Local races that shape schools, taxes, public safety, and daily life
County elections often have the biggest impact on Maryland families — from school boards and local taxes to law enforcement, zoning, housing, and infrastructure.
MDBayNews provides clear, factual coverage of key county-level races across the state.
This page gives you a simple overview of updates, candidates, and major issues in Maryland’s most active and competitive counties.
Counties We’re Tracking in 2026
Click any county for candidate lists, race updates, and issue summaries.
Montgomery County
County Executive, County Council, Board of Education
→ View Montgomery County Races
Prince George’s County
County Executive, County Council, School Board
→ View Prince George’s County Races
Anne Arundel County
County Executive, County Council, School Board
→ View Anne Arundel County Races
Baltimore County
County Executive, County Council, Education Board
→ View Baltimore County Races
Baltimore City
Mayor, City Council, School Board
→ View Baltimore City Races
Howard County
County Executive, County Council, Board of Education
→ View Howard County Races
Frederick County
County Executive, County Council, Board of Education
→ View Frederick County Races
Harford County
County Executive, County Council, School Board
→ View Harford County Races
Eastern Shore Counties
(E.g., Wicomico, Worcester, Talbot, Queen Anne’s, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent)
County Commissioners, School Boards
→ View Eastern Shore Races
What County Elections Decide
County-level elections influence some of the most important policy areas:
- School curriculum & parental rights
- Property taxes & local fees
- Crime & law enforcement funding
- Public safety policies
- Zoning & land use decisions
- Transportation & road planning
- Energy regulations & development limits
- County budgets & spending
Because Maryland is heavily county-driven politically, these races often matter more day-to-day than statewide elections.
County Election Updates
Before the Endorsement: Jawando’s Senate Committee Gave $115,000 to Working Families Party PAC
Will Jawando’s Montgomery County Executive campaign is centered on grassroots principles, yet there’s controversy over his $115,000 donations to the Working Families Party PAC before their endorsement. While he claims to prioritize small donors through public financing, his significant campaign contributions raise questions about the authenticity of his message and potential influence on endorsements.
Jawando Taps Public Financing — and a Parallel Big-Money Committee
Will Jawando, a candidate for Montgomery County Executive, has raised over $400,000 through public financing but simultaneously operates a second committee fueled by large donations, raising questions about compliance with campaign finance rules. His actions suggest a conflicted approach, potentially undermining the Public Election Fund’s intent to reduce big-money influence.
A Forum for Some, Silence for Others: Poolesville “Fair Access” Event Raises Questions About Access and Fairness
A political forum in Poolesville, hosted by the Fair Access Committee, is scrutinized for excluding Republican candidates for County Executive, despite claiming to be community-focused. This raises fairness concerns, as voters lack access to all candidates. The absence of an equivalent forum for Republicans highlights potential biases in political access, influencing early narratives in the…
Republicans Put Forward Neil Parrott for Washington County Commissioner Vacancy, Setting Up Test for Moore Administration
The Washington County Republican Central Committee has recommended Neil Parrott to fill a vacancy on the Washington County Board of County Commissioners. Governor Wes Moore has 15 days to accept or reject this recommendation. Parrott’s appointment could impact local governance and reflects ongoing tensions between local and state political dynamics in Maryland.
Montgomery County’s Circuit Court Election Is a Blindfolded Vote
The Montgomery County Circuit Court election features five candidates, raising concerns about the transparency and accountability of judges who make significant decisions impacting families. Voters lack accessible information regarding judges’ past rulings and conduct, complicating their ability to make informed choices. The existing opaque system heightens distrust and undermines democratic principles.
Blind Date at the Ballot Box: Inside the Money Network Behind Montgomery County’s Judicial Elections
Judicial elections in Maryland, particularly at the Circuit Court level, are poorly understood by the public, leading to limited scrutiny and transparency. A network of judges, law firms, and political groups financially supports these elections, raising concerns about impartiality. Given the lack of public access to performance evaluations, maintaining trust in the judiciary becomes challenging.
Montgomery County’s 2026 Council Races Are a Democratic Power Struggle Over Taxes, Growth, and the County’s Direction
Montgomery County’s 2026 County Council elections are set to be highly contested, with all 11 seats on the ballot due to significant turnover. Key issues include governance style, fiscal discipline, and addressing local challenges like housing and public safety. Voters face a choice between progressive activism and more pragmatic approaches.
Trone Money Flows Into Frederick County: Fitzwater’s Campaign Backed by Trone Family Donations
Recent campaign finance records in Maryland highlight the significant influence of the Trone family, particularly in support of Jessica Fitzwater’s campaign. The family’s coordinated donations totaling $42,500 raise concerns about the impact of wealthy political families on local elections, challenging the perception of grassroots support and reinforcing the dominance of political donor networks in the…
The 2026 Anne Arundel County Council Races Are Taking Shape
Anne Arundel County’s upcoming council elections are pivotal, influencing key issues like growth, taxes, and public safety. With competitive primaries across multiple districts, candidates are addressing concerns about affordability, infrastructure, and development. Notably, Districts 1, 6, and 7 feature highly contested races that could reshape the county’s political landscape for years ahead.
Greg Holmes Launches Campaign for Prince George’s County Executive, Emphasizing Growth, Safety, and Affordability
Greg Holmes has announced his candidacy for Prince George’s County Executive in the 2026 elections, focusing on economic growth, public safety, and affordability. With a background in both business and nonprofit sectors, he aims to provide accountable leadership and address key county challenges while promoting cross-party collaboration.
Open Seat Sets Up High-Stakes Race for Baltimore County Executive in 2026
The Baltimore County Executive race is set to be pivotal, with no incumbent and a competitive Democratic primary on June 23, 2026. Five Democratic candidates, including Council members Izzy Patoka and Julian Jones, are vying for the position, focusing on issues like affordability, public safety, and government transparency. Republicans face a challenging landscape.
Sanctuary Over Sanity: Montgomery’s Executive Candidates Choose ICE Protests Over Public Safety
Montgomery County’s Democratic leadership has introduced the “ICE Out Act” to block private ICE detention facilities, prioritizing ideological signaling over public safety and federal cooperation. With rising crime and school decline, candidates for County Executive remain silent, raising concerns about leadership focused more on political theater than effective governance and community well-being.
Montgomery County’s 2026 Executive Race: Filing Deadline Shake-Up and a Complete Primary Overview
Montgomery County’s 2026 County Executive race is set for the June 23 primary, featuring a five-candidate Democratic slate and a two-candidate Republican contest. Incumbent Marc Elrich is term-limited. Key Democratic candidates include Andrew Friedson and Evan Glass, while Esther Wells enters as a conservative challenger, signaling an active political environment.
Anne Arundel’s Open Seat: A Crowded Democratic Primary and a Clear Republican Contrast in 2026
In 2026, Anne Arundel County will elect a new county executive without an incumbent for the first time in eight years. The Democratic primary, featuring four candidates, will focus on themes like housing affordability and public safety, while the lone Republican, Dave Crawford, emphasizes fiscal restraint. Who wins may shape the county’s political future.
Montgomery County’s 2026 At-Large Council Race: A Crowded Primary That Will Decide the County’s Direction
The 2026 Montgomery County Council At-Large primary features 17 Democrats vying for four seats, with only incumbent Laurie-Anne Sayles running for reelection. Key issues include housing, fiscal management, public safety, and education. The outcome will significantly influence the county’s governance and reflect broader Democratic trends in Maryland.
Coverage Note
MDBayNews covers local elections across Maryland regardless of party affiliation.
Reporting is factual and non-endorsing.
Opinion pieces and editorial analysis are clearly marked.