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
Montgomery County GOP Drops Support for District 7 Nominee Over Mossad, 9/11 and JFK Conspiracy Posts
Montgomery County Republicans unanimously withdrew support from District 7 nominee Harold Maldonado after reviewing social media posts alleging Mossad involvement in 9/11, JFK’s assassination and Montgomery County government. Maldonado remains the GOP nominee on the November ballot.
The Council Reinvents Itself: Baltimore County Faces Historic Turnover
In November 2024, Baltimore County voters approved Question A, expanding the County Council from seven to nine members. This significant change, the first since 1956, coincides with an open executive seat. Democratic Councilman Julian Jones won the Democratic primary for executive amidst this unprecedented structural turnover, highlighting a shift in local governance.
Police Say MCPS Declined to Give Them the Name of a Student Accused of Kicking an Autistic 6-Year-Old
Montgomery County police say MCPS declined to provide the name of a student accused of kicking a 6-year-old girl with autism at Flower Hill Elementary. Nearly a month later, key questions about supervision and surveillance video remain unanswered publicly.
The Real Swing County: Anne Arundel Heads Into a Wide-Open November
Anne Arundel County’s upcoming elections feature a competitive county executive race between Democrat Allison Pickard and Republican newcomer Dave Crawford. With a history of close contests, the results may hinge on mail-in ballots. The county council also faces shifts with multiple open seats and varying levels of GOP competition in several districts.
Every Seat in Play: Harford County Heads to November With a Full Ballot
Harford County’s November ballot features contested races for every county council seat and county executive, a rarity in recent history. Incumbent Republican County Executive Bob Cassilly faces Democrat Barbara Osborn Kreamer. With most council seats open due to retirements and primary losses, significant changes in governance are anticipated regardless of party wins.
The Union Playbook: Hilton’s California Fix and Maryland’s Test
Steve Hilton criticizes California’s education system, asserting that teacher unions control Sacramento. He advocates for children to read by third grade and increased accountability. In Maryland, similar concerns arise as testing results reveal low proficiency in math and reading. Republican candidates propose shifting educational power back to parents amidst strong union influence.
The Council Eliminated a Broad $692 Homeowner Credit. Now It Wants Three Targeted Ones.
The Montgomery County Council introduced three tax relief proposals aimed at supporting specific groups after eliminating a broad property tax credit. The bills focus on low-income families, school employees, and homeowners, yet the council faces criticism for not addressing deeper fiscal deficits. Public hearings are scheduled for October 13.
Jawando Hospitalized After Heart Attack, Campaign Says He’s Recovering
Will Jawando, the Democratic nominee for Montgomery County executive, had a heart attack while playing basketball on September 5. After treatment, including a stent placement, he is expected to recover at home. Despite scaling back his activities, his office will continue to provide services. He remains a leading candidate in the upcoming election.
Tonya Sweat Lost Her Ballot Case in Circuit Court. She’s Not Giving Up Yet.
Moisette “Tonya” Sweat’s independent candidacy for Prince George’s County Executive faces legal challenges after her signatures were invalidated by the Board of Elections. A circuit court dismissed her case, and she has appealed to the Maryland Supreme Court, exploring options for a write-in campaign if unsuccessful.
Two Weapons Incidents at Magruder in One Morning Reopen Montgomery County’s SRO Fight
Two unrelated weapons incidents at Magruder High School ended without injuries Thursday, but they quickly revived Montgomery County’s five-year fight over whether police officers should return to MCPS buildings.
Diaz Points to a Tennessee Charter School’s Reading Turnaround. Here’s What the Study Actually Found.
Brenda M. Diaz, a candidate for the Montgomery County Board of Education, advocates for evidence-based practices as she runs for an at-large seat. Citing Nashville Classical East’s significant literacy improvements, she contrasts its success with MCPS’s modest gains. Her opponent, Omar Lazo, focuses on coalition endorsements and improving facilities.
How Montgomery County Police Went From Turning Away Recruits to Begging for Them
Since 2019, the Montgomery County Police Department has faced significant staffing challenges, leading to a 15% vacancy rate and reduced applicant interest. This decline correlates with numerous police reform mandates implemented post-George Floyd’s murder. Local officials are now lowering recruitment barriers and enhancing benefits to address the crisis amidst rising crime rates.
Montgomery County Disbanded Its DUI Unit. Hours Later, Two People Died in a Wrong-Way Crash.
Montgomery County eliminated its dedicated impaired-driving unit amid a police staffing shortage. The next evening, an allegedly impaired wrong-way driver killed a mother and daughter on I-270 — sharpening an already heated debate over county public-safety priorities.
At a Meeting About Public Safety, One County Executive Candidate Showed. The Other Didn’t.
A tense Gaithersburg meeting drew more than a dozen elected officials to confront questions about a fatal police shooting and ICE arrests. Republican county executive candidate Esther Wells attended. Democratic nominee Will Jawando did not.
Wells’ Pitch to Friedson’s Voters, and the Numbers Behind It
Esther Wells is campaigning for Montgomery County executive, targeting Andrew Friedson’s voters with a detailed analysis of the county’s financial issues. She highlights a $293 million deficit and a $3 billion school maintenance backlog, positioning herself as the fiscally responsible candidate against Will Jawando. Her strategy aims to attract disenchanted Democrats and unaffiliated voters.
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.