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County Council Member · District 5 · Frederick 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 raceJohnny Mercer is a candidate for Frederick County Council Member who emphasizes building local government that serves 'the MANY—not just the few.' Raised on his grandfather's rhododendron farm by working-class parents, he brings experience from both rural farmland and Baltimore to advocate for equity, accountability, and bold community-driven leadership. His platform focuses on responsible growth where development is guided by long-term planning rather than overwhelming communities, fully funded schools that support teachers and students regardless of neighborhood income, and the protection of agricultural land against unchecked suburban sprawl. He argues that progress comes from the ground up and stands for a government that listens to working families, farmers, teachers, and young people often left out of the conversation.
Sources: Campaign website
WE CAN GROW FREDERICK TOGETHER, IN A WAY THAT IS BOTH RESPONSIBLE AND EQUITABLE TO ALL
Johnny is running for office with a clear purpose: to build a local government that serves the MANY—not just the few.
His political vision is shaped by real-life experience—not party lines or empty rhetoric. He believes that everyone deserves a government that listens, understands, and fights for their needs.
Running not to protect the status quo, but to challenge it. To reimagine what's possible when we put people before profit, and community before politics as usual.
Source: manyformercer.com
Responsible Growth & Infrastructure
growth should serve the people—not overwhelm them... smart investments in public infrastructure—including safer roads, expanded public transportation, and reliable broadband access
Fully Funded Schools & Education
fully funding our schools—supporting teachers with fair pay, reducing overcrowded classrooms, and expanding access to mental health resources, vocational training, and special education services
Agricultural Protection & Smart Land Use
preserving agricultural land, protecting clean water sources, and pushing back against unchecked suburban sprawl... supports land use policies that prioritize long-term sustainability, smart zoning, and community-led development
“fully funding our schools—supporting teachers with fair pay, reducing overcrowded classrooms, and expanding access to mental health resources, vocational training, and special education services”
Source“expanded public transportation... reliable broadband access”
Source“protecting clean water sources, and pushing back against unchecked suburban sprawl”
Source“supports land use policies that prioritize long-term sustainability, smart zoning, and community-led development”
Source“preserving agricultural land... lifelong appreciation for Maryland's agricultural roots”
Source