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County Council Member · District 6 · Anne Arundel 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 raceGavin Buckley is an entrepreneur and businessman who served as Mayor of Annapolis from 2017 to 2025 after arriving in the city in 1992. Born in South Africa and raised in Perth, Australia, he married local resident Julie Williams and they have two children in Anne Arundel County. During his tenure, Buckley focused on governance reform, community-driven planning, and addressing issues like flooding, downtown revitalization, sustainable transit, and greater representation for marginalized communities. His administration achieved the highest bond ratings ever recorded by the City of Annapolis while implementing flood-proof infrastructure, new parks and trails, electric transit services, and programs to combat substance abuse and gun violence. Buckley now seeks to apply his skills at the county level to strengthen partnerships and find sustainable solutions for the region's children.
Sources: Campaign website
"I've always believed that coming together and working right here, in our local community, is where we can have the most impact."
"As your local representative, I will be committed to listening and engaging across the community. Throughout my public life, my door has always been open, and I'll continue to be actively engaged and available across the district to hear your concerns and generate solutions together."
"I truly believe there is no problem too big to solve if we are prepared to innovate, work together, and focus on local communities. Together we can develop solutions to our most pressing needs: education, affordability, transportation and access, environmental, economic, and social resilience and sustainability."
"As Mayor, I learned how connected all parts of our community and region really are. We need each other and we need to work together to achieve lasting, sustainable solutions."
Source: gavinbuckley.org
Education
Support for competitive teacher salaries, professional support and growth, student access to resources including special education, magnet programs, trade and job pathways, and creating new opportunities from emerging technologies.
“"A good education is the foundation for opportunity and access throughout life and quality public schools and teachers are among our community's greatest assets. We've made incredible progress in strengthening public education in Anne Arundel, but big challenges lie ahead that will require us to close funding gaps, manage changing demographics, and support access and equity. My priority will always be to support people first."”
Affordability and Housing
Support for mixed-income and affordable housing, smart development including essentials like grocery stores, childcare and health services, and zoning that supports working families.
“"We all want to live in a county where working families can afford to live and build a future, and where our children can do the same. That will require us to think creativity and invest strategically in smart, sustainable growth that benefits people, helps revitalize local neighborhoods, and creates opportunity and access for all."”
Transportation
Focus on route connections, service regularity, hours of service, bike and pedestrian connections, micromobility options, and on-demand services to provide cheaper, healthier ways to move around.
“"We can improve public transportation by focusing on how routes connect to one another, service regularity, and the hours of service. Expanding sustainable transportation options with bike and pedestrian connections, micromobility options, and on-demand services, can provide cheaper, healthier ways to move around."”
Environment
Invest in climate resilience, flood prevention and disaster preparedness, protect and expand public water access and green spaces especially in underserved neighborhoods, strengthen sustainable development including no net loss provisions, renewable energy options and better stormwater management.
“"Protecting the environment is essential if we are to mitigate the impacts of climate change, conserve biodiversity, and ensure a healthy sustainable future for our community. It will require us to: Invest in climate resilience, flood prevention and disaster preparedness Protect and expand public water access and green spaces - especially in and for underserved neighborhoods."”
Public Safety
Timely, reliable public safety services with proper staffing, resources and support through recruitment, retention, and workforce policies that help attract, support and develop personnel.
“"Every resident deserves timely, reliable public safety services and emergency teams deserve the staffing, resources and support needed to serve safely and effectively. We can deliver this through: recruitment, retention, and workforce policies that help attract, support and develop q"”
Economic Development
Support entrepreneurs and small businesses to grow local jobs and generate new ideas that address local needs.
“"Entrepreneurs and small businesses need support in order to grow local jobs and generate new ideas that address local needs."”
Infrastructure
Flood-proof City Dock concept plan, new parks and trail connections, sustainable electric transit services, downtown parking garage through P3 partnership, transformation plan for public housing.
“"The initiatives led by Gavin resulted in the highest bond ratings ever achieved by the City of Annapolis; a vibrant, community-built concept plan for a re-imagined, flood-proof City Dock; new parks and trail connections; a range of new, sustainable electric transit services; a new downtown parking garage built through an innovative P3 partnership; a transformation plan for public housing."”
External sources report that Buckley has formed a new campaign committee called "Gavin for Anne Arundel" with himself as chairman/principal officer and Stuart R. Cohen as treasurer. The Eye On Annapolis article notes he posted on Facebook about being ready to share "what comes next" after leaving office, stating he's been taking downtime but is "proud of what we got done in the past 8 years" and believes "there's more we need to do." While Buckley hasn't publicly identified which position he's seeking, external analysis suggests County Council District 6 or possibly County Executive are the most likely options.
“"A good education is the foundation for opportunity and access throughout life and quality public schools and teachers are among our community's greatest assets."”
Source“"We all want to live in a county where working families can afford to live and build a future, and where our children can do the same."”
Source“"We can improve public transportation by focusing on how routes connect to one another, service regularity, and the hours of service."”
Source“"Protecting the environment is essential if we are to mitigate the impacts of climate change, conserve biodiversity, and ensure a healthy sustainable future for our community."”
Source“"Every resident deserves timely, reliable public safety services and emergency teams deserve the staffing, resources and support needed to serve safely and effectively."”
Source“"Entrepreneurs and small businesses need support in order to grow local jobs and generate new ideas that address local needs."”
Source“"The initiatives led by Gavin resulted in the highest bond ratings ever achieved by the City of Annapolis; a vibrant, community-built concept plan for a re-imagined, flood-proof City Dock."”
Source“"Throughout my public life I have fought for representation and equity, celebrated diversity, and worked to ensure everyone in our community feels safe and has a voice."”
Source