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County Council Member · District 2 · 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 raceJessica I. Nichols is a candidate for Howard County Council Member in District 2 who identifies as an educator, mother, and advocate with over two decades of teaching experience. She served as Howard County’s Teacher of the Year and has spent her career fighting for fair budgets, safe schools, and learning environments where every child feels seen. Her background includes leading Columbia Community Care, where she helped feed over 150,000 residents, and serving on the Howard County Commission for Women to protect and uplift families. Nichols emphasizes her commitment to making the county affordable, connected, and safer through investments in schools, housing, and community support systems rather than just development. She positions herself as a candidate who has fought at every level of government to protect immigrant families and ensure policies uplift every neighbor.
Sources: Campaign website
Education
Fully fund schools, repair aging buildings, retain educators, lower student-to-counselor ratios.
“"I'll Fight For Fully Fund the Future • Meeting our Blueprint obligations • Protecting school budgets from political games" and "Lower student-to-counselor ratios • Universal access to advanced courses"”
Housing
Affordable housing options, tenant protections, support for unhoused neighbors rooted in dignity.
“"Housing People Can Actually Afford • More affordable and accessible housing options for those who power our home • Stronger tenant protections and resources"”
Public Safety
Civilian oversight board, mental health navigators in community spaces, ban on racial or religious profiling.
“"Trust Built Through Accountability • A civilian oversight board that reflects the people it serves" and "Safety Without Discrimination • A clear ban on using county resources for racial or religious profiling"”
Economic Development
Real tax relief, fair living wage, grants for small business growth.
“"I'll Fight For Economic Stability & Support • Real tax relief for working families • A fair, living wage • Grants for small business growth"”
Environment
Environmentally responsible development and sustainable energy solutions to lower bills.
“"Environmentally responsible and capacity cognizant development • Investments in sustainable energy solutions to lower energy bills"”
“"As Howard County’s Teacher of the Year, I see the potential in our kids every day and the weight they carry when our systems don’t keep their promises."”
Source“"I've looked into the eyes of families who work hard every single day yet still struggle to afford groceries, housing, or a moment of stability."”
Source“"Trust isn’t built by slogans — it’s built by truth, accountability, and showing up for people before they’re in crisis."”
Source“"I'm running to make sure our county invests in people, not just development."”
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