the easton gazette endorses tom hutchinson for State Delegate 37B. We also endorse chris adams for state delegate 37b
If you talk to Tom Hutchinson, you might think he has been in the legislature for much longer than four years. With his calm, cheerful demeanor, Tom has become a seasoned legislator since he was elected in 2022.
But it hasn't always been easy. In a General Assembly where the Democrats outnumber the Republicans 102 to 39, trying to get bills through committees and passed is almost impossible. Republican delegates usually have to settle with amending bills to make them better. And even that doesn't always happen. It can be frustrating.
But Hutchinson doesn't give up. He focuses on the positives of the bills that he HAS co-sponsored and impacted. He is about providing real solutions to problems and working to get those solutions enacted.
His first term in the Maryland House of Delegates has included enacting legislation addressing healthcare access, behavioral health services, trauma care, veterans’ recognition, agriculture, and rural concerns, along with statewide recognition for his legislative work.
His record can be examined in five principal areas: legislative accomplishments, healthcare leadership, Eastern Shore representation, statewide recognition, and constituent service, some things he is extremely proud of.
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health care leadership
Healthcare has been a consistent area of Hutchinson’s legislative work, reflecting his professional background in healthcare analytics, quality, and administration. He is a member of the
His committee assignments have included the Health and Government Operations Committee from 2023 through 2025 and the House Health Committee in 2026. He also served on subcommittees addressing health occupations, long-term care, public health, and health disparities.
The areas of legislative involvement included:
• Behavioral health: Expanding supervised clinical services and improving continuity of mental healthcare.
• Healthcare workforce: Addressing barriers to training, clinical practice, and provider capacity.
• Maternal health: Co-sponsoring the enacted Maryland Maternal Health Act of 2024.
• Long-term care: Participating in legislation and committee oversight involving nursing homes, assisted living, and vulnerable residents.
• Emergency and trauma care: Sponsoring the 2023 Trauma Center Funding Study.
• Rural healthcare: Advocating for healthcare access in communities where provider shortages and geographic distances present challenges.
The official legislative record confirms Hutchinson's co-sponsorship of the 2024 Maternal Health Legislation and several enacted healthcare measures.
Other significant healthcare legislation
Hutchinson also co-sponsored HB 393 in 2026, legislation requiring health insurance coverage for qualifying scalp cooling systems used by chemotherapy patients. Scalp cooling can help reduce chemotherapy-related hair loss, making this legislation relevant to patients’ quality of life during cancer treatment.
Additional legislative activity included supporting nursing home and assisted living oversight, and the Maryland Pediatric Cancer Fund. These measures became law in 2026.
His 2026 sponsorship of HB 1151 addressed a study of Medicaid reimbursement for hospice room-and-board services.
Awards and statewide recognition
Hutchinson has received three notable recognitions during his first term.
2024 — Maryland Hospital Association Rising Star Award
Presented in recognition of Hutchinson’s work advancing healthcare and supporting Maryland hospitals, healthcare employees, and patients.
2026 — Charles McCurdy Mathias Jr. Award
Presented March 26, 2026, by House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk through the House Speaker’s Society.
The award recognizes legislators demonstrating bipartisan cooperation in service to Maryland residents.
The Speaker described Hutchinson as an Eastern Shore advocate who works to accomplish results.
2026 — Making a Difference Award
Reported recognition from the Hospice and Palliative Care Network of Maryland for his work involving hospice, palliative care, and healthcare advocacy. The recognition was reported October 1, 2026.
Tom doesn't just limit his activities to Annapolis during the Legislative Session.
An additional part of Hutchinson’s first-term record involves activities outside Annapolis. These include:
• Delegate scholarships: More than 125 students receiving approximately $75,000 in scholarship awards as of July 2026.
• Local nonprofits: Participation in community fundraising and recognition events supporting volunteer fire companies, first responders, watermen, behavioral health organizations, and civic associations.
• Healthcare organizations: Engagement with regional hospitals, rural healthcare providers, and organizations such as For All Seasons.
• Economic development: Participation in discussions involving agriculture, manufacturing, utilities, workforce needs, and regional infrastructure.
• Constituent recognition: Presentation of legislative citations and attendance at local milestones throughout the four-county district.
Overall, it's been a very busy four years for Delegate Hutchinson and one where he has gained valuable experience and legislative skills to continue his good work for the Shore. And, as this reporter has discovered, he is accessible to his constituents in all of Talbot County and portions of the counties of the counties of Caroline, Dorchester, and Wicomico Counties.
