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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 raceFatmata Barrie is a lifelong Democrat and attorney originally from Sierra Leone who emigrated to the United States at age 11. She holds a BS in Psychology from Florida A&M University and a JD from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, having worked as an immigration and special education attorney for over three decades alongside roles with organizations like We Are CASA and the ACLU of Montgomery County. Prior to her campaign, she served as Executive Director of the Montgomery County Police Accountability Board and Administrative Charging Committee and worked directly for Councilmember Will Jawando on policy and constituent services. Barrie describes herself as an experienced fighter dedicated to delivering for all residents, particularly focusing on protecting civil liberties, ensuring immigrant safety, and maintaining an inclusive community in Montgomery County. She has also mobilized civic participation through groups like Africans in the Diaspora for Harris and serves on boards including the Women's Democratic Club of Montgomery County.
Sources: Campaign website
I'm running for Council to deliver for the people of Montgomery County.
As an immigration and special education attorney and community activist for more than 30 years, I know what it means to face uncertainty and still show up for everyone everyday.
We need an experienced fighter who will push forward an agenda for a more inclusive community for all and protect the future of Montgomery County.
Every child deserves a quality education, and every family deserves a fierce advocate.
Real safety comes from investment in people and in our communities.
Source: fatmatabarrie.com
Defending Democracy
Ensure Montgomery County remains a place where civil liberties are protected, immigrants are safe, and every resident is treated with dignity. Fight for residents affected by DOGE and government shutdowns.
“Rights are being rolled back across the country. As a Councilmember, Fatmata will ensure Montgomery County remains a place where civil liberties are protected, immigrants are safe, and every resident is treated with dignity.”
Education & Special Education
Protect communities from federal cuts to education funding, champion community schools, stand up for educators, and address the teacher shortage.
“Every child deserves a quality education, and every family deserves a fierce advocate. As a Special Education Attorney, Fatmata has spent her career fighting for students — and she will bring that commitment to the County Council.”
Affordability & Housing Stability
Expand truly affordable housing, partner with nonprofit developers, address food deserts, and ensure residents can afford to live here.
“Montgomery County families are being squeezed — median home prices near $620,000 and rents over $1,800 a month. Fatmata will take bold steps to expand truly affordable housing.”
Business & Economy
Provide incentives for local hiring, expand small business loan access, ensure minority/veteran/women-owned businesses thrive.
“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and a major engine of local jobs and economic growth. Rising costs and taxes are driving businesses out — Fatmata will fight to bring them back.”
Seniors & Aging with Dignity
Protect housing stability, defend Social Security and Medicare, improve healthcare access, expand transit options for non-drivers.
“Montgomery County's seniors built this community — and they deserve to stay, thrive, and age with dignity. Fatmata will fight to protect housing stability, defend Social Security and Medicare.”
Women's Health & Reproductive Freedom
Expand access to comprehensive women's healthcare, address maternal health disparities for Black women, support reproductive freedom.
“As a woman who has experienced fibroids firsthand, Fatmata will fight to ensure every woman gets the care she deserves.”
Safer Communities
Invest in prevention, youth programs, expand mental health services, promote transparency and accountability in public safety.
“Real safety comes from investment in people and in our communities. Fatmata will pursue a balanced approach that strengthens neighborhoods, expands youth opportunities.”
Climate Justice
Advance climate justice and equitable environmental policies, invest in clean energy, protect green space and expand tree canopy.
“Low-income communities and communities of color bear the greatest burden. Fatmata will lead with solutions that protect the environment and ensure every community benefits.”
Transportation
Improve WMATA access, push for Purple Line completion, increase bike lanes, expand RideOn services.
“Montgomery County residents face some of the worst commutes in the country — and too many lack reliable public transit. Fatmata will work to expand transit options.”
“Every child deserves a quality education, and every family deserves a fierce advocate.”
Source“Fatmata will take bold steps to expand truly affordable housing and ensure residents can afford to live, work, and build futures here.”
Source“Real safety comes from investment in people and in our communities. Fatmata will pursue a balanced approach that strengthens neighborhoods.”
Source“Fatmata will work to expand transit options, improve roads, and give residents real alternatives to sitting in traffic.”
Source“Fatmata will lead with solutions that protect the environment and ensure every community benefits. Advance climate justice and equitable environmental policies.”
Source“Small businesses are the backbone of our communities and a major engine of local jobs and economic growth. Fatmata will fight to bring them back.”
Source“As a woman who has experienced fibroids firsthand, Fatmata will fight to ensure every woman gets the care she deserves.”
Source“As a Councilmember, Fatmata will ensure Montgomery County remains a place where civil liberties are protected, immigrants are safe.”
Source“Montgomery County's seniors built this community — and they deserve to stay, thrive, and age with dignity.”
Source“Fatmata will pursue a balanced approach that strengthens neighborhoods, expands youth opportunities, and builds lasting trust between communities.”
Source“Provide incentives to local businesses that hire locally Expand small business loan access for residents Ensure minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses can thrive.”
Source“As a Councilmember, Fatmata will ensure Montgomery County remains a place where civil liberties are protected... Keep Montgomery County free from racism, hate, and discrimination.”
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