Open Seat Sets Up High-Stakes Race for Baltimore County Executive in 2026

By MDBayNews Staff

The race for Baltimore County Executive is quickly becoming one of the most consequential local elections in Maryland this year. With no incumbent seeking a full term, a crowded field of candidates has emerged, setting up what is likely to be a decisive Democratic primary in June that will shape the county’s political direction for years to come.

Baltimore County has long leaned Democratic, and recent election results reflect that reality. Former County Executive Johnny Olszewski won reelection in 2022 with nearly 64 percent of the vote before winning election to Congress in 2024. After his departure, longtime state senator Kathy Klausmeier was appointed county executive in early 2025 but has made clear she will not run for a full term.

That decision opened the door for a wide-open contest. The Democratic primary on June 23, 2026, with early voting from June 11–18, will likely determine who ultimately takes the office when voters head to the polls for the general election on November 3.

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A Crowded Democratic Primary

Five Democratic candidates have filed to run, including three sitting members of the Baltimore County Council, turning the primary into a competitive battle between establishment experience and outsider reform messaging.

Izzy Patoka

Baltimore County Councilman Izzy Patoka is widely viewed as one of the early frontrunners. Representing the Pikesville area, Patoka has amassed the largest fundraising advantage, reporting roughly $1.4 million cash on hand.

Patoka’s campaign emphasizes community investment, business retention, and education funding. His supporters argue his budget and planning experience positions him to manage the county’s growing fiscal and infrastructure challenges.

Julian Jones

Councilman Julian Jones, a veteran firefighter and longtime public official, is another top-tier contender. Jones has raised significant funds as well, with roughly $1.1 million in campaign resources.

Jones has centered his campaign on public safety, economic growth, and accountable government leadership, arguing the county needs an executive willing to aggressively pursue new businesses and development opportunities.

Pat Young

Councilman Pat Young is attempting to distinguish himself by running a publicly financed campaign, a rare move in Baltimore County politics. Young argues the system allows him to remain independent of large donors and special interests.

A Marine Corps veteran, Young has framed his campaign around ethics, transparency, and restoring trust in local government, branding himself as an experienced but independent leader.

Nick Stewart

Attorney and former Baltimore County Board of Education member Nick Stewart represents the reform wing of the Democratic field. Stewart has focused on housing affordability, government modernization, and school investment, while positioning himself as a candidate capable of bringing a “fresh vision” to county government.

Although his fundraising totals trail the top contenders, Stewart’s campaign has gained attention for detailed policy proposals.

Mansoor Shams

Mansoor Shams, a Marine veteran and community outreach officer for Baltimore County Recreation and Parks, entered the race later but has pushed some of the most ambitious policy proposals.

Shams has centered his campaign on affordability and economic relief, including ideas such as direct payments for lower-income households and property tax relief for seniors. His candidacy appeals to voters frustrated with rising living costs across the region.

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Republicans Face an Uphill Battle

While the Democratic primary dominates attention, two Republicans have also entered the race.

Patrick V. Dyer

Patrick Dyer filed his campaign in November 2025 and is running under the committee Friends of Patrick Dyer. Public details about his policy platform remain limited.

Kimberley Stansbury

Republican candidate Kimberley Stansbury has maintained an online presence and campaign website emphasizing conservative principles such as fiscal responsibility and public safety.

However, Republicans face steep political headwinds in Baltimore County, where Democrats have held a consistent advantage in recent elections.

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An Independent Enters the Race

Attorney Rob Daniels has also entered the race as an unaffiliated candidate, filing through petition to appear on the general election ballot.

Daniels has promoted a message of bipartisanship and common-sense governance, though independent candidates historically struggle to gain traction in countywide races dominated by the two major parties.

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Key Issues Shaping the Campaign

Despite differences in ideology and policy detail, several major themes are emerging across the campaign trail:

Affordability and Cost of Living
Housing prices and living costs across the Baltimore region continue to rise, making affordability a central issue in the race.

Government Transparency and Accountability
Many candidates have emphasized ethics reforms and greater transparency amid growing skepticism toward government institutions.

Public Safety
Crime and public safety remain major concerns for many voters, particularly in areas bordering Baltimore City.

Education and Infrastructure
School overcrowding, aging infrastructure, and transportation needs are also major challenges facing county leaders.

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Why This Race Matters

Baltimore County sits at the intersection of several major regional challenges: suburban growth, economic development pressures, rising housing costs, and evolving relationships with neighboring Baltimore City.

The next county executive will shape policies affecting nearly 850,000 residents, oversee a multi-billion-dollar budget, and guide development across one of Maryland’s most important jurisdictions.

While the general election remains months away, the Democratic primary is increasingly viewed as the race that will decide the county’s future leadership.

With multiple well-funded candidates, competing visions for the county’s future, and a rapidly approaching primary date, the battle for Baltimore County Executive is just beginning.

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