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County Executive · Anne Arundel County · 2026 Primary
The County Executive serves as the chief administrator of the county, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and enforcing laws passed by the County Council. This official proposes the annual budget that directs how local tax dollars are spent on services such as public schools, roads, and emergency response. The County Executive also has the power to appoint department heads and can sign or veto legislation affecting the entire county.
View all candidates in this raceJames Kitchin is running for Anne Arundel County Executive as a Democratic candidate who emphasizes community-first governance and public campaign finance. He began his career as a high school history and government teacher shaping engaged citizens, then served on the senior management team in the Pittman administration since 2018 managing community engagement and constituent services. Kitchin earned a Ph.D. in Public Policy with a focus on governance of cities and suburbs, serves on the Crofton Civic Association Board of Directors, volunteers with Crofton Kiwanis Club, and has coached youth soccer. His campaign is people-powered with no corporate money, accepting only small-dollar donations up to $250 that are matched through public financing. He positions himself as the only candidate running 100% on the public financing system established by Bill 25-23.
Sources: Campaign website
James Kitchin will be a County Executive who puts community first.
I am running for County Executive to elevate community voices in our decision making, and to do that we must get big monied interests out of our elections.
As County Executive, I will invest in the infrastructure needed to improve traffic flow and expand safe, reliable walking, biking, and public transportation for residents and commuters.
We can grow high-quality, affordable opportunities for students through our Community Colleges, Apprenticeships, and paid civic opportunities like Service Year.
Source: jameskitchin.com
Traffic/Transportation
Kitchin will invest in infrastructure to improve traffic flow and expand safe, reliable walking, biking, and public transportation. Policies requiring developers to invest more in transportation infrastructure when they build projects that add traffic to roads.
“As County Executive, I will invest in the infrastructure needed to improve traffic flow and expand safe, reliable walking, biking, and public transportation for residents and commuters.”
Education
Kitchin is committed to upholding the Blueprint and investments in educators, special educators, support staff, and learning environments. Schools should prepare students to follow their dreams through college, university, or trades.
“I am committed to upholding the Blueprint and investments in our educators, special educators, support staff, and learning environments.”
Public Safety
The administration will strengthen public safety in every neighborhood with professionalism, transparency, and commitment to public service. Will expand innovative approaches to disrupt violence before it occurs, treat gun violence as a public health issue.
“We will ensure that residents feel confident in our first responders who stand ready to assist with professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to public service.”
Environment
Will fight for a true No Net Loss of Forest law, invest in resiliency infrastructure to protect flood-prone communities, and expand public water access and green spaces in overlooked neighborhoods.
“As County Executive, I will fight for a true No Net Loss of Forest law, invest in resiliency infrastructure to protect our most flood-prone communities, and expand public water access and green spaces in neighborhoods that have been overlooked for generations.”
Affordability/Housing
Will prioritize building housing working families can afford, protecting vulnerable residents from rent gouging and bad faith actors, and expanding investments in eviction-prevention programs.
“As County Executive, I will prioritize building housing that working families can”
Public Campaign Finance
Running 100% on public financing system with no corporate money. Only small-dollar donations up to $250 from county residents.
“I am the only candidate running 100% on the public financing system — no corporate money, only small-dollar donations from real people.”
According to Business Monthly coverage from March 23, 2026, James Kitchin is currently the director of Community Engagement and Community Services for County Executive Steuart Pittman. He will contend in the June primary against Democratic contenders Allison Pickard, Pete Smith, and Kyle Nembhard, with the winner facing a Republican candidate in November's general election. The candidates discussed issues at a March forum hosted by Business Monthly.
“I am committed to upholding the Blueprint and investments in our educators, special educators, support staff, and learning environments.”
Source“As County Executive, I will prioritize building housing that working families can”
Source“We will ensure that residents feel confident in our first responders who stand ready to assist with professionalism, transparency, and a commitment to public service.”
Source“As County Executive, I will invest in the infrastructure needed to improve traffic flow and expand safe, reliable walking, biking, and public transportation for residents and commuters.”
Source“As County Executive, I will fight for a true No Net Loss of Forest law, invest in resiliency infrastructure to protect our most flood-prone communities.”
Source“I am the only candidate running 100% on the public financing system — no corporate money, only small-dollar donations from real people.”
Source“We will pass policies requiring developers to invest more in our transportation infrastructure when they build projects that add traffic to our roads.”
Source“James has built a career of bringing people together, serving Anne Arundel County, and never backing down from his principles.”
Source