John Sarbanes joins Johns Hopkins as distinguished practitioner in residence

Nine-term U.S. congressman from Maryland will collaborate with SNF Agora faculty, fellows, and JHU students to explore ways to rejuvenate democracy and overcome political polarization

John Sarbanes portrait with the American and Maryland flags in the background

Image caption: John Sarbanes

Name
Doug Donovan
Email
dougdonovan@jhu.edu
Office phone
443-997-9909
Cell phone
443-462-2947

Former Maryland Congressman John Sarbanes is joining the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University for 2025 as its first distinguished practitioner in residence. Sarbanes brings a long record of public service that includes seven years as chair of the Democracy Reform Task Force in the U.S. House of Representatives. His appointment highlights the institute's commitment to fostering democratic renewal and bridging political divides.

Sarbanes will collaborate closely with SNF Agora faculty, fellows, and JHU students during his residency to explore ways to rejuvenate democratic institutions and processes and will partner with the institute to develop initiatives designed to overcome political polarization.

"If we don't figure out how to talk to each other with respect and humility, there's no way to fix our democracy," Sarbanes said.

"[Sarbanes'] dedication to democratic principles and his proven ability to navigate and reform complex political landscapes will greatly enrich our community."
Hahrie Han
Inaugural director, SNF Agora Institute

Beyond these primary focus areas, Sarbanes will consult on pressing issues such as healthcare reform and environmental stewardship, leveraging his extensive legislative and professional background to inform and inspire innovative solutions. He will be a regular presence on campus, available weekly to serve as a resource for students, faculty, and staff seeking to advance inclusive democracy and engaged citizenship.

Sarbanes's strategic vision for ensuring that democracy and civic engagement are accessible to all make him a valuable addition to the SNF Agora Institute.

"Welcoming John Sarbanes as our first distinguished practitioner in residence is a significant milestone for SNF Agora," said Hahrie Han, inaugural director of the SNF Agora Institute. "His dedication to democratic principles and his proven ability to navigate and reform complex political landscapes will greatly enrich our community. We are excited to support his efforts to foster a more inclusive and resilient democracy."

Sarbanes brings a wealth of experience from his tenure in Congress, where he represented Maryland's 3rd district from 2007 to 2025. He was a champion for democratic reforms to strengthen the voices of Americans across the political spectrum. As chief architect of the bill known as the For the People Act, and later the Freedom to Vote Act, Sarbanes sought to enhance voter access, eliminate partisan gerrymandering, and reduce the influence of money in American politics. He focused on democratizing the funding of campaigns to empower grassroots donors and make running for elected office more feasible for more candidates, regardless of means. His leadership on democracy issues is rooted in the conviction that restoring faith in political institutions is the most effective way to reduce partisan gridlock and advance common sense public policy.

Throughout his career, Sarbanes has brought particular attention to encouraging civic participation among young people. He authored legislation establishing the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program that to date has brought student debt relief to over a million people pursuing careers as teachers, nurses, social workers, first responders, service members, and other careers in the public and nonprofit sectors.