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County Executive · Harford County · 2026 Primary
The County Executive serves as the chief administrator of the county, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and enforcing laws passed by the County Council. This official proposes the annual budget that directs how local tax dollars are spent on services such as public schools, roads, and emergency response. The County Executive also has the power to appoint department heads and can sign or veto legislation affecting the entire county.
View all candidates in this raceBob Cassilly is a Republican candidate seeking re-election as Harford County Executive, having previously served as mayor of Bel Air, County Councilman, and State Senator. A Bronze medal-winning veteran of the Iraq war and father of five children raised locally, he notes his family has been active in Harford County for over 200 years. His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, including overcoming a $90M deficit inherited from his predecessor while maintaining AAA bond ratings. He advocates for expanded public safety funding, increased education investment, conservative land use policies that protect farmland and oppose mega-warehouse development, and economic development focused on high-tech manufacturing along the I-95 corridor rather than rapid warehouse expansion.
Sources: Campaign website
Bob took immediate action to overcome $90M deficit inherited from predecessor.
Bob's efforts are not driven by paybacks, political contributions, or cronyism. He will continue to do what's right for Harford, which means everyone plays by the same rules.
His priorities include: keeping taxes low, eliminating wasteful government spending, ensuring the safety of our families and communities, maintaining high-quality schools, retaining and recruiting quality jobs, and preserving the character of the county's heritage.
Source: countyexecutivecassilly.com
Fiscal Policy
Cassilly emphasizes fiscal responsibility, holding the line on spending despite political pressure, maintaining AAA bond rating, and ensuring growth in county spending matches tax return growth to avoid tax rate increases.
“Bob took immediate action to overcome $90M deficit inherited from predecessor. Bob withstood immense political pressure to increase government spending.”
Public Safety
Expanded public safety funding by over $40 million in three years, increased Sheriff's budget 17%, added law enforcement deputies, funded new ambulances for full 24-7 coverage, and upgraded dispatch center.
“Expand Public Safety funding has increased by over $40 million, a 25% increase in just three years since Bob took office.”
Education
Highest education funding in county history for FY26 at $348 million plus $3 million for teacher pensions, increased starting teacher salaries to $60,000 as required by state.
“Highest education funding in county history for Harford County Public Schools in FY26 - $348 million. (Plus, an additional $3 million for teacher pensions)”
Land Use
Stopped construction of mega warehouse distribution centers and high-density housing outside urban centers, preserved 4,261 acres of farmland through agricultural preservation.
“Stopped construction of Mega Warehouse Distribution Centers that imposed considerable negative impacts on surrounding communities (traffic, air pollution, noise), consumed vast quantities of open land.”
Economic Development
Harford businesses added 860 new jobs and made $646.3M in capital investments during his administration, with focus on high-tech manufacturing along I-95 corridor.
“During the Cassilly administration, Harford businesses have added 860 new jobs and made $646.3M in capital investments.”
Government Ethics
Defended county charter prohibitions on government employees serving on county council to avoid conflicts of interest, successfully maintained funding for Board of Ethics attorney.
“The county went to court to defended the county charter prohibitions on allowing those employed by state or county government from serving on the county council because allowing government unions a seat on the county council as they debate funding those union employees is an obvious conflict of interest.”
Healthcare
Established state's first PFAS Taskforce, created own PFAS certified testing lab, and defeated Bill 24-037 regarding liquor stores and cannabis dispensaries near residential neighborhoods.
“Established the state's first PFAS Taskforce First county to have its own PFAS certified testing lab”
Infrastructure
Completed construction of new Belcamp Fire Station, designed Whiteford Fire Station, and completed final section of Ma & Pa Trail by March 2026.
“Construction is well underway to complete the final section of the Ma & Pa Trail by March of 2026, creating an amazing 8-mile trail connecting Fallston, Bel Air and Forest Hill.”
Small Business
Created low interest loan program for new businesses, business navigator position to track permitting process, and training seminars on law changes.
“Small Business – Created a low interest loan program to provide new businesses with greater access to capital.”
“Highest education funding in county history for Harford County Public Schools in FY26 - $348 million. (Plus, an additional $3 million for teacher pensions)”
Source“Expand Public Safety funding has increased by over $40 million, a 25% increase in just three years since Bob took office.”
Source“Bob's effective fiscal management ensures that the rate of growth in county spending matches the rate of growth in tax returns, thereby avoiding any increases in tax rates”
Source“Stopped construction of Mega Warehouse Distribution Centers that imposed considerable negative impacts on surrounding communities (traffic, air pollution, noise), consumed vast quantities of open land”
Source“Bob's efforts are not driven by paybacks, political contributions, or cronyism. He will continue to do what's right for Harford, which means everyone plays by the same rules.”
Source