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County Council Member · District 3 · Montgomery 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 raceIzola Shaw is a lifelong Democrat currently serving as Rockville City Councilmember, elected in 2023 after finishing third in a competitive 12-person race for six seats. She brings decades of public service experience including two decades as a federal employee at FEMA and the National Institutes of Health, where she served as a communications strategist and consultant during crises and the COVID-19 pandemic. Her background includes work as Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commissioner overseeing a $377 million budget for affordable housing development, and leading efforts to pass the county's Racial Equity and Social Justice Act. She is also a former Chair of the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee where she was elected its first female Chair. Recently laid off from NIH as part of federal workforce cuts under the Trump administration, Shaw says she understands the fear working families face and is fighting for them because she is one of them.
Sources: Campaign website
Progress isn't handed out. It's won by those who stand up and fight.
Izola Shaw is a lifelong Democrat running for County Council District 3—bringing bold, accountable leadership to Rockville, Gaithersburg, and all of Montgomery County.
As a current Rockville City Councilmember and a former federal employee for 20 years, Izola has always put people first—even when it meant standing up to those in power.
Izola is running because our schools need protection, our neighborhoods need affordable housing, and our county government needs to put people first.
Source: izola4progress.org
Affordable Housing
Championing rent stabilization in Rockville, fighting for affordable homes and stable rents during the pandemic, supporting county-level rent control, and addressing affordability amid federal cuts
“"We're fighting for stable communities, especially now, when people have lost their jobs," said Shaw, who was laid off from the National Institutes of Health in mass cuts by the Trump administration.”
Education
Protecting neighborhood schools and ensuring every student succeeds, including efforts to save Wootton High School
“Izola is focused on ensuring our public schools succeed and building a future where everyone has a fair shot.”
Economic Justice
Fighting for good jobs, strong local businesses, living wages, and workers' rights including organizing her workplace to form a union during the Trump administration
“"Izola helped lead the passage of the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Act , ensuring every policy is measured by its impact on the county's most vulnerable residents."”
Responsive Government
Ensuring county services are quick, accessible, and put people's needs first with accountability to working families rather than special interests
“"Izola answers to working families and community members, not developers or special interests. Her campaign is funded by grassroots supporters who believe in bold leadership."”
Bethesda Magazine reports that Shaw raised $38,320 last year for her campaign, the most of any District 3 candidate, with Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman second at $26,857. Both candidates are participating in public financing while others opted for traditional financing. The Banner notes that all three Democratic candidates agree affordable housing is one of the biggest issues affecting residents but disagree on solutions—Shaw advocates rent stabilization while her opponent favors increasing housing supply through development.
“"Affordable homes, great schools, and dependable childcare for every family."”
Source“"Protecting our neighborhood schools and ensuring every student succeeds."”
Source“"Good jobs, strong local businesses, and an economy that works for everyone."”
Source“"Izola helped lead the passage of the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Act , ensuring every policy is measured by its impact on the county's most vulnerable residents."”
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