Black Candidates Vie for County Executive Seats Across Maryland

September 3, 2025

Multiple Black candidates are contending for county executive positions across Maryland amidst a nationwide trend of Republican efforts to reduce Black leaders' authority. Notable candidates include Montgomery County Council member Will Jawando, Anne Arundel County Council member Pete Smith, and Baltimore County Council member Julian Jones, all seeking to follow the example of recently-installed Prince George's County Executive Aisha Braveboy. These candidates have secured significant endorsements from term-limited officials, fellow council members, labor unions, and progressive organizations.

Who is affected

Black political leaders and candidates in Maryland counties
Residents of Montgomery, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Prince George's counties
Voters in these Maryland counties
Communities represented by these county executive candidates
Labor unions and progressive organizations supporting the candidates

What action is being taken

Multiple Black candidates are campaigning for county executive positions across Maryland
Candidates are securing endorsements from current and former officials and organizations
Will Jawando is running a campaign focused on transparency and accountability
Pete Smith is campaigning on a platform of uniting communities
Julian Jones is running to replace the appointed County Executive in Baltimore County

Why it matters

It represents a counter to reported Republican efforts to remove power from Black leaders nationally
The rise of Black candidates in executive races could shift governance approaches in Maryland's suburban counties
It potentially recalibrates "power, policy, and priorities" according to South County Democratic Club President
These campaigns represent increased political representation for Black communities
It builds a "bench of bold, visionary leaders" for Maryland's future

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer