Maria is originally from Manila, Philippines and grew up in Houston. She has a bachelor's degree in mathematics and a master's degree in curriculum and instruction from the University of Texas at Austin, and a Ph.D. in educational psychology from the University of Houston. She lives in the Bellaire area with her daughter.

Maria is currently assistant director of assessment for the Universty of Houston-downtown. She previously worked as an assistant principal at Southwest Schools, a math teacher in San Antonio ISD, taught at Lawson Middle School, and served as a math specialist for the Madison High School feeder pattern. She also worked as a professor at the University of Houston and was an assistant principal focused on special education students and English language learners.

Maria Benzon previously ran for this seat in 2021 but did not win.