Benjamin Louis Cardin

Current Position and Previous Key Roles:

In more than five decades of political activity, Benjamin Louis Cardin achieved his most notable accomplishment by authoring and passing the Global Magnitsky Act. This law provided an effective tool for global sanctions against individuals and entities responsible for widespread human rights abuses and major corruption, fundamentally changing the United States’ approach in this area.

Marital Status: Married since November 24, 1964, to Myrna Edelman (former teacher and high school classmate)
Children: Two children (a daughter named Deborah and a son named Michael, who has passed away); also has grandchildren.
Current Occupation: Retired from politics (after his Senate term ended in January 2025); former lawyer and consultant; currently active in public activities and retirement.

Previous Important Positions: U.S. Senator from Maryland (2007–2025).
U.S. Representative for Maryland’s 3rd District (1987–2007).
Member of the Maryland House of Delegates (1967–1987), including serving as Speaker of the Maryland House (1979–1986).
Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee (served at different times), ranking member of the Senate committees on Foreign Relations, Small Business, and the Helsinki Commission.

Has he traveled to Israel :

Yes, Benjamin Cardin has made several trips to Israel, including recent visits (such as in 2023) to support U.S.-Israel relations, meet with officials, and participate in events related to AIPAC and occasions like the 75th anniversary of Israel’s founding. He is known as a strong supporter of the bilateral relationship, and these visits were part of his work on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.