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MOCO PRIMARY'26
ELECTION DAY IS TUESDAY, JUN 23
Use the links below to navigate critical voting resources in Montgomery County, MD
VOTING INFORMATION
COVERING MOCO DEMOCRATIC PRIMARIES 2026
This resource was developed by a team of socialist artists, web developers, researchers, and political organizers through the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America. Our goal is to provide Montgomery County voters and residents a guide to understanding who's running for local office in Montgomery County, who's behind them, and where they stand along a set of issues. REDBUG is a project 100% supported by volunteers and is intended as a resource for Montgomery County voters - this is not intended to advocate for specific candidates.
How should I use this guide?
How should I use this guide?
Browse through the different races, explore context, and take note of different answers. Note that there are more issues than those we track here. For those looking to vote strategically, take note of who has realistic levels of funding and who has endorsed given candidates. Consider: who is more likely to use their office to challenge the system and empower workers?
Candidates designated as "Progressive backed" must have the endorsement of at least 3 organizations we have designated as progressive. Candidates designated as "Labor backed" must have the endorsement of at least 3 labor unions, and must have 90% of identified labor endorsements in the race (note that we do not count the labor councils in our tally, nor do we consider police unions labor organizations).
Are the positions covered here the only ones that matter?
Absolutely not. There are many important issues to consider when voting for local office, and we only had the time to panel responses to issues covered here. Positions identified here - along with relevant endorsements and context provided - should give you a good understanding of how candidates orient towards other important issues.
How can I contest information that's displayed here?
You can submit contested positions or descriptions of candidates by emailing washingtonsocialist@mdcdsa.org. The editors of this site will do our best to respond to all credible submissions, and update text listed here in case a correction is warranted.
What are the issues?
Our socialists reviewed six issues relevant to socialists interested in voting in Montgomery County. These are not the only issues that matter, and some officials are more...clever about hiding their true orientation than others. But we tried to suss out where candidates were along these items. Here is the backing context for each of the six issues:
- data center construction
In part coupled with the rise of generative AI products and the speculation on their economic value, there is a growing need for new data centers to facilitate the needs of future generative AI products. That means that they are looking to construct ever bigger facilities wherever they can, not just in areas historically occupied by them such as Northern Virginia. While their construction promises a few union jobs for those in the relevant industries, data centers are notorious for how few jobs them employ after they are up and running, especially in comparison to how much space they take up. Each new data center is known to increase energy bills for local residents, who are left footing the bill as most places do not charge the data centers for the energy they consume and instead spread the cost onto the other properties in the area, including residential properties. Water usage and other environmental impacts from data centers remain a large concern as well.
- collaboration with ICE
As one of the constant threats from the second Trump administration, especially for the many immigrants and first generation Americans in the county, is ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) activity and presence. Seen all across the country harassing anyone the suspect is an immigrant based on looks or accents, as well as the previous murder of two white Americans in Minnesota who were trying to protect their neightbors, the issue has not gone away. And many are rightfully afraid of being abducted and deported at a moment's notice. For many, preventing any collaboration between ICE and any local police is the bare minimum. The active collaboration with ICE and police in DC only makes this fear all the more present.
- tenant protections
After the passage of the county's rent stabilization law in 2023, many are looking now to either roll back the policy or expand depending on how they view the current policy's success. The current policy exempts new buildings built in the past 23 years, which is a moving date and not one fixed on a certain cutoff year like 2003 for example as is the case in other areas for their local rent stabilization policy. Otherwise, rent increases are capped at a maximum of a 6% increase or CPI-U (Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers) plus 3%, whichever is lower. However, this policy all currently only applies to all unincorporated areas of the county. Any incorporated cities within it do not get to benefit from this cap at all. This rent control remains a vital tool in ensuring the county remains affordable for those who already reside in it and should not be dismissed entirely in favor of giving more handouts to the already rich developers that are always looking to maximize profit and raising rents higher and higher all the time. They are complaining now only because for the first time ever they have been told they have to follow a new law instead of impoising crushing rents on tenants.
