Darryl Barnes

Proud Former Delegate Darryl Barnes’ noteworthy bold and courageous style of leadership and his work ethic has enabled him to become among the highest-ranking members of the House of Delegates, as Chief Deputy Majority Whip in 2023. Breaking all rules, Delegate Barnes became the first to serve as Chairman of the Maryland Legislative Black Caucus to be elected Chairman for 3 consecutive terms, which is the largest black caucus in the US, and now serves as Chairman Emeritus. As Chairman, he fought for and was successful in changing the trajectory of black, minority, and small businesses in the state of Maryland, fighting for equity and inclusion in major industries. His focus on inclusion, fairness and equity in legislative policies has enabled him to make a difference not just in Maryland, but throughout the region. He championed legislation by adding strong minority inclusion language in Sports-betting, Cannabis, and working to ensure that all legislation passed by the MD General Assembly includes equity language. He is credited with electing the first black and female Speaker of the House, settling a 15-year HBCU lawsuit, and continuing to advocate for equity in funding. Delegate Barnes was a member of the Ways and Means Committee and the Chairman of the Revenues and Local Revenues subcommittee. The subcommittee is responsible for overseeing economic development, the Department of Commerce, individual income tax, corporate income tax, estate, and inheritance tax, sales and use tax, tobacco tax, alcoholic beverages tax, motor fuel tax, motor vehicle excise tax, vessel excise tax, public service company franchise tax and cannabis taxes. He is a servant leader, not only serving his constituents and citizens of Maryland but also the country serving in both the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army respectfully. He was also a member of the Veteran’s Caucus. Delegate Barnes is a successful businessman and entrepreneur and continues to advocate for his community. With over 20 years of entrepreneurship experience in the Information Technology and Sports Agency space, he coupled his passion for sports, business, and desire to uplift youth by founding one of the premier nonprofits in Prince George’s County, Men Aiming Higher (2009-Present). MAH is a grassroots organization that mobilizes at-risk young men through educational tutoring, leadership training, mentoring programs, and community service projects. To date, more than 700 mentees have benefited from the work of Men Aiming Higher. In 2019, Delegate Barnes launched the Bi-County Business Roundtable to promote small business growth and create wealth for a vibrant climate in the state of Maryland. In 2022, he created a brand called Quora Alkaline Water, with the mission of providing premium quality alkaline water to an increasing number of health-conscious consumers, and in 2023 upon leaving the Maryland General Assembly he started his own lobbying firm Barnes International, Ltd. Born in Washington, DC, he received his PMP Certification Training from George Washington University and attended Long Beach State College. Daryl is the proud husband of Makeba and the proud father of their two sons Dylan & Drew. Darryl is a man of faith and is an active member of First Baptist Church of Glenarden in Upper Marlboro, Maryland.