Jill P. Carter, a Baltimore native, is a renowned civil rights attorney and Maryland State Senator who has dedicated her career to advocating for justice and equity. As the daughter of the late civil rights activist Walter P. Carter, her path has been shaped by a legacy of activism and community service. She attended Western High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Loyola University Maryland, and later obtained her Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Carter began her legal career as a public defender, fiercely representing indigent clients, before transitioning to private practice to continue her civil rights work. Her political career took off in 2003 when she was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, representing Baltimore’s 41st Legislative District. During her time in the House, she served on the Judiciary Committee and championed landmark policies, including:

• Police Accountability: Carter led efforts to repeal the Law Enforcement Officers’ Bill of Rights and played a pivotal role in overhauling Maryland’s policing system to ensure greater transparency and accountability.
• Criminal Justice Reform: She fought to eliminate cash bail practices, reduce mass incarceration, and advance restorative justice programs.
• Education Equity: Carter advocated for increasing funding for underserved schools and worked to address systemic disparities in Maryland’s public education system.
• Housing Justice: She championed legislation to strengthen tenant protections, combat housing discrimination, and support affordable housing initiatives.

In 2018, Carter was appointed to the Maryland State Senate and later elected to continue representing the 41st District. She maintained her focus on justice reform, advocating for equitable cannabis legalization and reinvestment in communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. Her leadership extended to environmental justice and economic equity initiatives.

In December 2024, Governor Wes Moore appointed Carter to the Maryland State Board of Contract Appeals, recognizing her legal expertise and commitment to fairness. She resigned from the Senate in January 2025 to take on this new role.

Throughout her career, Carter has been a relentless advocate for marginalized communities, leaving an indelible mark on Maryland politics and beyond.