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County Council Member · District 5 · Howard 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 raceFelita Phillips is a first-generation immigrant born in Jamaica who moved to Howard County as a child and grew up in Columbia, Maryland. She is a lifelong resident of Howard County whose own children have grown up in the community, and her son proudly serves in the U.S. Army. Currently serving on the Board of Appeals, she filed for District 5 Council seat in March 2026. Her campaign emphasizes diversity and inclusion as central to building stronger communities, with a focus on ensuring every resident feels safe, respected, and welcomed regardless of background.
Sources: Campaign website
"Hate has no home here in Howard County." Our strength as a community comes from our diversity, and we must stand together to ensure that every resident feels safe, respected, and welcomed.
"A life lived fully — in service to community."
Felita Phillips is committed to bringing those values to the County Council and ensuring that every resident feels respected, represented, and included.
Source: phillipsfordistrict5.com
Diversity & Inclusion
Felita will support policies that promote inclusion, protect civil rights, and ensure that all residents feel welcome and respected. She believes diversity makes Howard County stronger and is committed to ensuring every resident — regardless of background — feels seen, heard, and represented.
“"Howard County's strength comes from its diversity. Felita will support policies that promote inclusion, protect civil rights, and ensure that all residents feel welcome and respected."”
Strong Communities
Building stronger communities means investing in neighborhoods, supporting families, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed.
“"Building stronger communities means investing in neighborhoods, supporting families, and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed."”
Trust & Representation
Felita believes government works best when residents feel heard and respected. She will work to strengthen trust between communities and local institutions.
“"Felita believes government works best when residents feel heard and respected. She will work to strengthen trust between communities and local institutions."”
Opportunity for All
By supporting inclusive policies and community-focused leadership, Howard County can remain a place where opportunity is available to everyone.
“"By supporting inclusive policies and community-focused leadership, Howard County can remain a place where opportunity is available to everyone."”
According to The Baltimore Sun, Felita Phillips was the last candidate to file for the Howard County Council race in March 2026. She is a Democrat who currently serves as a member of the Board of Appeals. The Banner notes that with few incumbents running in the June 23 primary election, the county is expected to see sweeping turnover in most of its top offices.
“"Born in Jamaica — Felita's immigrant heritage is central to her commitment to diversity and opportunity for all."”
Source“"Growing up in Columbia surrounded by people from many different backgrounds gave Felita a unique perspective on life and reinforced her belief that diversity and inclusion make communities stronger."”
Source“"Her son proudly serves in the U.S. Army."”
Source