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County Council Member · District 4 · Baltimore 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 raceKarson Kamenetz is a 24-year-old lifelong Baltimore County resident running for District 4 on the Baltimore County Council, making his first run for local office after graduating from the University of Maryland College Park and the Francis King Carey School of Law. He comes from a family dedicated to public service—his grandfather ran a pharmacy in Overlea, and his father Kevin Kamenetz served as county executive from 2010 to 2018 before dying at age 59 while still in office. Karson emphasizes that his candidacy is not about inheriting a title but earning trust through competence, integrity, and relentless show-up work. He understands District 4 faces complex challenges including housing costs, public safety, aging infrastructure, reckless driving, school capacity, neglected corridors, transit gaps, and balancing responsible growth with environmental preservation.
Sources: Campaign website
"I'm running because Baltimore County needs leadership rooted in competence, integrity, and a willingness to listen. You deserve a Councilmember that truly understands the issues, tells the truth, and knows county government well enough to solve complex problems. Hold me accountable to that standard."
"This campaign is about showing up, listening, and getting things done."
"I carry that standard that he set. But I am not here to be him."
"He believes it is about whether you understand county government, know how the issues connect, and are prepared to do the job well."
Source: karsonforthecounty.com
Public Safety
Karson wants safer neighborhoods and streets through multiple approaches including solving recruitment issues for BCPD and BCFD, adequate resources, youth programs, mental health investments, and opportunity programs.
“"Safer neighborhoods and streets by solving recruitment issues and providing adequate resources to BCPD and BCFD, but also through investments in youth programs, mental health, and opportunity."”
Housing
Karson advocates for affordable housing specifically for teachers, nurses, first responders, and working families so they can afford to stay in Baltimore County.
“"Housing that is affordable for our teachers, nurses, and first responders. Making Baltimore County a place where working families can afford to stay."”
Education
Karson wants strong public schools that are not overcrowded and prepare the next generation for life in Baltimore County.
“"Strong public schools that are not overcrowded and prepare the next generation for life in Baltimore County."”
Infrastructure
Karson addresses aging infrastructure, permitting system improvements to support businesses and residents instead of holding them back, and expanding age-in-place infrastructure.
“"Aging infrastructure... A permitting system that supports businesses and residents instead of holding them back. Expand age-in-place infrastructure so every older adult can live with dignity in every neighborhood."”
Environment
Karson commits to preserving green space, 200 miles of waterfront, and the 2,000 miles of streams and tributaries that define Baltimore County's character.
“"Preserving green space, 200 miles of waterfront, and the 2,000 miles of streams and tributaries that define Baltimore County's character."”
Economic Development
Karson wants to revitalize Reisterstown Road corridor equipped to attract investment and provide opportunity for the next generation.
“"A revitalized Reisterstown Road corridor, equipped to attract investment and provide opportunity for the next generation."”
Seniors
Karson wants to make Baltimore County a place where seniors can age with dignity through expanded age-in-place infrastructure.
“"Making Baltimore County a place where working families can afford to stay and seniors can age with dignity. Expand age-in-place infrastructure so every older adult can live with dignity in every neighborhood."”
Transportation
Karson addresses transit gaps, reckless driving issues, and wants a stronger Liberty Road with less gas stations and liquor stores and more grocery stores and restaurants.
“"Reckless driving... A stronger Liberty Road, with less gas stations and liquor stores and more grocery stores and restaurants committed to serving residents. Transit gaps."”
At 24 years old, Karson Kamenetz is making his first run for Baltimore County Council in District 4, a diverse area of predominantly Black and Jewish suburbs surrounding Northwest Baltimore. He follows in the footsteps of his father Kevin Kamenetz, who served as county executive from 2010 to 2018 before dying at age 59 while still in office and running for governor. The campaign has collected endorsements from current and former local politicians and raised about $105,000 over the past year according to a campaign finance report filed Tuesday.
“"Strong public schools that are not overcrowded and prepare the next generation for life in Baltimore County."”
Source“"Housing that is affordable for our teachers, nurses, and first responders. Making Baltimore County a place where working families can afford to stay."”
Source“"Safer neighborhoods and streets by solving recruitment issues and providing adequate resources to BCPD and BCFD, but also through investments in youth programs, mental health, and opportunity."”
Source“"A stronger Liberty Road, with less gas stations and liquor stores and more grocery stores and restaurants committed to serving residents. Transit gaps."”
Source“"Preserving green space, 200 miles of waterfront, and the 2,000 miles of streams and tributaries that define Baltimore County's character."”
Source“"Aging infrastructure... A permitting system that supports businesses and residents instead of holding them back. Expand age-in-place infrastructure so every older adult can live with dignity in every neighborhood."”
Source“"Making Baltimore County a place where working families can afford to stay and seniors can age with dignity."”
Source“"A revitalized Reisterstown Road corridor, equipped to attract investment and provide opportunity for the next generation."”
Source