Del. Brian M. Crosby, a Democrat representing St. Mary’s County in Maryland’s House of Delegates, has decided not to seek a third term, stepping away from the legislature after a tenure marked by his high-profile role in debates over business taxation.
Crosby first revealed his plans in a January 2026 social media post on the opening day of the legislative session, stating it marked the start of his final term. The announcement drew limited initial attention from local Southern Maryland media, which continued to report uncertainty about his candidacy or filing status in subsequent coverage. On February 16, 2026, Maryland Matters published details confirming the decision, with Crosby declining further comment beyond directing inquiries to his earlier post.
In that message, Crosby wrote: “For me, today is extra special, as it marks the start of my last session. I am going to spend more time focused on my girls and family and business. Being your delegate has been an honor of a lifetime, and I want to thank each and every one of you for this incredible opportunity.”
An Army veteran and owner of a small business with nearly 50 employees that subcontracts on Defense IT contracts, Crosby won his first election in 2018, defeating Republican incumbent Deb Rey in District 29B with 53 percent of the vote. He secured re-election in 2022 and served as vice chair of the House Economic Matters Committee from 2021 to 2025.
Crosby gained widespread attention in March 2025 during intense legislative discussions over a proposed 3 percent tax on certain business-to-business services, including information technology. As the owner of a Maryland-based firm reliant on federal contracting, he publicly explained his decision to reposition the company as an out-of-state vendor—moving operations to Virginia—to avoid the tax’s impact, which he described as potentially bankrupting similar businesses. Republicans highlighted the move to bolster arguments against the measure, which became part of the fiscal 2026 budget agreement and took effect later that year despite opposition from affected sectors.
Following a leadership change in December 2025, when Joseline Peña-Melnyk succeeded Adrienne Jones as House speaker, Crosby lost his vice chair position on the Economic Matters Committee.
District 29B, covering parts of St. Mary’s County including Lexington Park and Great Mills, now faces an open seat in the November 3, 2026, election. Wikipedia and other tracking sources list Crosby as retiring, with no announced successor yet in major reports. The district leans Democratic, with a D+11.5 rating in recent analyses.
Crosby’s departure adds to shifts in Southern Maryland’s delegation, where military ties, defense contracting, and business policy remain central issues due to the region’s proximity to Naval Air Station Patuxent River and federal installations.
The Maryland House of Delegates comprises 141 members, and the 2026 elections will fill all seats alongside other statewide races. Crosby’s exit opens opportunities for new candidates in a district that has seen competitive races in recent cycles.
No additional statements from Crosby or party officials on his future plans or potential endorsements appear in available coverage. The decision aligns with personal priorities emphasized in his announcement, focusing on family and his business amid ongoing state fiscal and tax policy challenges.