The 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election is today, June 23. If you haven’t voted yet, make your way to your assigned polling place. If you still have a mail-in ballot, don’t rely on the USPS to postmark it in time—drop it off at a ballot box before 8 p.m. No excuses. This is not an election to sit out.
A great deal is at stake for Baltimore County residents, and the outcome could shape our families and communities for years. At least three of the candidates could do a solid county executive. But will voters rise to the moment and choose leadership that reflects the county’s growing diversity, is best qualified and has a plan to strengthen the tax base and grow the county? Or will we settle for someone with little track record or may be difficult to trust?
On this Election Day, I hope you will indulge me and consider these 10 final thoughts as you cast your vote:
- The most significant change this cycle is the expansion of the County Council from seven to nine seats. District lines were redrawn to accommodate the two additional seats, with the goal of encouraging more women and minority candidates to run. It worked. Now voters will decide who is truly ready to serve and in it for the right reasons.
- The field of candidates for County Council and County Executive is more diverse than ever. That’s a good thing—but ask yourself: Who genuinely champions diversity in race, culture, and gender, and who simply talks about it?
- Consider who has consistently invested time, energy and talents in the community. We need people who are mature and experienced, and willing to offer fresh, well-researched ideas to stubborn problems. People who are willing to compromise and work together but not sell out. People who will not sit quietly when democracy and constitutional rights are challenged. People who will not be pushed, intimidated and bullied, and who will not allow themselves to be marginalized. People who will remember that they represent the community and not just themselves.
- Some candidates have been campaigning for months — even years. I wonder: Once the elections are over and when the posturing, the rehearsed remarks and passionate speeches that are being delivered in black churches, public forums and community meetings are no longer needed to win over voters, will another version of the candidate be revealed?
- One of the 20-somethings was heard sharing that he would be winning his race. Confidence is one thing; entitlement is another. Pay attention to how candidates carry themselves and what that might signal about how they would serve.
- Some candidates believe they have the election in the bag based on name, endorsements and money. That may be true, but the most valuable endorsement comes from you, the voters. I urge you to make a choice based on what’s good for you, your family and community.
- What will be their priorities once elected? Campaign messages and talking points are one thing—governing is another.
- There are two 25-year-olds and another 20-something running for Baltimore County Council in Districts 2, 3 and 4. Voters should consider whether all candidates—regardless of age—are prepared to debate complex issues, ask tough questions, and stand up to pressure from media, colleagues, and political interests. Who can be easily influenced and controlled? Who will be willing to stand alone? We need strong, sturdy members.
- Will candidates uphold councilmanic courtesy? There may be times when it makes sense to defer to a council member about a decision that impacts his or her district, but it may be time to send this practice out to pasture.
- Campaign promises are easy to make. Governing within the realities of a constrained budget and a shifting tax base is much harder. Will candidates follow through, adjust responsibly, or fall short?
It’s also worth remembering some history. Redistricting in 2002 led to the election of Ken Oliver, the first Black council member, in a newly drawn District 4. Since then, only Oliver and Julian Jones have served as Black members of the council. Who is best to continue that legacy in majority-minority districts? Since 1956, when the council was established, the council was composed largely of men (just three women). In 2010, Cathy Bevins and Vicki Almond became the first women in decades to be elected. Again, diversity matters. Let’s make smart choices.
Other Considerations
Look for candidates who are engaged in the community year-round, not just during campaign season. This is what I call servant leadership for the greater good. That kind of consistent involvement reflects a commitment to service and problem-solving—not résumé-building. We do not need “leadership lite.”
Pay attention to the company candidates keep. Who has demurred when asked which county executive they support, and why? Who are they aligning with, and why? Coalition-building matters, but so does transparency.
Does a family name matter? Family name recognition can influence voters. Whether that matters is a personal decision—but it shouldn’t replace a careful evaluation of a candidate’s qualifications and vision.
Consider endorsements carefully. Sometimes endorsements are made and solicited for self-serving reasons. They can be meaningful—but they can also reflect personal or political interests. Focus on which candidate aligns most closely with your priorities.
How might the role’s full-time salary influence their motivations? Who appears to be running to serve—and who may be running for other reasons? What is the candidate’s professional background and current employment? How much do they earn? Who has a job and who isn’t working? When the County Council becomes a full-time job in December, the compensation will increase from $69,000 to $140,000. Not bad.
Finally, think about independence. Will the candidate be pulled into a good ol’ boys club? Will they be able to make decisions on behalf of their constituents, or will they be overly influenced by political alliances or pressure from others?
In the end, voters must decide who they trust—those with a visible record of community engagement or those newly introduced through redistricting.
Not every candidate is polished or well-funded. But many bring genuine commitment and a desire to serve. I’ll take someone whose heart and soul are in it for the people vs. those in it for power and political ambition any day.
Make your voice heard. Happy voting!
—Kenny Brown, Publisher
