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Russett resident Devin Tucker said he is running for state delegate to give Anne Arundel County a voice in District 21.

In particular, Tucker said he would like to represent the Anne Arundel portion of Laurel when congressional and legislative district lines are redrawn to reflect the results of the 2010 census.

"It's a very important debate," Tucker said of the district lines. "I think it's important to have a voice from Anne Arundel County and Laurel."

Tucker, 38, is one of three Anne Arundel candidates — and the only Democrat — who have filed for the Dist. 21 delegate race. District 21 includes Laurel, Beltsville, College Park and the far western portion of Anne Arundel County.

In the Sept. 14 primary, Tucker will face all three incumbents — Democrats Ben Barnes, Barbara Frush and Joseline Peña-Melnyk — along with fellow Democratic challenger Brian K. McDaniel.

Libertarian Bryan Walker and Republicans Scott W. DiBiasio, Kat Nelson and Jason W. Papanikolas have also filed for seats in the Dist. 21 delegation. The general election will take place Nov. 2.

Tucker made an unsuccessful bid for the District 4 seat on the Anne Arundel County Council in 2006.

Along with district realignment, Tucker said slots and the Base Realignment and Closure, or BRAC, are two other issues that need Russett and Maryland City representation. Tucker is a vocal opponent of a slots casino in Anne Arundel County and said he believes that investing in BRAC preparation would better serve the district.

"It's an area with a highly educated population, middle class families," he said. "It has a lot more economic potential than slots will ever provide for the community."

Tucker said he is qualified for a delegate seat because his experience working with different community organizations has made him aware of voters' needs and concerns. Two of his other priorities are trimming spending and supporting small businesses.

He said he realizes that some of his more conservative beliefs have made some people label him a "moderate Democrat."

Laurel resident Wendy Hamilton, who met Tucker in 2008 while campaigning for President Obama, said his educational and professional background make him well-qualified for the position but his dedication to the community and fresh take on the issues make him stand apart from the other candidates.

"People are looking for somebody they can relate to and not somebody who feels that they are entitled," Hamilton said. "I think Devin's that kind of person."

Devin Tucker

Position sought and party affiliation: Dist. 21 delegate, Democrat

Place of residence: Russett (Laurel)

How long lived in District 21: 10 years

Age: 38

Place of birth: Illinois

Current occupation: program director for nonprofit workforce housing organization

Education: M.A., Harvard University; Bachelor of Science, Saint Louis University

Community associations, involvement: Russett Community Association — parcel representative and budget committee

Professional associations: Chair, Community Service, Harvard Club of Maryland; Founder, Dads and Donuts First Baptist of Laurel; Founder, Maryland Emerging Leaders Caucus

Family: Married for 11 years; two daughters, ages 8 and 4

Campaign office telephone: 301-362-6984

Website: www.DevinTucker.com