Senate in 2007. Throughout his career, he was known to support clean water, gun control, dental benefits, Hong Kong's freedom and democracy, net neutrality, and the elimination of tax loopholes. He retired in 2024.