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County Commissioner · District 2 · Carroll County · 2026 Primary
County Commissioners act as both the lawmaking body and the executive branch for their county, meaning they pass local ordinances and oversee all county departments. They are responsible for setting property tax rates and adopting the annual budget, which determines funding levels for essential services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency responders. Their decisions on land use and zoning also directly influence how your community grows and what types of businesses or housing can be built.
View all candidates in this raceKim Zentz is a Republican candidate running for Carroll County Commissioner in District 2 for the 2026 election cycle. She has lived in Carroll County with her family for over ten years and raises three children in Hampstead with her husband Zack. Her campaign emphasizes moving from passive governance to active, accountable leadership while protecting what makes Carroll special while strengthening it for the next generation. She brings experience from serving on the Carroll County Board of Zoning Appeals and previously launched the county's first innovative public school option within Maryland's legal framework.
Sources: Campaign website
"Effective leadership doesn't complain about constraints — it works within them to deliver solutions."
"Active Leadership. Not Passive Governance. Our Commissioners should lead — not simply oversee."
"Carroll County cannot afford passive leadership at a moment like this, and that's exactly why I'm running for Commissioner in District 2."
"I will proactively engage with our 8 municipalities, Carroll County Public Schools, and state partners to ensure policy decisions reflect Carroll's priorities."
Source: zentz4carroll.org
Infrastructure
Zentz argues growth should never outpace infrastructure capacity including roads, schools, public safety, and water systems. She emphasizes that Carroll County cannot afford passive leadership when facing serious water challenges.
“"Growth should never outpace our roads, schools, public safety or water. As we grow, we grow responsibly, ensuring our systems can support it and our residents can benefit."”
Education
Zentz highlights her experience launching the county's first innovative public school option while working within Maryland's legal framework to expand educational opportunity.
“"As a leader in launching the county's first innovative public school option, I worked fully within Maryland's legal and regulatory framework to expand educational opportunity for educators and families."”
Public Safety
Zentz states that a thriving Carroll County starts with great schools and safe communities, committing to support educators and strengthen public safety.
“"A thriving Carroll County starts with great schools and safe communities. I will work to support educators and strengthen public safety so that our county remains a place where opportunity, security, and community values come first."”
Land Use
Zentz notes concerns about farmland being targeted for large-scale solar development, high-density affordable housing, and massive data centers while municipalities face water challenges.
“"Today, our farmland is being targeted for large-scale solar development, high-density 'affordable housing,' and massive data centers. At the very same time, our municipalities and our county are facing serious water challenges that are already stifling the kind of smart, responsible growth our community needs."”
Fiscal Policy
Zentz emphasizes accountability to taxpayers cannot be outsourced and notes state has pushed pension costs down to counties adding millions to Carroll County's budget.
“"Accountability to taxpayers rests with those elected to serve — and it cannot be outsourced."”
The Community Media Center (CMC) Voters Guide lists Kim Zentz as a Republican candidate running for District 2 County Commissioner in the 2026 primary election alongside Kenneth A. Kiler and Todd W. Tracey. The CMC states that views expressed in Candidate Profiles do not necessarily reflect their own views and they do not endorse any political candidate or organization.
“"As a leader in launching the county's first innovative public school option, I worked fully within Maryland's legal and regulatory framework to expand educational opportunity for educators and families."”
Source“"Growth should never outpace our roads, schools, public safety or water. As we grow, we grow responsibly, ensuring our systems can support it and our residents can benefit."”
Source“"Today, our farmland is being targeted for large-scale solar development, high-density 'affordable housing,' and massive data centers."”
Source“"A thriving Carroll County starts with great schools and safe communities. I will work to support educators and strengthen public safety so that our county remains a place where opportunity, security, and community values come first."”
Source“"Accountability to taxpayers rests with those elected to serve — and it cannot be outsourced."”
Source