- police funding
Funding the police is related to the larger discussion of public safety and shows if candidates support more of a punitive approach to safety instead of addressing the root causes. We need to invest in alternatives to policing address crime without imprisoning people, like violence interruptor programs, moving the police’s tasks to more appropriate agencies (e.g. mental health crises, traffic enforcement), and investing in social programs that address people’s unmet needs.
- divestment from Israeli bonds
In the aftermath of the declared ceasefire in Gaza, states and localities have been looking for ways to cement divestment from Israel and Israeli bonds have been an area of increased attention. It is seen as a minimal cost for states and localities as they can instead invest their money in other businesses and countries to recoup any financial loses. Instead, this is seen as a moral issue and a way to deny support to Israel after they have intensified their genocide against Palestinians since October 7th, 2023. In Maryland and some of its counties, including Montgomery County, divestment from the Maryland/Israel Development Center (MIDC) in particular is a focus since it currently gets subsidized by them. The MIDC is known for helping Israeli businesses set up locations in Maryland with grants from the funding they receive.
- public transit
Along with the hopefully forthcoming Purple Line light rail project, WMATA (Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority) is a relevant force in the county and much of the surrounding areas. After the budget crisis and subsequent fare increases in 2024, the agency has continued to look for a permanent solution to its funding. While a return to near pre-COVID ridership has staved off immediate fare increases, WMATA’s long term affordability and service quality has not been guaranteed by government partners across the metro area. Additionally, local bus systems, and ongoing plans to expand them, remain a vital part of public transportation for county residents not near the metro system or their operated bus routes. Many county residents and workers are left having to stick owning a car to get around and others remain waiting for the transit system they know they can have: one where buses and trains arrive more frequently; where buses travel more quickly; and the trip between the transit stop and the final destination is safe, comfortable, and convenient.
MD House District 39
(5 candidates, 3 votes)
Gabe Acevero
Democrat
Socialist Backed
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Lesley Lopez
Democrat
Greg Wims
Democrat
Robert Wu
Democrat
George Lluberes
Democrat
One of the three current delegates for the district since 2018. Known for coming up with the Not On Our Dime bill with now Mayor of NYC, Zohran Mamdani, and introduced a version of it in the Maryland State Legislature. Has been endorsed by MDC DSA since 2018.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Co-sponsor of HB560, which repeals tax breaks for data centers.
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Collaboration with ICE
Co-sponsor of HB0444, which became law and banned 287(g) agreements between police and ICE, and expressed support for this bill as a priority of Latino caucus which he is a vice chair. Co-sponsored HB0832, which would ban state police from hiring people from ICE.
Tenant protections
Supports Good Cause Eviction legislation and tenat protections statewide as well as local efforts in the county for rent stabilization.
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Police funding
Sponsored HB0699, which criminalizes police failure to stop excessive force or to render first aid. Sponsored HB0794, which bans cops from being affiliated with white nationalist groups. No mention of police funding.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
Co-sponsor of Break the Bonds Act, HB1455. Sponsor of HB1184, Not On Our Dime Act, which would ban nonprofits from funding settlements.
Public tranist
Supports further investments into public transit.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$40,822
(
17
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$14,178
(
12
% of available $$$ in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Metro DC DSA
> Progressive Maryland
> Sierra Club
> CAIR Action
> CASA in Action
> New American Leaders Action Fund
> Reproductive Justice Maryland
> SEIU Local 500
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO
> ATU Local 689
> AFSCME District Council 3
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
One of the three current delegates for the district since 2018. Previously ran for Congress in MD-06 in 2024. Tries to come off as a progressive but only sometimes votes and acts like one.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Co-sponsor of HB560, which repeals tax breaks for data centers.
Collaboration with ICE
Sponsor of HB1536, which would prohibit state officials from knowingly aiding ICE unless presented with a warrant. Co-sponsor of HB0444, which became law and banned 287(g) agreements between police and ICE.
