He is the subject of a 2010 book by Michael Pertschuk entitled The DeMarco Factor: Transforming Public Will Into Political Power.

[3] Attending Johns Hopkins University for undergraduate and graduate work in American history, he was on the college debate team, volunteered in support of a labor boycott, and successfully lobbied for banning "walking around" money[clarification needed] in Maryland political campaigns.

[10] Rallying through the 2002 defeat of Kathleen Kennedy Townsend by Republican Robert Ehrlich,[11] the group saw their efforts reach fruition in the January 2006 veto override of the Fair Share Bill, which forced Walmart and other employers to increase health care for its workers.

[12] In 2005, DeMarco was praised by The Baltimore Sun's C. Fraser Smith,[13] and the Washington Post's Matthew Mosk and John Wagner.

The award pays tribute to nonprofit leaders who embody a commitment to principled action, passionate leadership to advance social change, and dedication to making progress in policy and practice despite challenging political environments.

[24] Leading up to the state elections on November 3, 1998, they collected pledges of support from candidates,[25] and on March 26, 1999, a $1.00-per-pack tax increase passed the Maryland House.

[30] On June 22, 2009, President Obama signed the FDA omnibus bill granting them responsibility for the regulation of tobacco.