2026 Maryland county executive elections
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8 of Maryland's 9 county executive seats | |||||||||||||
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 Government |
The Maryland county executive elections of 2026 will be held on November 3, 2026.
Anne Arundel County, Baltimore County, Frederick County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Prince George's County, and Wicomico County will elect county executives.
Race summary
[edit]| County | County executive | Party | First elected | Last race | Status | Candidates[1] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anne Arundel County | Steuart Pittman | Democratic | 2018 | 53.7% D | Term-limited | |
| Baltimore County | Kathy Klausmeier | Democratic | 2025[a] | 63.7% D | Incumbent retiring | |
| Frederick County | Jessica Fitzwater | Democratic | 2022 | 50.4% D | Incumbent's intent unknown |
|
| Harford County | Robert Cassilly | Republican | 2022 | 64.1% R | Incumbent running |
|
| Howard County | Calvin Ball III | Democratic | 2018 | 59.1% D | Term-limited |
|
| Montgomery County | Marc Elrich | Democratic | 2018 | 75.1% D | Term-limited | |
| Prince George's County | Tara Jackson | Democratic | 2025[b] | 98.7% D | Incumbent retiring |
|
| Wicomico County | Julie Giordano | Republican | 2022 | 51.2% R | Incumbent running |
Anne Arundel County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Democrat Steuart Pittman, who was re-elected in 2022 with 53.7 percent of the vote.[10] He is ineligible to run for a third term due to term limits.
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- James Kitchin, special assistant to county executive Steuart Pittman[2]
- Allison Pickard, county councilmember from the 2nd district (2018–present)[3]
Potential
[edit]- Pete Smith, county councilmember from the 1st district (2012–2013, 2014–2018, 2022–present)[3]
Declined
[edit]- Gavin Buckley, mayor of Annapolis (2017–present)[11]
Endorsements
[edit]James Kitchin
Allison Pickard
- U.S. representatives
- Sarah Elfreth, MD-03 (2025–present)[3]
- State legislators
- J. Sandy Bartlett, state delegate from the 32nd district (2019–present)[3]
- Pamela Beidle, state senator from the 32nd district (2019–present)[3]
- Mark S. Chang, state delegate from the 32nd district (2015–present)[3]
- Dawn Gile, state senator from the 33rd district (2023–present)[3]
- Dana Jones, state delegate from district 30A (2020–present)[3]
- Andrew Pruski, state delegate from district 33A (2023–present)[3]
- County officials
- Julie Hummer, county councilmember from the 4th district (2022–present)[3]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of January 8, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Allison Pickard (D) | $103,750 | $29,744 | $139,918 |
| Source: Maryland State Board of Elections[13] | |||
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Jessica Haire, former county councilmember from the 7th district (2018–2022) and nominee for county executive in 2022[14]
Potential
[edit]- Nathan Volke, county councilmember from the 3rd district (2018–present)[15]
Declined
[edit]- Nic Kipke, state delegate from the 31st district (2007–present) and former minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates (2013–2021) (running for state senate)[16]
Baltimore County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Democrat Kathy Klausmeier, who was appointed county executive by the Baltimore County Council after Johnny Olszewski was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in Maryland's 2nd congressional district in 2024. She is not running for election to a full four-year term.[17] Olszewski was re-elected in 2022 with 63.7 percent of the vote.[18]
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Nick Stewart, attorney and activist[4]
- Pat Young, county councilmember from the 1st district (2022–present)[5]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Julian Jones, county councilmember from the 4th district (2014–present)[19]
- Izzy Patoka, county councilmember from the 2nd district (2018–present)[19]
- Charles E. Sydnor III, state senator from the 44th district (2020–present) (decision expected in June 2025)[20]
Declined
[edit]- James Brochin, former state senator from the 42nd district (2003–2019) and candidate for county executive in 2018[21]
- Kathy Klausmeier, incumbent county executive[17]
Endorsements
[edit]Pat Young
- Organizations
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of January 8, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Pat Young (D) | $120,011 | $13,696 | $227,699 |
| Source: Maryland State Board of Elections[13] | |||
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Chris West, former state senator from the 42nd district (2019–present)[23]
Frederick County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Democrat Jessica Fitzwater, who was elected in 2022 with 50.4 percent of the vote.[24] She is eligible to run for a second term, but has not yet said if she will do so.