Tenant protections
No mention
Police funding
Co-sponsor of HB0634, which requires police training on autism and dementia. No mention of police funding.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
Expressed support for Israel and Biden's policies in 2023. Was non-commital when asked about BDS around the same time.
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$29,522
(
12
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$14,612
(
12
% of available $$$ in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Reproductive Justice Maryland Action
> SEIU Local 500
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
One of the three current delegates for the district and was appointed to the position in 2023 after Delegate Kirill Reznik was appointed to a position within Governor Wes Moore's administration. Serves as a deputy majority whip in the House of Delegates.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
No mention
Collaboration with ICE
No mention
Tenant protections
Focused on protecting seniors facing eviction from rising rent costs. No mention of support for Good Cause Eviction or other tenant protections.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$111,023
(
46
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$53,845
(
45
% of available $$$ in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Maryland League of Conservation Voters
> SEIU Local 500
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> United Food & Commercial Workers International Local 1994 MGCEO
> ATU Local 689
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current member of Gaithersburg City Council since 2015.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
No mention
Collaboration with ICE
No mention
Tenant protections
No mention for tenant protection; focus on "balanced growth" and "address the critical housing shortage"
Police funding
Supports increased police funding/pay; but also supports reforms such as camera use and de-escalation
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$49,106
(
20
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$31,145
(
26
% of available $$$ in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Member of the Montgomery County Police Accountability Board and the Latino Democratic Club of Montgomery County.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
No mention
Collaboration with ICE
No mention
Tenant protections
Tenant protections not mentioned but supports expanding availability to affordable housing
Police funding
Funding not mentioned but was Vice Chair of the Police Accountability Board
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Wants to create a tax credit for working families for vehicle registration, suppots expanding MARC
FUNDING
Total Raised
$11,032
(
5
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$5,655
(
5
% of available $$$ in this race)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
County Council District 3
(3 candidates, 1 vote)
Zola Shaw
Democrat
Socialist Backed
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Jud Ashman
Democrat
Allison Eriksen
Democrat
Current Rockville City Councilmember since 2023. Member of the Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commission. Lead supporter of rent stabilization both in Rockville and the county.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Urges caution on data center contruction and wants to see the findings from the ongoing impact study. Also wants stipulations like every data center having to use union labor for construction.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Supports the current rent stabilization policy but also critical of its exemptions for incorporated cities in the county and has organized for rent stabilization in Rockville.
Police funding
Supports investing in rehabilitive approachs to public safey rather than carceral ones. No mention of funding for police.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
Against giving any locals fund to the Maryland/Israel Development Center as well as any other way that supports any foreign governments.
Public tranist
Supports major investments into public transit. Also specifically supports faster and more frequent bus service.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$145,321
(
50
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$108,714
(
47
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$90,917
(
63
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Metro DC DSA
> Sierra Club
> Jews United For Justice
> CASA in Action
> Progressive Maryland
> Working Families Party
> Progressive Neighbors
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> LiUNA!
> MCGEO UFCW Local 1994
> Metro Washington Council AFL-CIO
> SEIU Locals 32BJ and 500
> ATU Local 689
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current Mayor of Gaithersburg since 2014. Owner of company that makes mobile friendly websites. Founder and chair of the Gaithersburg Book Festival.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Doesn't want the county to either rubber stamp approve new data center construction or completely rule it out either. Wants to consider them on a case by case basis with some guardrails.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Against the current rent stabilization policy and views it as "counterproductive" to lowering housing costs. Instead supports building new housing units as a way to lower rent prices.
