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County Council Member · District 1 · Prince George's 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 raceDarwin Romero is a candidate for the Prince George's County Council in District 1 and a long-time Maryland resident of 35 years. An immigrant from El Salvador and a single father of two, he brings a professional background that includes 15 years in construction and a previous career as a top-producing real estate agent. Romero holds degrees in economics and mathematics from the University of Maryland and has served as a math tutor and parent community coordinator. His political experience includes previous runs for the Montgomery County Council At-Large and the Montgomery County Board of Education, as well as service on the Latin American Advisory Group. His platform emphasizes sound leadership and common-sense solutions focused on education, affordable living, and economic growth.
Sources: Campaign website
Government works when it is of the people, by the people, and for the people.
I'm running because District 1 deserves a leader who understands the daily struggles of working families, who has the practical experience to get things done, and who will always put our community first.
This isn't about political ambition - it's about service.
Source: darwinromero.com
Education
Aims to provide world-class education by modernizing classrooms, expanding bilingual programs, increasing teacher salaries, and reducing class sizes.
“Modernize classrooms with up-to-date technology and resources Expand bilingual education programs to serve our diverse community Increase teacher salaries to attract and retain the best educators Reduce class sizes for more personalized attention”
Cost of Living
Focuses on easing financial burdens on families through property tax stabilization for seniors, energy efficiency programs, and grocery price transparency.
“Stabilize property taxes for seniors and long-term residents Push for energy efficiency programs to lower utility bills Support local food banks and assistance programs Advocate for grocery price transparency and competition”
Economic Growth
Seeks to grow the tax base by attracting aerospace and quantum technology industries and supporting small businesses through streamlined permitting.
“Attract quantum technology and aerospace companies to District 1 Partner with NASA Goddard and UMD for innovation hubs Support small businesses with streamlined permitting”
Public Safety
Advocates for a combination of strong law enforcement funding and youth prevention programs.
“Ensure adequate funding for police and fire departments Invest in youth programs to prevent crime before it starts”
Infrastructure
Proposes modernizing aging roads and bridges while expanding MARC train and bus transit access.
“Repair and modernize aging roads and bridges Expand MARC train service and frequency Improve bus routes and accessibility”
PG Proud describes Romero as a candidate whose vision is centered on modernization, economic resilience, and deep-rooted community engagement. The publication highlights his goals of expanding educational pathways and streamlining the process for small businesses to bridge the gap between local government and residents.
“Modernize classrooms with up-to-date technology and resources Expand bilingual education programs”
Source“Create affordable housing initiatives for working families”
Source“Ensure adequate funding for police and fire departments Invest in youth programs to prevent crime before it starts”
Source“Expand MARC train service and frequency Improve bus routes and accessibility”
Source“Attract quantum technology and aerospace companies to District 1”
Source“Repair and modernize aging roads and bridges”
Source“Stabilize property taxes for seniors and long-term residents”
Source“Invest in youth programs to prevent crime before it starts”
Source“I will expand access to capital, technical assistance, and county contracting opportunities while cutting unnecessary red tape.”
Source“Stabilize property taxes for seniors and long-term residents”
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