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County Council Member · District 3 · Frederick 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 raceChristian Benford is a local activist and political newcomer running for Frederick County Council District 3 seat as a Democratic candidate. Born to two working parents in Frederick County, he describes growing up surrounded by the county's rich history, community, and character, noting that this community gave his family a second chance and the promise of a better future. As a member of the National Forum for Black Public Administrators and leader within the Frederick Democratic Socialists of America, he fights for immigrant neighbors to build coalitions against the discriminatory 287(g) program, supports workers around the county in their unionizing efforts, and speaks on behalf of LGBTQ+ students in the fight to preserve Policy 443. His education and work experience have been focused on service to others, with a Masters of Public Administration journey that strengthened his leadership skills and knowledge of good governance.
Sources: Campaign website
I'm running to make Frederick a more affordable, accountable, and equitable place to live and raise a family.
Frederick prides itself on its diversity and its care for its marginalized communities. Supporting a bill that bans 287G completely would help solidify that.
It is fantastic to have a program that provides alternative travel, reduces carbon emissions, and is at no-cost to residents.
As the son of an immigrant, he opposes the 287(g) program.
Source: christianforfrederick.com
Immigration
Opposes 287(g) program and advocates for state-level ban on local ICE agreements; argues there's no room for compromise on a policy that can tear families apart.
“We must stop using local law enforcement resources and taxpayer dollars for President Donald Trump's violent mass deportation agenda. Sheriff deputies shouldn't work on ICE's behalf. Local jails shouldn't be an extension of ICE facilities.”
Housing
Supports rent stabilization measures to make housing more affordable.
“Benford has explicitly said he supports rent stabilization measures, and on Friday, he reiterated that.”
Transportation
Advocates for free bus programs and better public infrastructure to improve walkability and reduce carbon emissions.
“It is fantastic to have a program that provides alternative travel, reduces carbon emissions, and is at no-cost to residents. Frederick, as a whole, is not very walkable.”
Workers' Rights
Supports workers around the county in their unionizing efforts.
“support our workers around the county in their unionizing efforts”
LGBTQ+ Rights
Speaks on behalf of LGBTQ+ students to preserve and strengthen Policy 443.
“speak on behalf of our LGBTQ+ students in the fight to preserve and strengthen Policy 443”
“We must stop using local law enforcement resources and taxpayer dollars for President Donald Trump's violent mass deportation agenda. Sheriff deputies shouldn't work on ICE's behalf.”
Source“Benford has explicitly said he supports rent stabilization measures, and on Friday, he reiterated that.”
Source“It is fantastic to have a program that provides alternative travel, reduces carbon emissions, and is at no-cost to residents.”
Source“support our workers around the county in their unionizing efforts”
Source“Frederick prides itself on its diversity and its care for its marginalized communities”
Source