Police funding
Endorsed by the local FOP meaning at the very least he will not support lower funding even if he doesn't push for higher funding, which could be very likely.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$138,567
(
48
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$119,962
(
52
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$100,845
(
73
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Greater Greater Washington
> Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association (MCPSRA)
> Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
> Montgomery County Volunteer Fire Rescue Association
> Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35
> Washington Jewish Week
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Former USAID worker and former worker at an educational nonprofit.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants to pause construction of new data centers in order to study their impacts and create new regulations for them.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Views the current rent stabilization policy as having too many loopholes and exceptions, which suggests support for a stronger rent stabilization policy. Although also voices wanting to wait to have more time and data to evaluate the current policy.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$5,715
(
2
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$986
(
0
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Run for Something
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
County Council At-Large
(17 candidates, 4 votes)
Josie Caballero
Democrat
Socialist Backed
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Laurie-Anne Sayles
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Scott Goldberg
Democrat
Matt Losak
Democrat
Marc Elrich
Democrat
Jim McNulty
Democrat
Hamza Khan
Democrat
Fatmata Barrie
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Karla Silvestre
Democrat
Vicki Vergagni
Democrat
Steve Solomon
Democrat
Jeremiah Pope
Democrat
Prabu Selvam
Democrat
Muhammad Arif Wali
Democrat
Dana Gassaway
Democrat
Lelia True
Democrat
Radwan Chowdhury
Democrat
Navy veteran who operated on nuclear reactors. Serves on the Maryland Commission of LGBTQIA+ Affairs and was appointed to that position by Gov. Wes Moore. Director of voting and elections for Advocates for Trans Equality, a non-profit based in DC.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Opposed to building new data centers, highlighting the high environmental costs associated with operating them. Also wants to take money that would have been given to support their construction instead to grants for existing small businesses.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE. Wants local police to be more aggressive in enforcing laws meant to curtail ICE's activities by removing their masks and ensuring they have legitimate warrants for what they're trying to do instead of just harrassing the community and abducting whoever they like off of the streets.
Tenant protections
Wants to expand the current county rent stabilization policy to include coverage in the incorporated cities within the county as well as ending all current loopholes in the policy and ensuring a rent cap of no higher than 3%.
Police funding
Wants to instead invest in multiple alternatives to policing, including hiring more social workers to limit the amount of work for and interactions with police officers. No mention on overall funding for the police.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
Against giving any local funds to the Maryland/Israel Development Center.
Public tranist
Supports further investments into public transit, especially as way to transition to cleaner energy and fight climate change. Also specifcally supports faster and more frequent bus service.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$149,706
(
9
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$42,876
(
4
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$82,578
(
55
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Metro DC DSA
> CASA in Action
> Sierra Club
> Working Families Party
> Progressive Maryland
> Progressive Neighbors
> Progressive Victory
> Our Revolution
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> SEIU 32BJ
> Metro-Washington Council AFL-CIO
> ATU Local 689
> LiUNA!
> Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC)
> Latino Democratic Club of Montgomery County
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current Montgomery County At-Large Councilmember since 2022. Former Gaithersburg City Councilmember from 2017 to 2021. Formerly worked at the FDA, NIH, and as a legislative director in the Maryland General Assembly.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants to limit zoning for data center construction and establish a review process to assess the impacts of building new ones.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE and has supported and cosponsored many of the county's policies to handle the issue.
Tenant protections
Supports current rent stabilization policy and thinks it has helped with housing and rental costs in the short term. Views it as only part of the solution to lower costs and views more new housing construction as the other part of the solution.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Has previously supported various investments in public transit across the county such as the Purple Line and the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
FUNDING
Total Raised
$35,214
(
3
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$27,165
(
4
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$30,041
(
85
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Greater Greater Washington
> Jews United For Justice
> Sierra Club
> CASA in Action
>Progressive Neighbors
> Progressive Maryland
> Pro-Choice Maryland Action
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> LiUNA!,
> Metro-Washington Council AFL-CIO
> SEIU Local 500 and 32BJ
> ATU Local 689
>CERG 2.0 PAC
> Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association (MCPSRA)
> Washington Jewish Week
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
On the Board of Directors for Bethesda Chamber of Commerce. Chair of Montgomery County Democratic Party.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants firm restrictions on data center construction in the county. Doesn't think it is possible to prevent all data center construction in the county.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE and supports the TRUST Act, the Unmask ICE Act, and the ICE OUT Act.
