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County Executive · Frederick 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 raceJessica Fitzwater is Frederick County Executive who centers her leadership in the values of inclusion, accountability, and sustainability. She spent 16 years as an elementary music teacher at Oakdale Elementary School and served two terms on the County Council prior to being elected County Executive. Raised in Smithsburg and graduating from public schools, she earned degrees from St. Mary's College of Maryland and Hood College. Fitzwater believes Frederick County should be a vibrant and unique community where everyone can live, work, and thrive while enjoying a strong sense of place and belonging.
Sources: Campaign website
"We need to make sure that we're representing everyone," Fitzwater said during a podcast interview with the News-Post on Friday. "That's my track record and that's my value system."
"I am running for county executive because everyone who lives in Frederick County deserves the opportunity to meet their full potential and thrive. From students to seniors, small-business owners to service workers, we know there are significant disparities in quality-of-life outcomes across our county. We need a proven, effective leader who will lead through listening and build on the progress we've made over the past eight years."
"Embracing our growing and changing community is paramount to our county's future success. Growth is often discussed in black and white, all or nothing. But that is not reality. We can preserve agriculture while incentivizing best practices that improve soil quality. We can welcome new residents and businesses while utilizing smart growth policies that ensure good schools, create an inclusive community, and protect public health."
"Jan Gardner's biggest sin as county executive has been to set a high standard for future leaders. As county executive, I will be a different leader than Jan, in particular because of my unique experience as a legislative leader on the County Council for eight years."
Source: jessicafitzwater.com
Education
Fitzwater increased education funding by 30% in her first three budgets and invested heavily in school construction and renovation. Under her leadership, Frederick County is building the new Linganore Creek Elementary School in one year – the fastest a school has ever been built in Maryland.
“"It will be up to the board of education to... As a former school teacher herself, she said education provides the best return on investment by putting resources into future leaders."”
Housing
She is focused on tackling housing affordability and using County-owned land to spur the building of affordable units.
“"Frederick Launches Process to Build Affordable Housing on County Land" - News update from campaign website.”
Land Use
She helped to cut in half the number of acres zoned for data centers, limiting their sprawl and ensuring they cannot be built in 99% of the County's land. She set a land preservation goal of 160,000 acres by 2051.
“"She helped to cut in half the number of acres zoned for data centers, limiting their sprawl and ensuring they cannot be built in on 99% of the County's land. She set a land preservation goal of 160,000 acres by 2051"”
Agriculture
She increased investments in agricultural programs and supports farmers' innovation while preserving farmland.
“"We can preserve agriculture while incentivizing best practices that improve soil quality... We must enhance grants, initiatives, and legislation that support farmers' innovation and allow them to thrive as business owners who contribute so much to our rich history."”
Environment
Frederick County plans to replace about 21% of its vehicle fleet with electric vehicles, as well as use biodiesel fuel for other parts of the fleet, to help lower the county's greenhouse gas emissions.
“"Frederick County replacing 21% of its fleet with electric vehicles to lower countywide emissions" - News update from campaign website.”
Fiscal Policy
Residents will not see their property tax rates go up in 2027 despite the budget increasing by nearly 12%. Fitzwater's top three priorities for this budget would be to expand opportunities for students, help working families make ends meet, and protect the communities most vulnerable residents.
“"Residents will not see their property tax rates go up in 2027... Instead, she announced her top three priorities for this budget would be to expand opportunities for students, help working families make ends meet, and protect the communities most vulnerable residents."”
WYPR reported that Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced her $1.14 billion budget proposal with residents not seeing property tax rates go up in 2027 despite the budget increasing by nearly 12%. The county is able to bear this burden due to rapid community growth, and Fitzwater explained education provides the best return on investment by putting resources into future leaders. Her proposal includes fully funding Frederick County Public Schools' $500 million budget request.
“"She increased education funding by 30% in her first three budgets and invested heavily in school construction and renovation. Under her leadership, Frederick County is building the new Linganore Creek Elementary School"”
Source“"She is focused on tackling housing affordability and using County-owned land to spur the building of affordable units."”
Source“"She helped to cut in half the number of acres zoned for data centers, limiting their sprawl and ensuring they cannot be built in on 99% of the County's land. She set a land preservation goal of 160,000 acres by 2051"”
Source“"She increased investments in open space, agricultural programs, parks, bikeways, and trails. We can preserve agriculture while incentivizing best practices that improve soil quality."”
Source“"Frederick County replacing 21% of its fleet with electric vehicles to lower countywide emissions"”
Source“"Residents will not see their property tax rates go up in 2027, as Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater announced her $1.14 billion budget proposal"”
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