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County Council Member · District 4 · 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 raceKate Stewart serves as Montgomery County Councilmember for District 4, which spans North Bethesda, Kensington, Garrett Park, Silver Spring, Takoma Park, and parts of Chevy Chase. She chairs the Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) and Audit committees, sits on the Transportation and Environment (TE) committee, and was unanimously elected by her peers to serve as Montgomery County Council President in December 2024 until December 2025. Stewart has lived in Montgomery County for over 30 years with her husband, and their two children graduated from Montgomery County public schools. She previously served on the Takoma Park City Council before being elected to County Council in 2022, and later served as Treasurer of the Metropolitan Council of Governments (COG) from 2022-2023. In December 2025, she received the Elizabeth and David Skelton Metropolitan Public Service Award for regional cooperation, community safety, and public service dedication.
Sources: Campaign website
"Together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County."
"I know what it's like to not be able to plan for your future," she said.
"She was brutal." Stewart, 55, said with a laugh about her daughter Bridget Griffith pointing out every "um" and "like" Stewart uttered as she campaigned for Takoma Park City Council.
Source: votekatestewart.com
Housing
Supports zoning initiative to increase housing density allowed in parts of the county; grew up experiencing housing insecurity with family moving frequently due to inability to afford rent
“"I know what it's like to not be able to plan for your future," she said. That understanding, she told The Banner, undergirds her political career.”
Fiscal Policy
Chairs Government Operations and Fiscal Policy (GO) and Audit committees; supports 2026 budget without tax increases
“"Together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County."”
Public Safety
Received award for community safety; provides United in Service and Support program to help residents affected by federal budget cuts and economic instability
“"Together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County."”
Education
Focuses on supporting schools; children graduated from Montgomery County public schools
“"Together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County."”
The Baltimore Banner describes Kate Stewart as Montgomery County's most powerful woman who took the helm of the council at the beginning of tumultuous months following President Donald Trump's second inauguration. Her strong support for a zoning initiative to increase housing density has drawn criticism locally and nationally, with some critics calling for her removal from office. The 11-member board, all Democrats, scrambled to respond to massive federal layoffs and cuts to SNAP benefits and other federal programs.
“"I know what it's like to not be able to plan for your future," she said. That understanding, she told The Banner, undergirds her political career.”
Source“"Together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County."”
Source“"Together we can build on our strengths and create a stronger, more equitable, and sustainable Montgomery County."”
Source