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County Executive · Howard 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 Cockey is a Baltimore restaurateur and Elkridge resident running for Howard County Executive in the 2026 Democratic primary. He previously ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the state Senate in 2022, as a Democrat for the Baltimore City Council in 2020, and as a Republican for the Maryland House in 2018 before switching parties. Cockey is a father of a local firefighter and entered the race after being encouraged by people in the small business community. He cites John F. Kennedy's quote about seeking 'the right answer' rather than partisan answers to explain his party affiliation change. His campaign focuses on restoring Howard County as one of America's premier places to live, work, and raise a family through practical solutions that bridge divides.
Sources: Campaign website
"Howard County deserves a leader with real-world experience and a commitment to our shared values. Bob, a successful businessman, is that leader."
"Bob understands the importance of feeling safe in our neighborhoods. He will ensure that our first responders are supported, and our communities remain protected."
"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past, let us accept the responsibility for the future..."
"I thought I was the right person for the job. I have a business background and know what it's like to keep a budget."
Source: bobcockeyforhc.com
Fiscal Responsibility
Cockey emphasizes his business background and ability to manage budgets responsibly for Howard County government operations.
“"I have a business background and know what it's like to keep a budget."”
Education
Bob wants to champion education exceptionalism by investing wisely in teachers, programs, and facilities that prepare students for success.
“"Strengthen our the Educational System - Bob wants to champion education exceptionalism by investing wisely in teachers, programs, and facilities that prepare students for success."”
Housing
Bob supports targeted efforts to expand home ownership through smart zoning and incentives for first-time buyers.
“"Provide More Opportunities for Home Ownership - Affordability challenges many Howard County families. Bob supports targeted efforts to expand home ownership, from smart zoning to incentives for first-time buyers."”
Public Safety
Bob's plans include reinforcing law enforcement partnerships, community programs, and prevention strategies to create secure environments for all residents.
“"Improve Community Safety - Bob's plans include reinforcing law enforcement partnerships, community programs, and prevention strategies to create secure environments for all residents."”
Healthcare
Bob's business acumen ensures efficient use of resources for better and affordable wellness strategies.
“"Expand Affordable Healthcare Services - Bob's business acumen ensures efficient use of resources for better and affordable wellness strategies."”
Economic Development
Bob will work to bring in new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and ensure job opportunities for every resident.
“"Economic Growth - Bob will work to bring in new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and ensure job opportunities for every resident of Howard County."”
Baltimore restaurateur and Elkridge resident Bob Cockey is running for Howard County executive in 2026, joining three other Democrats on the primary ballot this spring. He previously ran unsuccessfully as a Republican for the state Senate in 2022, as a Democrat for Baltimore City Council in 2020, and as a Republican for Maryland House in 2018 before switching parties. Cockey explained his party switch with a JFK quote about seeking 'the right answer' rather than partisan answers, noting President Donald Trump was the main reason he recently switched from Republican to Democrat.
“"Strengthen our the Educational System - Bob wants to champion education exceptionalism by investing wisely in teachers, programs, and facilities that prepare students for success."”
Source“"Provide More Opportunities for Home Ownership - Affordability challenges many Howard County families. Bob supports targeted efforts to expand home ownership, from smart zoning to incentives for first-time buyers."”
Source“"Improve Community Safety - Bob's plans include reinforcing law enforcement partnerships, community programs, and prevention strategies to create secure environments for all residents."”
Source“"Assure Fiscal Responsibility in Howard County, MD - Learn about Bob Cockey's commitment to fiscal responsibility in Howard County, MD."”
Source“"Expand Affordable Healthcare Services - Bob's business acumen ensures efficient use of resources for better and affordable wellness strategies."”
Source“"Economic Growth - Bob will work to bring in new businesses, support local entrepreneurs, and ensure job opportunities for every resident of Howard County."”
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