Tenant protections
Conflicted on current rent stabilization policy. Thinks it has done a good job at curbing rising rents but also discourages developers from building in the county. Goldberg is a landlord and has tesitifed against rent stabilization, including testifying adopting rent stabilization in Rockville.
Police funding
Supports more funding for the police specifically to recruit and hire more officers in particular.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Supports investing more in public transit, including expanding the metro's Red Line to Germantown and eventually Frederick.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$358,292
(
21
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$112,930
(
12
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$214,576
(
60
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Greater Greater Washington
> CERG 2.0 PAC
> Montgomery County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association
> Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
> Washington Jewish Week
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Co-founder and executive director of the Montgomery County Renters Alliance. Former chair of the Montgomery County Tenants Work Group.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants to delay any construction in order to properly study data centers and their impacts.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Supports the current rent stabilization policy and wants to strengthen it.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Supports investing more in public transit.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$6,765
(
0
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$6,765
(
1
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current Montgomery County Executive since 2018. Former Montgomery County Councilmember from 2006 to 2018.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Has "serious concerns" about data centers. Wants to further asses their impacts before allowing construction of any.
Collaboration with ICE
Against any collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Wants to expand current rent stabilization policy. Views current rent cap as too high and exemption for units built in the past 23 as including too many units.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
Has routinely included funding for the Marlyand/Israel Development Center as County Executive.
Public tranist
Has previously supported different investments in local public transit including moving to an emissions free bus fleet and the creation of the Flash Bus Rapid Transit (BRT).
FUNDING
Total Raised
$202,481
(
12
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$151,307
(
16
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$134,933
(
67
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Sierra Club
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> LiUNA Local 572
> SEIU Local 500
> Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association (MCPSRA)
> Washington Jewish Week
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current Gaithersburg City Councilmember since 2021. Works as a realtor for Keller William.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Views data centers as having a good economic benefit but also claims to be wary about their negative consquences too.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Against the current rent stabilization policy. Believes that building more housing is the only way to affect housing and rental costs.
Police funding
Wants to hire more cops to close "the vacancy gap" at the county's police department.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$95,430
(
6
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$57,539
(
6
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$62,500
(
65
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Greater Greater Washington
> Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Explicitly mentions improving disability support as a key goal. Plans to construct more housing, simplify permitting and licensing processes for small businesses, walkable communities and public transit.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
No mention
Collaboration with ICE
Supported Maryland Trust Act, Mentions plans to "Pass and support legislation to protect our immigrant communities from wrongful harassment and illegal detention by the Trump administration"
Tenant protections
Expand housing by using county owned land and Housing Opportunity Fund and mentions encouraging new construction while "while maintaining tenant protections"
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Plans to strengthen "Metro access and regional transit connections" and "Build walkable communities that reduce dependence on cars"
FUNDING
Total Raised
$6,544
(
0
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$6,144
(
0
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Founder of and attorney for The Barrie Law Center. Executive director of the Montgomery County Police Accountability Board & Administrative Charging Committee. Legislative aide for Montgomery County Council for councilmember Will Jawando.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Supports proposal for a moratorium on constructing new data centers. Want to be careful about building new data centers and take the time to properly review their impacts.
Collaboration with ICE
civil liberaties are protected, ensuring local law enforcement does not participate in ICE Raids, fight for residents affected by DOGE and government shutdown
Tenant protections
Fight for affordable housing and more paths to homeownership. Also supports current rent stabilization policy and wants to protect tenat rights. Sees both as needed to address current affordability issues.
