David R. Brinkley (born September 24, 1959) is an American politician who served as the Secretary of Budget and Management for the U.S. state of Maryland from 2015 to 2023.

[3] Incumbent George Littrell ran for the State Senate seat left open by Charles H. Smelser.

[8] When Kittleman resigned in 2011, Brinkley again ran for Minority Leader, but was rejected in favor of the conservative Senator Nancy Jacobs.

[9][10] Brinkley immediately resigned his position as Minority Whip upon losing the election to the more conservative Jacobs.

[16] In November, his Chief of Staff, Bud Otis, was reportedly soliciting the support of Maryland Republicans to run for his seat should he decide to retire.

On November 30, 2011 Roll Call reported that Brinkley will run for Maryland's 6th congressional district and, “if necessary,” will primary Bartlett, according to his friend and supporter, state Delegate LeRoy Myers.

[21] Newly elected governor Larry Hogan appointed Brinkley to the position of Secretary of Budget and Management in January 2015.