County Executive
Republican Primary Candidates
Shelly Skolnick- Esther Wells
Democratic Primary Candidates
(Celeste Iroha has officially withdrawn and is no longer in the race.)
Latest Updates
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.
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.
Jawando vs. Wells: What Montgomery County’s Executive Race Looks Like Heading Into November
Montgomery County will elect a new chief executive in November after Marc Elrich’s term ends. Democrat Will Jawando faces Republican Esther Wells in a contest that highlights differing backgrounds and campaign strategies. Jawando, a county council member, focuses on affordability, while Wells emphasizes tax reduction and public safety. The election outcome may hinge on unaffiliated…
OPINION: A Grieving County Deserves More Than Condolences From a Candidate Who Wants to Run It
After a 58-year-old NIST employee was killed in a Germantown crash involving a 13-year-old driving a stolen Kia, Will Jawando offered condolences. Montgomery County voters deserve to hear his juvenile public-safety plan too.
A Council Answering to 5 Percent Just Ended a 34-Year Relationship With Israel
Montgomery County has cut its funding for the Maryland Israel Development Center after a campaign led by Marxist and BDS-affiliated groups, despite the center’s long-standing role in fostering trade between Maryland and Israel. The decision was made by an elected council representing a small fraction of the electorate, raising concerns about accountability.
A Government Chosen By 5 Percent Is Taxing The Other 95
Will Jawando won the Democratic nomination for Montgomery County Executive with just 52,738 votes, representing only 7.7% of registered voters. This has raised concerns among over 201,000 homeowners who now face higher property taxes due to a removed income tax offset credit, despite the county’s claims of no tax increases.
A County of a Million, Decided by 52,738 Votes
Will Jawando has been certified as the Democratic nominee for county executive in Maryland’s largest county, Montgomery, winning with just 52,738 votes, representing 7.7 percent of registered voters. Meanwhile, over 170,000 unaffiliated voters were excluded from participating in the primary, highlighting issues with the closed primary system and its impact on governance.
Montgomery County Executive Candidate Threatened Lawsuit Against MDBayNews Ahead of Primary
Montgomery County Executive candidate Mithun Banerjee threatened MDBayNews with legal action over a story documenting his use of a fabricated campaign finance screenshot. In a cease and desist notice, he accused the news outlet of false reporting and election interference, demanding a correction. MDBayNews has not issued a correction or responded.
Friedson Opens the Door on Germantown Incorporation. Here’s What That Actually Means.
Andrew Friedson, a candidate for Montgomery County Executive, recently addressed UpCounty’s representation issues on social media, expressing openness to discussing Germantown’s incorporation. Despite this acknowledgment, he noted the complexities and potential tax implications. The conversation reflects long-standing grievances regarding governance structure that may finally gain traction amid changing political dynamics.
Calling It Racist Doesn’t Make It Wrong
A political ad depicting Will Jawando sparked controversy, labeled by him as a racist caricature despite its creator, Black Republican Reardon Sullivan, denying the accusation and framing it as fiscal commentary. The ad’s subsequent condemnation by Evan Glass reflects a strategic response in a competitive election, emphasizing how racial narratives can overshadow financial concerns.
Montgomery County Executive Candidate Falls for Fake Campaign Finance Screenshot
Montgomery County Executive candidate Mithun Banerjee accused rival Andrew Friedson of paying $18,900 to journalist Glenn Fellman for negative press, based on a fabricated screenshot containing a typo. Verification of campaign finance records revealed no such payment exists, illustrating Banerjee’s unfounded allegations amid a competitive primary race.
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…
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
MCPS Tells Local Politicians: Stay in Your Lane on Immigration Guidance
Montgomery County Public Schools Superintendent Thomas Taylor has instructed local officials to refrain from influencing school policy amidst heightened concerns over federal immigration enforcement. In a letter, he emphasized the importance of consistent guidance from the district, not conflicting advice from local politicians. This tension reflects broader political challenges and underscores the legality of school…
Ranked-Choice Voting: Democracy’s “Upgrade” That No One Asked For
Montgomery County Councilmember Evan Glass advocates for ranked-choice voting (RCV), claiming it enhances democracy by reflecting majority will. However, critics argue RCV complicates the voting process, risks eroding trust, and may not genuinely ensure majority support due to exhausted ballots. They warn Maryland should refrain from adopting this complex system without proven benefits.
GOP Candidates Rally Around “Innovation Corridor” Vision at Germantown Town Hall
At a town hall in Germantown, Md., nearly 70 Republican candidates discussed plans to revitalize Maryland’s economy, focusing on the I-270, I-70, and I-68 corridors. They emphasized tax relief, infrastructure expansion, and energy reliability, criticizing current Democratic leadership. The next town hall is scheduled for March 3.
MoCo at a Crossroads: Are Business-Friendly Neighbors Pulling Ahead?
Montgomery County, known for its economic strength in biotech and an educated workforce, faces scrutiny over its competitiveness. Council candidate Reardon Sullivan points to business departures, stagnant wage growth, and development slowdown. Critics argue that progressive regulations hinder growth, causing potential impacts on tax burdens and long-term stability. The upcoming elections will center on these…
Montgomery County PTAs Drift Into Immigration Activism as ICE Training Sparks Debate
A virtual training session for Montgomery County PTAs on organizing against ICE activity has sparked debate on the role of school organizations in political advocacy. Supporters view it as community protection, while critics fear it jeopardizes PTAs’ nonpartisan mission, raising concerns about governance and trust within diverse school communities amid heated immigration discussions.
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