Police funding
Wants to invest more in alternatives to policing but no mention of funding for police.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Plans to strenthen WMATA access, push for purple line completion, more bike lanes and promoting road safety.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$118,801
(
7
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$89,441
(
9
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$75,963
(
64
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Progressive Neighbors
> Progressive Maryland
> Jews United For Justice
> CASA in Action
> New American Leaders Action Fund
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> SEIU Locals 32BJ and 500
> Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Director of community engagement at Montgomery College. At-Large member and former president of the Montgomery County Board of Education.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Considers data centers as having both positives and negatives and concerned in particular about impact on raising utility costs.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Views the current rent stabilization policy as good for protecting tenants. Also wants to encourage more new construction in attempt to lower housing costs.
Police funding
Wants to invest in de-escalation and bias training but no mention of overall police funding.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Supports making public transit frequent, affordable, and safe.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$179,325
(
10
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$116,782
(
12
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$120,257
(
67
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Greater Greater Washington
> New American Leaders Action Fund
> SEIU Local 500
> Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association (MCPSRA)
> Montgomery County Volunteer Fire & Rescue Association
> Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
> Washington Jewish Week
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Commissioner and vice chair of the Montgomery County Commission on Common Ownership Communities.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants to study impacts of constructing new data centers so that each impact from them can be quantified into specific numbers.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE because she views immigrants as too important to the local economy.
Tenant protections
Does not seem supportive of rent stabilization or even the current version of it that is policy. But certainly does not think that rent stabilization helps lower housing prices by itself.
Police funding
Wants to invest in multiple areas including hiring, equipement (drones specifically), and cameras. Also wants a minimum number of police officers for each area of the county.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$5,720
(
0
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$5,720
(
0
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Podcast and radio show host.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants to limit where data centers can be built and more regulations for them.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE but seems to suggest that current county council actions as having been enough work.
Tenant protections
Does not support the current rent stabilization policy. Instead, views building new housing as the only way to keep housing and rent affordable.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$86,411
(
5
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$43,330
(
5
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$63,175
(
73
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Former candidate for county council district 5 in 2022. Chief of staff for the Maryland General Assembly. Owner of a national fundraising and political strategy consulting firm.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants a temporary pause on construction in order to study their impacts.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Views rent stabilization as well intented but with bad outcomes. Sees it as constraining new development too much.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Supports ongoing efforts to invest in public transit.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$209,819
(
12
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$125,166
(
13
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$140,966
(
67
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> AFGE
> ATU Local 689
> Unite Here Local 25
> Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association
> CERG 2.0 PAC
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Humanitarian programs medical officer at Americares. Emergency physician. Previously was a Major in the U.S. Air Force.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Views data centers as having more negatives than positives. Wants any hyperscale data centers built to use only renewable energy to avoid negative environmental impacts.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE. Testified in support of the Trust Act
Tenant protections
Supports current rent stabilization policy. However, believes new housing development is the only way to affect overall housing costs and rent prices.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$131,629
(
8
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$60,044
(
6
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$82,445
(
63
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Sierra Club
> Run for Something
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Founder of the International Sports Organization, which offers free sports programs and free sports equipment.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Wants a balanced approach to data center construction. Views them as having good economic benefits that could be worth the negative impacts from them.
Collaboration with ICE
Against voluntary or unnecessary cooperation with ICE.
Tenant protections
Mixed feelings on the current rent stabilization policy. Sees positive short term effects in curbing rent prices but doesn't think it will help long term. Wants more development for new housing.
Police funding
Supports investing in policing alternatives but no mention of funding for the police.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$7,574
(
0
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$4,142
(
0
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$4,593
(
61
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Former small business owner and former high school teacher.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Against data center construction until their environmental impacts can be minimized.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Supports current rent stabilization policy but concerned about continuing rising rent and exemption for new units. Also does not believe that development will help lower rent and house prices.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$0
(
0
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$0
(
0
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Head of Washington Waldorf School. Veteran of Operation Desert Storm.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Concerned about data center construction and wants more regulations for them but also views them as a necessary part of life and a good way to generate tax revenue.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE. Supports the policies the county council has already passed.
