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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 raceJud Ashman is the Mayor of Gaithersburg who has served for nearly 25 years as a community leader, including as Mayor from November 2014 to present. He owns and operates Web Mobile Image, a web design, development, and hosting studio, and holds a Master's Degree in Accounting & Financial Management from University of Maryland Global Campus and a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Political Science from University of Miami. Ashman is running for Montgomery County Council District 3 in the June 2026 Democratic primary after being re-elected to his third term as Gaithersburg Mayor with around 73% of the vote. He emphasizes making Montgomery County more affordable, keeping communities safe from traditional crime and what he describes as attacks from the Trump administration, ensuring schools provide quality education regardless of immigration status or background, protecting vulnerable community members, helping local businesses thrive, and standing up to extremism.
Sources: Campaign website
I'm running because the very things that have made Montgomery County such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family are at risk of becoming unaffordable for far too many people.
When you vote to elect Jud Ashman you are voting for: More than 20 years of positive, constructive leadership and experience in the community Responsive, open government Revitalizing our aging neighborhoods Investing wisely in our kids' education Growing our local economy and job opportunities Commitment to safe neighborhoods and commercial areas A responsible approach to growth Sound fiscal policy Good stewardship of our environment and natural resources
I'll fight to make housing more affordable, help local businesses thrive, protect the most vulnerable members of our community, and stand up to the extremism coming from the Trump Administration.
As the mayor of Gaithersburg, there would be no way to run for any higher office without losing part of your term that you're elected for.
Source: votejud.com
Affordability
Making Montgomery County more affordable for families to live, work, and raise children
“I'm running because the very things that have made Montgomery County such a wonderful place to live, work, and raise a family are at risk of becoming unaffordable for far too many people.”
Public Safety
Keeping communities safe from traditional crime and extremism
“Keeping our communities safe from traditional crime AND the attacks we see every day from the Trump administration and its minions”
Education
Ensuring schools provide quality education regardless of immigration status or background
“Making sure our schools provide the education our children need for the future they deserve – regardless of who they are, where they come from, or their immigration status.”
Housing
Fighting to make housing more affordable in Montgomery County
“I'll fight to make housing more affordable”
Economic Development
Helping local businesses thrive and growing job opportunities
“help local businesses thrive, protect the most vulnerable members of our community”
Bethesda Magazine reports that Ashman will run as a Democrat for Montgomery County Council District 3 in the June 2026 Democratic primary after being re-elected Nov. 4 with around 73% of the vote. Montgomery Perspective notes he won reelection by 48 points and faces Rockville City Council Member Izola Shaw and former federal employee Allison Eriksen in what could be one of the most competitive elections in the county this cycle.
“I'll fight to make housing more affordable, help local businesses thrive”
Source“Keeping our communities safe from traditional crime AND the attacks we see every day from the Trump administration and its minions”
Source“Making sure our schools provide the education our children need for the future they deserve – regardless of who they are, where they come from, or their immigration status.”
Source“Growing our local economy and job opportunities”
Source“regardless of who they are, where they come from, or their immigration status.”
Source“stand up to the extremism coming from the Trump Administration”
Source