Nick Charles

Nicholas Patrick Charles II (born December 16, 1982) is an American politician who has served as a member of the Maryland Senate representing District 25 since 2023. He previously represented the district in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2019 to 2023.

Early life and education Charles was born in Washington, D.C. and grew up in Prince George's County, Maryland, and graduated from Largo High School. He served in the 60th Fighter Squadron and the 422d Test and Evaluation Squadron of the U.S. Air Force from 2001 to 2006, afterwards attending Community College of the Air Force, where he earned an associate degree in aviation management, and the University of the District of Columbia, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration, both in 2009.

Career After serving in the military, Charles worked as a defense contractor for the U.S. Navy. placing fifth in the Democratic primary. He ran again in 2018, during which he ran on a slate with incumbents Dereck E. Davis and Darryl Barnes. Charles placed third in the Democratic primary and general elections.

In October 2023, after state senator Melony G. Griffith announced that she would resign at the end of the month, Charles announced that he would apply to serve the remainder of Griffith's term in the Maryland Senate. He was the only candidate to apply for the seat and in November, he was unanimously nominated by the Prince George's County Democratic Central Committee to the seat. Charles was appointed to the seat by Governor Wes Moore and sworn in on December 5.

Political positions

COVID-19 pandemic During the 2021 legislative session, Charles introduced a bill that would prohibit employers from firing workers who refused to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Housing In February 2015, Charles called real estate appraisers "part of the problem" when referring to a foreclosure and housing crisis in Prince George's County.

Policing During the 2020 legislative session, Charles introduced a bill that would allow people targeted by false police calls to sue callers for damages.

Redistricting In November 2025, Charles said he would feel comfortable voting for a bill to redraw Maryland's congressional districts in response to Republican mid-decade redistricting efforts in various red states, but added that he was also weighing the fact that legal challenges against a new map could allow Republicans to gain one to two House seats in Maryland.

Social issues During the 2022 legislative session, Charles introduced a bill that would ban discrimination against students and guardians in education.

Personal life After serving in the military, Charles bought a home in Forestville, Maryland. He is a congregant at the Freedom Way Missionary Baptist Church in Capitol Heights, Maryland.