Tenant protections
Supports current rent stabilization policy. Also wants more contruction of new housing as another way to keep housing affordable.
Police funding
No mention
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$116,233
(
7
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$107,539
(
11
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$73,111
(
63
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Chief operating officer of an IT consulting company. Advisor to the Maryland Comptroller's office. Formerly worked at Freddie Mac.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Somewhat supportive of data centers and sees them as a good thing for the county's tax base but also cautions safeguards to protect against negatives that can come with them.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE and supports the County Values Act that requires judicial warrants and limit ICE activity on county property.
Tenant protections
Sees rent stabilization as only a short term solution. Instead, much more focused on building more housing and faster.
Police funding
Not set on increasing funding, and may be against an increase altogether, but instead highlights increasing oversight of the police.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$4,737
(
0
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$2,154
(
0
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> None
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
County Executive
(3 candidates, 1 vote)
Will Jawando
Democrat
Progressive Backed
Labor Backed
Andrew Friedson
Democrat
Evan Glass
Democrat
Current At-Large Montgomery County Council Member since 2018. Former Obama administration political appointee.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Introduced a bill for a two-year moratorium on new data center construction.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE and led on the “Unmask ICE” legislation in the county council.
Tenant protections
Worked with advocates to introduce the HOME Act, which proposed a 3% cap on rent increases. Voted for 2023 rent stabilization law.
Police funding
Wants to "support officers with compensation, training, and resources," which implies increased funding for the police.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
Against giving local funds to the Maryland/Israel Development Center at least without proof that the money is being used to support developing weapons for Israel.
Public tranist
Supports the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system. Wants to get more funding secured for WMATA.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$1,134,807
(
27
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$727,989
(
34
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$777,623
(
69
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Progressive Maryland
> CASA in Action
> Jews United For Justice
> Our Revolution
> Working Families Party
> Metro Washington Labor Council AFL-CIO
> Montgomery County Education Association (MCEA)
> SEIU Locals 500, 32BJ, and 1199
> AFSME Maryland
> ATU Local 689
> AFGE District 14
> IUPAT District Council 51
> LiUNA!
> Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EASRCC)
> Collective PAC
> Nigerian American Public Affairs Committee
> SMART Maryland
> Latino Democratic Club
> Montgomery County Muslim Council
> United Nigerian Americans Council of Maryland
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current District 3 Montgomery County Council Member since 2018. Campaigning like a conservative by running on things like "no tax hikes."
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Has called for data center operators to “pay their own way.”
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE.
Tenant protections
Voted against 2023 rent stabilization law.
Police funding
Voted to keep School Resource Officers (SROs) in Mongtomery County Public Schools. No direct mention of police funding.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
No mention
FUNDING
Total Raised
$2,209,035
(
53
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$755,941
(
36
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$0
(
0
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Greater Greater Washington
> International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1664
> Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR)
> Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35
> Washington Jewish Week
> Montgomery County Volunteer Fire-Rescue Association
> Montgomery County Public Schools Retirees Association
> CERG 2.0 PAC
> DMV New Liberals
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]
Current At-Large Montgomery County Council Member since 2018. Former journalist at CNN.
WHERE THEY STAND
Data center construction
Introduced a bill for six-month moratorium on new data center construction.
Collaboration with ICE
Against collaboration with ICE and led on the “ICE Out Act” to ban construction of ICE facilities in the county.
Tenant protections
Voted for 2023 rent stabilization law.
Police funding
Boasts about doubling the size of the county's cadet program that acts like a paid internship for aspiring cops. No direct mention of overall police funding.
Divestment from Israeli bonds
No mention
Public tranist
Wants to make the RideOn buses free to ride.
FUNDING
Total Raised
$834,693
(
20
% of total funds in this race)
Cash On Hand
$639,299
(
30
% of available $$$ in this race)
Public Funding
$612,826
(
73
% from local or public dollars)
ENDORSEMENTS
> Sierra Club
[ CAMPAIGN
]
[ SOCIAL
]