Montgomery County Votes Tuesday

Montgomery County voters will elect a new county executive and all 11 County Council members on Tuesday. The ballot also includes two school board seats and three statewide constitutional questions. Polls open at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Early voting concluded on Thursday.

Democratic nominee Will Jawando faces Republican Esther Wells for county executive. Jawando, a longtime council member, defeated Andrew Friedson and Evan Glass in the June primary. He campaigned on increasing education funding and affordable housing. His campaign has been quiet since he suffered a heart attack last month. He has attended recent council meetings virtually but states he expects a full recovery. Wells, an accountant, has pledged to lower taxes and criticized Jawando for refusing a debate. Jawando has raised more than $1.4 million, while Wells has raised $53,000.

The at-large school board race pits Omar Lazo against Brenda Diaz. Diaz, backed by Republicans, calls for police officers to return to Montgomery County Public Schools. She describes herself as not MAGA and not a book banner, promising to support parents. Lazo is a Montgomery College trustee supported by the teachers union and state elected officials. The Strong Maryland super PAC has spent tens of thousands of dollars opposing Diaz, labeling her a poor fit for the county.

Three County Council races are guaranteed to bring new members to the body. In District 1, Julie Yang faces Reardon Sullivan. Sullivan has raised $90,949, the highest amount among county GOP candidates. Yang has raised $469,501. In District 3, Jud Ashman, the Gaithersburg mayor, runs against Ricky Mui to replace term-limited Sidney Katz. In the at-large races, Laurie-Anne Sayles seeks reelection. Democrats Marc Elrich, Scott Goldberg, and Karla Silvestre run for the other three open seats. Republican Sherwin Wells, a real estate agent, also seeks an at-large seat.

Voters will also decide on three state constitutional questions. The most debated issue involves loosening rules for congressional redistricting. The other two questions concern arbitration reform for state employees and temporary appointments to the Commission on Judicial Disabilities. Residents will also vote in three congressional races and 18 Maryland General Assembly seats.

Takoma Park residents hold a separate city election. Talisha Searcy, the current mayor, faces Tom Gagliardo, a former city attorney. Three City Council seats are in play. In Ward 1, Doug Glynn and Shana Fulcher run to replace Jessica Landman. In Ward 2, Jim Della-Giacoma and Suzy Stimler run to replace Cindy Dyballa. In Ward 6, Ambroise Agosse challenges incumbent Amy Wesolek. These races are not on the county ballot.

David Naimon, president of the Montgomery County elections board, noted that results may not be ready on election night due to mail-in and overseas ballots. The board typically certifies winners more than 10 days after the election. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked on Election Day to count. Voters can drop ballots at more than 60 county boxes or request same-day registration at polling sites.