Biography of Mrs. Benson
Joanne C. Benson was elected in 1991 to The House of Delegates of the Maryland General Assembly
to represent Prince George’s County’s 24th Legislative District. In 2011 she was elected to serve
as the 24th District’s first female Senator. Photo of Senator JoAnne Benson in front of Maryland
flagSenator Benson currently serves as Assistant Deputy Majority Leader of the Senate. She is a member
of the Senate Finance Committee, serves as Chair of the Senate Rules Committee and Prince George’s
County Senate Delegation; Joint Committees on Children, Youth and Families; Ending Homelessness; Fair
Practices and State Personnel Oversight; Management of Public Funds; and has been appointed to the Metropolitan
Washington Council of Governments. She also is a member of the Women Legislators of Maryland and serves as Chaplain
of the Legislative Black Caucus of Maryland.
Joanne C. Benson was born in Roanoke, Virginia. She is the daughter of the Reverend and Mrs. William Claybon. She is one of
a patrician line of six --- four sisters and one brother. Her family relocated early on to Hagerstown, Maryland where she
attended public schools and graduated from South Hagerstown High School. Mrs. Benson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from
Bowie State University and a Master of Arts Degree from Catholic University. She believes that education is one of the most
powerful tools anyone could possess. She is a constant proponent for the strongest quality education for all Prince George’s
County’s children.
Senate Office Location
James Senate Office Building, Room 201
11 Bladen St., Annapolis, MD 21401
(410) 841-3148, (301) 858-3148
1-800-492-7122, ext. 3148 (toll free)
E-mail: joanne.benson@senate.state.md.us
Fax: (410) 841-3149, (301) 858-3149