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]- Jessica Fitzwater, incumbent county executive
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]- Michael Hough, former state senator from the 4th district (2015–2023) and nominee for county executive in 2022[25]
- Steve McKay, county councilmember from the 2nd district (2018–present)[25]
- Jesse Pippy, state delegate from the 4th district (2019–present)[25]
Declined
[edit]- Chuck Jenkins, Frederick County Sheriff (2006–present) (running for re-election)[1]
Harford County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Republican Robert Cassilly, who was elected in 2022 with 64.1 percent of the vote.[26] He is running for reelection to a second term.[6]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Robert Cassilly, incumbent county executive[6]
Howard County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Democrat Calvin Ball III, who was re-elected in 2022 with 59.1 percent of the vote.[27] He is ineligible to run for a third term due to term limits.
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Deb Jung, county councilmember from the 4th district (2018–present)[7]
Potential
[edit]- Vanessa Atterbeary, state delegate from the 13th district (2015–present)[25]
- Jessica Feldmark, state delegate from district 12A (2019–present)[25]
- Katie Fry Hester, state senator from the 9th district (2019–present)[25]
- Opel Jones, county councilmember from the 2nd district (2018–present)[25]
- Clarence Lam, state senator from the 12th district (2019–present)[25]
- Liz Walsh, county councilmember from the 1st district (2018–present)[25]
- Courtney Watson, state delegate from district 9B (2019–present) and nominee for county executive in 2014[25]
Montgomery County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Democrat Marc Elrich, who was re-elected in 2022 with 75.1 percent of the vote.[28] He initially said that he would run for a third term,[29] however, Montgomery County voters approved a referendum during the 2024 elections limiting county executives to two consecutive terms, barring Elrich from running for a third term.[30]
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Evan Glass, at-large county councilmember (2018–present)[8]
- Celeste Iroha, medical assistant and gun safety activist[31]
Filed paperwork
[edit]- Will Jawando, at-large county councilmember (2018–present) (announcement expected on May 21, 2025)[32]
Publicly expressed interest
[edit]- Andrew Friedson, county councilmember from the 1st district (2018–present)[33]
Potential
[edit]- Gabe Albornoz, at-large county councilmember (2018–present)[34]
- Richard Madaleno, county chief administrative officer (2020–present), former state senator from the 18th district (2007–2019), and candidate for governor in 2018[34][31]
- Kate Stewart, president of the Montgomery County council (2024–present) from the 4th district (2022–present)[25]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declined
[edit]- Reardon Sullivan, chair of the Montgomery County Republican Party (2025–present) and nominee for county executive in 2022[35]
Prince George's County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is currently Tara Jackson, who is serving as the interim county executive until the next county executive is determined in a special election occurring on June 3, 2025.[36] Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, was re-elected in 2022 with 98.7 percent of the vote,[37] resigned on December 2, 2024, after winning election to the U.S. Senate.[38]
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Potential
[edit]- Aisha Braveboy, Prince George's County State's Attorney (2018–present) and nominee in the 2025 special election[39]
Declined
[edit]- Jolene Ivey, at-large county councilmember (2024–present) and candidate for county executive in 2025 (running for re-election)[40]
Wicomico County
[edit]The incumbent county executive is Republican Julie Giordano, who was elected in 2022 with 51.2 percent of the vote.[41] She is running for a second term in office.[42]
Republican primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]- Julie Giordano, incumbent county executive[42]
Fundraising
[edit]| Campaign finance reports as of January 8, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Julie Giordano (R) | $0 | $10 | $227 |
| Source: Maryland State Board of Elections[13] | |||
Democratic primary
[edit]Candidates
[edit]Declared
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ Klausmeier took office after her predecessor, Johnny Olszewski, resigned. She is not running for election to a full term.
- ^ Jackson took office after her predecessor, Angela Alsobrooks, resigned. She is not running for election to a full term in the 2025 special election.
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d "2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election Local Candidates List". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ a b Ford, William J.; Kurtz, Josh; Sears, Bryan P. (15 January 2025). "Hill newbies get committee posts, Kitchin cooks up candidacy, celebrity guests, more notes". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 15, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Kurtz, Josh (December 9, 2024). "Pickard is quick out of the gate in Anne Arundel County executive race". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- ^ a b Miller, Hallie (April 28, 2025). "A 'pro-growth' candidate wants to shake up Baltimore County executive race". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Kobell, Rona (February 27, 2025). "Councilman Pat Young launches campaign for Baltimore County executive". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ a b c Hubbard, Matt (March 14, 2025). "How Cassilly's approach to government has caused controversy and the future of Harford County". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Reed, Lillian (April 28, 2025). "Councilmember Deb Jung launches campaign for Howard County executive". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved April 28, 2025.
- ^ a b Bixby, Ginny (March 12, 2025). "Evan Glass announces run for Montgomery County executive". Bethesda Magazine. Retrieved March 12, 2025.
