Cardin, Benjamin L. (Benjamin Louis), 1943-

Benjamin Louis Cardin (born October 5, 1943) is an American lawyer and politician. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented Maryland's 3rd congressional district in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 2007 and as U.S. Senator from Maryland since 2007.

Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he graduated from City College High School before earning a B.A. from the University of Pittsburgh and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. Cardin was admitted to the Maryland Bar that same year, and joined the private practice of Rosen and Esterson until 1978. While still in law school, Cardin was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in November 1966, succeeding his uncle. He was chairman of the Ways & Means Committee from 1974 to 1979, then served as the 103rd Speaker of the House until he left office. At age 35, he was the youngest Speaker in Maryland history at the time. As Speaker, he was involved with reform efforts involving Maryland's property tax system, school financing formula, and ethical standards for elected officials.

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