A crowded field of candidates will decide growth, taxes, and local policy in one of Maryland’s most important counties
By MDBayNews Staff
While most attention in Anne Arundel County politics will focus on the county executive race, the contests for the seven County Council seats may ultimately shape the county’s future even more directly.
The County Council controls the county’s legislative agenda, zoning approvals, growth policy, and major budget decisions. Those choices affect everything from development and traffic to taxes, public safety funding, and housing policy.
The filing deadline for the 2026 election passed on February 24. The primary election will take place June 23, with the general election on November 3.
Several districts feature competitive primaries, while others will test whether incumbents can hold their seats in a county that remains politically competitive.
Below is a district-by-district look at the candidates currently running.
District 1
District 1 covers parts of Brooklyn Park, Linthicum, Severn, Hanover, and areas surrounding BWI Airport and Fort Meade.
This race features a crowded Democratic primary and one Republican candidate heading into the general election.
Candidates
Democrats
- Robert Kinney
- Geonta L. Simmons
- Kelly M. Smith
Republican
- Justin Sherlock
Race dynamics
- The Democratic primary will likely determine the direction of the race.
- Simmons has one of the more defined early platforms, emphasizing community investment, youth programs, and affordable housing initiatives.
- Smith has framed her campaign around community advocacy and mentorship.
- Kinney entered the race later in the filing period and has released fewer policy details so far.
For Republicans, Sherlock’s path will likely depend on focusing the race on issues that resonate across party lines in North County, including:
- public safety
- economic development
- business growth near BWI and Fort Meade
- infrastructure and traffic concerns
District 1 voters have historically shown concern about crime and development pressures, making those issues likely central to the campaign.
District 2
District 2 includes parts of Severn and Glen Burnie and is another race that could become competitive in the general election.
Candidates
Democrats
- Catelyn Middlebrooks
- Will Shorter
Republican
- Cory Malinowski
Race dynamics
Malinowski has one of the most detailed platforms among council candidates so far.
His campaign priorities include:
- strong support for law enforcement
- road maintenance and transportation improvements
- development tied to infrastructure capacity
- regulatory reform to support small businesses
- environmental enforcement focused on pollution prevention
Shorter’s campaign has emphasized:
- improving schools
- housing affordability
- community engagement and inclusion
Middlebrooks has announced her candidacy but has not yet published a detailed platform online.
If the general election becomes a debate about development, traffic congestion, and local taxes, District 2 could become one of the county’s more competitive races.
District 3
District 3 is a straightforward matchup between an incumbent Republican and a Democratic challenger.
Candidates
Democrat
- Rebecca Baucom
Republican
- Nathan Volke (incumbent)
Race dynamics
Volke currently holds the District 3 seat on the Anne Arundel County Council.
Baucom, a teacher, has focused her campaign messaging on education and community services.
Incumbency will likely be a key factor here, particularly in a district where voters often prioritize:
- fiscal restraint
- growth management
- transportation infrastructure
Council incumbents often benefit from name recognition and constituent service networks, but challengers can gain traction if voters are dissatisfied with development or local government responsiveness.
District 4
District 4 features a Democratic primary followed by a general election contest against a Republican challenger.
Candidates
Democrats
- Julie Hummer (incumbent)
- Josh D. Peters
Republican
- Thomas Dale Wieland
Race dynamics
Hummer currently represents District 4 on the council.
Peters, a former educator and MMA instructor, has emphasized issues such as:
- economic opportunity
- education
- community investment
Wieland has focused his campaign messaging on:
- traffic congestion
- infrastructure improvements
- responsible development
As development pressure continues across Anne Arundel County, infrastructure and traffic concerns are likely to dominate discussions in this district.
District 5
District 5 is one of the clearest head-to-head races in the county.
Candidates
Democrat
- Natalie Ogilvie
Republican
- Amanda Fiedler (incumbent)
Race dynamics
Fiedler currently represents District 5 and has built her political profile around:
- tax restraint
- public safety
- education issues
- development oversight
Her previous campaigns have received support from organizations including the Fraternal Order of Police and the Anne Arundel County Association of Realtors.
Ogilvie’s campaign is still developing its full policy platform but has emphasized community needs and education.
With only two candidates in the race, District 5 could become one of the more closely watched council contests this fall.
District 6
District 6 is the most crowded and potentially competitive council race in the county.
The current councilmember is not running for reelection, creating an open seat and a large Democratic primary field.
Candidates
Democrats
- Gavin Buckley
- Katie McDermott
- Dominik Prokop
- Joe Toolan
- Sean David White
Republican
- George Gallagher
Race dynamics
This race includes a wide range of candidates with different political styles and backgrounds.
Key candidates include:
Gavin Buckley
- Former Annapolis mayor
- Emphasizes redevelopment, environmental protection, and community partnerships
Katie McDermott
- Focuses on public safety, housing affordability, and development oversight
Dominik Prokop
- Emphasizes transparency, accountability, and business-friendly policies
Joe Toolan
- Highlights housing affordability, environmental issues, and education funding
Sean David White
- Running a grassroots campaign with limited published policy details so far
Because of the crowded field, the Democratic primary could be highly competitive.
Gallagher will face the winner of that primary in November.
District 7
District 7 is another open-seat contest and features both a Democratic candidate and a contested Republican primary.
Candidates
Democrat
- Spencer Jones
Republicans
- Dillon Aldrich
- Dawn Pulliam
Race dynamics
Jones, owner of Annapolis restaurant Chick & Ruth’s Delly, has built his campaign around:
- affordability
- public safety staffing
- Route 3 traffic improvements
- environmental protection
- fiscal accountability
The Republican primary features two candidates with different political approaches.
Dillon Aldrich
- outsider campaign
- anti-career-politician message
- focuses on lowering costs, reducing regulations, and reviewing county spending
Dawn Pulliam
- vice president of the Anne Arundel County Board of Education
- emphasizes responsible growth, education policy, and small-business support
Pulliam has also received endorsements from several current and former local officials.
The outcome of the Republican primary will determine whether the general election becomes a competitive three-way ideological contrast or a more traditional two-party contest.
The Issues Likely to Shape the Council Races
Across the county, several themes are emerging among candidates:
Affordability
Rising housing costs, taxes, and utilities continue to dominate voter concerns.
Development and Growth
Many residents have raised concerns about overdevelopment and infrastructure capacity.
Public Safety
Candidates across both parties are discussing police resources, crime prevention, and emergency services.
Infrastructure
Traffic congestion, road maintenance, and school capacity remain major local issues.
Government Transparency
Several candidates have emphasized accountability and oversight in county government.
Bottom Line
While the county executive race will attract the most headlines, the Anne Arundel County Council elections will shape the county’s policies on development, taxes, infrastructure, and public safety for years to come.
Key races to watch include:
- District 6, the most crowded and unpredictable contest
- District 7, featuring a Republican primary and an open seat
- District 1, where a Democratic primary could shape the general election
With multiple open seats, several incumbents defending their positions, and a number of competitive primaries, the 2026 council elections could significantly reshape the political direction of Anne Arundel County.
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