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County Council Member (At-Large) · Montgomery County · 2026 Primary
At-large county council members represent the entire county rather than a specific geographic district, making decisions that affect all residents. They are responsible for passing local laws, overseeing land use and zoning, and approving the county budget which determines funding for schools, roads, and public safety. This office is vital because these members balance the needs of the whole community to set the county’s long-term priorities and tax rates.
View all candidates in this raceDana Eugene Gassaway is a lifelong resident of Montgomery County with family roots in the area dating back to the 1700s. A community leader and frequent candidate for local office, he is running for an at-large seat on the Montgomery County Council as a Democrat. His platform emphasizes transparency, accountability, and a commitment to creating a safer, more equitable county. Gassaway’s personal motivation for public service is deeply informed by the loss of his wife, Kiara Cheeks, in a traffic accident, which has driven his focus on infrastructure safety and justice. He advocates for economic growth through small business support, world-class education with equitable funding, and community-based public safety strategies. Ultimately, he seeks to leverage his deep local knowledge to deliver practical solutions that put people over partisanship.
Sources: Campaign website
“My family has been part of this county for over 300 years. This is my home, and I'm asking for your vote to make it the best it can be.”
“I have decided to run for County Council At-Large because of the deep love and respect I have for Montgomery County, and because I feel I have the knowledge of what needs to be done to improve this county for us all.”
“Too often, politics gets in the way of progress. Dana is committed to putting people over partisanship, listening to the voices of every community, and delivering the solutions our county needs.”
“Dana's values are embedded in creating a Montgomery County that is physiologically and physically safe for our posterity by improving the living conditions and the environmental conditions for all.”
Source: gassawayforcouncil.com
Public Safety
Investing in community policing and ensuring the Police Accountability Board (PAB) is chosen by the people rather than recommended by the County Executive.
“The Police Accountability Board (PAB) should be chosen by the people, not recommended by the County Executive”
Economic Growth
Supporting small businesses and minority- and women-owned enterprises while streamlining permitting processes.
“Streamline permitting and licensing for Montgomery County small businesses... Support minority- and women-owned businesses with accessible resources and mentorship”
Education Excellence
Advocating for equitable funding, teacher retention through competitive pay, and expanded early childhood and technical education.
“Advocate for equitable school funding across all Montgomery County communities... Support teacher retention through competitive compensation”
Infrastructure & Transportation
Improving transit reliability and investing in pedestrian and bicycle safety to prevent future tragedies.
“Invest in road maintenance, pedestrian safety, and bicycle infrastructure... Improve public transit reliability, frequency, and coverage”
Affordable Housing
Increasing the supply of workforce housing and strengthening protections for tenants.
“Strengthen tenant protections and rent stabilization measures... Expand the supply of affordable and workforce housing units countywide”
External sources describe Dana Eugene Gassaway as a frequent local candidate who filed his candidacy paperwork for the at-large council seat at the eleventh hour. He is part of a crowded field of 17 Democratic candidates competing for four at-large positions. Media coverage notes his previous runs for both the Montgomery County School Board and the County Council.
“Investing in world-class schools, equitable funding, and programs that prepare every student for success.”
Source“Expand the supply of affordable and workforce housing units countywide... Strengthen tenant protections and rent stabilization measures”
Source“Ensuring our neighborhoods are safe through community policing, modern resources, and collaborative solutions.”
Source“Improve public transit reliability, frequency, and coverage across the county”
Source“Support minority- and women-owned businesses with accessible resources and mentorship”
Source“Invest in road maintenance, pedestrian safety, and bicycle infrastructure”
Source“Supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and building an economy that works for every family”
Source“Building a transparent, accountable government that protects and restores the local environment”
Source“Building a transparent, accountable government... Unwavering commitment to transparency in government spending and decision-making”
Source