By MDBayNews Staff
Montgomery County is heading into a consequential transition in 2026 — not because of a dramatic partisan showdown, but because the county’s long-running one-party dominance is about to collide with a wide-open Democratic primary, a term-limited incumbent, and growing voter unease over affordability, growth, and governance.
The election for Montgomery County Executive will be held on June 2, 2026 (Democratic primary) and November 3, 2026 (general election). Incumbent Marc Elrich, a progressive Democrat, is barred from seeking a third consecutive term after voters approved a two-term limit charter amendment in 2024.
With Elrich exiting, the race has become a de facto intra-Democratic contest, shaping the county’s direction regardless of what happens in November.
Who’s Running
As of January 30, 2026, filings with the Maryland State Board of Elections show a crowded Democratic field and just one Republican candidate.
Democratic Candidates (Primary)
- Andrew Friedson — Councilmember, District 1
- Evan Glass — Councilmember, At-Large
- Will Jawando — Council Vice President, At-Large
- Mithun Banerjee — Property manager / project manager
Republican Candidate
- Shelly Skolnick — Attorney, Friendship Heights / Chevy Chase
Candidate filing remains open until February 24, 2026, at 9:00 PM, meaning additional late entrants are still possible.
A Democratic County, But a Competitive Primary
Montgomery County remains one of the most Democratic jurisdictions in Maryland. That reality has shifted the real contest to the June primary, where ideological differences, governing style, and economic philosophy matter far more than party labels.
Four of the five Democratic candidates have served or sought to serve within the county’s progressive governing consensus, but they differ sharply in tone and approach — particularly on taxes, development, and business climate.
Where the Candidates Stand
Andrew Friedson: The Technocratic Growth Democrat
Friedson has positioned himself as the most pragmatic, data-driven candidate in the field.
Key themes:
- Authored the $20 million New J.O.B.S. initiative, the largest economic development package in county history
- Created a $100 million Housing Production Fund and $50 million preservation fund
- Expanded property-tax relief for low- and fixed-income homeowners
- Emphasizes accountability metrics in education funding
- Co-authored the Green Buildings Now Act
Notably, Friedson is not participating in the county’s Public Election Fund (PEF), opting instead for traditional fundraising — a choice that has fueled both criticism and a commanding financial advantage.
Evan Glass: Progressive Governance With Activist Framing
Glass frames his campaign around resilience, inclusion, and resistance to national Republican policies, blending progressive legislation with activist rhetoric.
Key themes:
- Addressing office vacancies and economic stagnation
- Fare-free public bus service
- Expanded renter protections and pay-equity measures
- LGBTQ+ rights, immigrant protections, and environmental expansion (including composting)
Glass emphasizes “people power” and community engagement, appealing to progressive activists and social-justice-oriented voters.
Will Jawando: The Equity-First Progressive
Jawando’s campaign centers on the “Montgomery Promise” — an explicitly progressive vision emphasizing affordability, worker protections, and limits on developer influence.
Key themes:
- Rent caps and rent-stabilization policies
- Strong opposition to large developers
- Expanded public-school funding
- Small-business support paired with worker-rights enforcement
- Heavy investment in human services
Jawando’s message resonates with the progressive base but raises concerns among moderates about fiscal sustainability.
Mithun Banerjee: The Anti-Establishment Progressive
Banerjee offers the most sweeping policy proposals, advocating for aggressive redistribution and expanded public services funded by higher taxes on high earners and businesses.
Key themes:
- Free universal pre-K and childcare
- Tuition-free Montgomery College
- Property-tax freezes for homes under $1 million
- Higher taxes on millionaires and profitable businesses
- No-profit public housing and voluntary salary caps
While ambitious, Banerjee’s campaign has struggled to gain traction financially or organizationally.
The Republican Factor: Symbolic, Not Strategic
Shelly Skolnick is currently the only Republican candidate in the race. His platform includes:
- Property-tax reductions
- Government efficiency via AI
- Structural reforms to the County Council
- A controversial proposal to “retrocede” residential D.C. into Maryland
In a county with overwhelming Democratic registration, Skolnick’s candidacy is widely viewed as a long-shot and underscores the GOP’s organizational weakness at the county level.
Follow the Money: Friedson’s Clear Advantage
Fundraising tells the story of this race:
- Friedson: ~$1.85 million cash on hand
- Jawando: ~$560,000 (PEF-boosted)
- Glass: ~$400,000 (with pending matching funds)
- Banerjee & Iroha: Minimal activity
- Skolnick: Nominal funds
The divide between private fundraising and public matching funds highlights a broader debate about whether Montgomery County’s PEF system empowers grassroots candidates — or simply caps competitiveness.
Why This Matters for Montgomery County
This election will decide:
- Whether the county doubles down on progressive expansion or pivots toward growth-oriented pragmatism
- How aggressively taxes, development rules, and housing mandates will be applied
- Whether Montgomery County prioritizes economic competitiveness or ideological signaling
With no serious general-election contest likely, Democratic primary voters will effectively choose the next County Executive — and with it, the county’s policy direction for the next four years.
Where to Track Updates
- Maryland State Board of Elections:
https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2026/Primary_candidates/gen_cand_lists_2026_1_by_county_16.html - Montgomery County Board of Elections:
https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/Elections/
MDBayNews will continue tracking filings, fundraising, forums, and policy shifts as the June primary approaches.
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