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County Council Member · Talbot County · 2026 Primary
County Council Members serve as the legislative branch of county government, passing local laws and approving the annual budget that funds public schools, roads, and emergency services. They set local tax rates and make final decisions on land use and zoning, which determines where new homes and businesses can be built. This office is responsible for prioritizing how your tax dollars are spent and managing the long-term growth and infrastructure of your community.
View all candidates in this raceBrian R. Naranjo is a retired Senior Foreign Service Officer with 32 years of U.S. diplomatic experience who filed for Talbot County Council as a Democrat in 2026. A St. Michaels resident and Police Accountability Board commissioner, he served at the Minister Counselor level—the third-highest flag-rank equivalent—and held assignments in Venezuela, Canada, and Mexico, including acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Ottawa. He states he is running to govern rather than fight, motivated by a desire to refocus county leadership on core responsibilities like roads, public safety, schools, and water instead of national culture war battles. His background includes directing political operations at two consequential U.S. diplomatic missions while maintaining his official residence in St. Michaels since 2015.
Governance Focus
Focused on practical governance and experienced local leadership rather than national culture war battles.
“"I'm not running to fight — I'm running to govern." / "focused on practical governance and experienced local leadership"”
Core Responsibilities
Wants county council focused on roads, public safety, schools, and water instead of energy spent on national culture war battles.
“"I expected to find a county council focused on roads, public safety, schools, and water. Instead, I kept seeing energy spent on national culture war battles that have nothing to do with what our neighbors actually need."”
Local Leadership
Believes he can bring experienced local leadership after solving hard problems for the United States government in difficult places.
“"I spent three decades solving hard problems for the United States government — in some genuinely difficult places."”
External coverage describes Naranjo's platform as solid but notes a reader concern that it overlooks the local economy and wealth disparity affecting working families outside St. Michaels. A February 2026 candidate list identifies him among five Democrats who opened campaign committees for the Talbot County Council election season.