- ^ a b Pierce, Rachel (April 25, 2025). "Salisbury Councilwoman Running for Wicomico County Executive". WBOC-TV. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Anne Arundel County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Hutzell, Rick (March 14, 2025). "Gavin Buckley leads his final parade as mayor of Annapolis". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved March 14, 2025.
Buckley toyed with joining the Democratic field seeking to replace Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman next year. Instead, he will return to his businesses, restaurants.
- ^ a b Loock, Megan (January 22, 2025). "County Executive Steuart Pittman set to endorse James Kitchin at Feb. rally". The Capital. Retrieved January 22, 2025.
- ^ a b c "Maryland Campaign Reporting Information System". campaignfinance.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ^ Kurtz, Josh (July 22, 2024). "Maryland Republican women seek more opportunities". Maryland Matters. Retrieved December 9, 2024.
- ^ Hutzell, Rick (January 3, 2025). "One word will decide Anne Arundel political picks: Electability". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election State Candidates List". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved March 24, 2025.
- ^ a b Kobell, Rona (January 7, 2025). "State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier named Baltimore County Executive". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Baltimore County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ a b Conrad, Brooke (February 11, 2025). "Multiple candidates eyeing multimillion-dollar race for Baltimore County executive". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
- ^ Lee, John (April 29, 2025). "Nick Stewart targets housing crisis as he joins the Baltimore County Executive Race". WYPR. Retrieved April 30, 2025.
- ^ Conrad, Brooke (December 17, 2024). "5 Baltimore County Executive candidates tell council why they're best pick for the job". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved December 17, 2024.
- ^ Lee, John (February 27, 2025). "Pat Young says he wants to be the "adult in the room" as he launches Campaign for Baltimore County Executive". WYPR. Retrieved February 27, 2025.
- ^ Kurtz, Josh; Sears, Bryan P. (August 23, 2023). "Political Notes: Sen. West won't seek reelection and race to replace him has already started, plus U.S. Senate developments and Hogan's latest line". Maryland Matters. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Frederick County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Kurtz, Josh (January 20, 2025). "Braveboy leads Prince George's money chase, fundraising amps up in other exec races". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 20, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Harford County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Howard County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Montgomery County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ Murphy, Fran (December 8, 2023). "Elrich Says He Will Seek Third Term". Montgomery Community Media. Retrieved August 29, 2024.
- ^ Bixby, Ginny (November 5, 2024). "Elrich facing final two years in office after term-limit referendum passes". MoCo360. Retrieved November 6, 2024.
- ^ a b Bixby, Ginny (March 7, 2025). "Silver Spring resident Celeste Iroha files to run for MoCo executive". Bethesda Magazine. Retrieved March 7, 2025.
- ^ Pagnucco, Adam (May 6, 2025). "Jawando Establishes Campaign Committee to Run for Executive". Montgomery Perspective. Retrieved May 6, 2025.
- ^ Bixby, Ginny (December 19, 2024). "Friedson talks accountability, transparency – and whether he'll run for county executive". MoCo360. Retrieved December 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Pagnucco, Adam (November 15, 2024). "Who Will be the Next County Executive? Part Two". Montgomery Perspective. Retrieved November 17, 2024.
- ^ Munro, Dana (October 29, 2024). "A Montgomery County ballot initiative would bar Elrich from third term". The Washington Post. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
- ^ Gaur, Akshaj (December 21, 2024). "Prince George's County special election moved to June 3". The Diamondback. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Prince George's County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ Kosmas, Sam (December 2, 2024). "Angela Alsobrooks resigns as Prince George's County Executive following Senate win". WTTG. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
- ^ Elliott, Richard D. (March 5, 2025). "Braveboy Holds Early Lead in County Executive Primary, Adams-Stafford Ahead in District 5". The Washington Informer. Retrieved March 5, 2025.
- ^ Wilkins, Tracee; Leslie, Katie; Piper, Jeff (March 26, 2025). "Jolene Ivey opens up on her health, Prince George's County executive race exit". WRC-TV. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
- ^ "Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Wicomico County". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 31, 2025.
- ^ a b Weah, Leila (March 24, 2025). "Julie Giordano announces plans to run for 2nd Wicomico County Exec. term". WMDT. Retrieved April 25, 2025.
External links
[edit]- Official campaign websites for Anne Arundel County executive candidates
- Official campaign websites for Baltimore County executive candidates
- Official campaign websites for Howard County executive candidates
- Official campaign websites for Montgomery County executive candidates
- Official campaign websites for Wicomico County executive candidates
