Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
County Council Member (At-Large) · Montgomery County · 2026 Primary
At-large county council members represent the entire county rather than a specific geographic district, making decisions that affect all residents. They are responsible for passing local laws, overseeing land use and zoning, and approving the county budget which determines funding for schools, roads, and public safety. This office is vital because these members balance the needs of the whole community to set the county’s long-term priorities and tax rates.
View all candidates in this raceLaurie-Anne Sayles is a Montgomery County Councilmember At-Large seeking re-election for the 2026 term after serving on the Gaithersburg City Council and running for Congress in 2023. She identifies as a first-generation Jamaican-American Maryland native inspired by her parents' public service values of education, fairness, compassion, and community involvement. Sayles was elected to the County Council in 2022 as one of six women on the council, marking a historic female majority, and is recognized for being the first African American elected to the Gaithersburg City Council and the first Black woman elected countywide in Montgomery County. Her campaign focuses on navigating national uncertainty locally through her S.M.A.R.T. Agenda aimed at strengthening education, making living affordable, advancing equitable communities, revitalizing the economy, and tackling climate change. She emphasizes a record of passing meaningful legislation to revitalize the economy and expand opportunity for residents facing economic hardship and healthcare access issues.
Sources: Campaign website
As we look to the future, the uncertainty surrounding the new federal administration challenges communities nationwide, but we stand ready to navigate them locally.
I carry their values of education, fairness, compassion, and community involvement as a first-generation Jamaican-American.
Together, we are on the path to building a community where everyone feels welcomed, valued, and empowered, and I can't wait to see what we will achieve!
Source: sayles4moco.com
Education
Strengthening 21st-century learning from cradle to career and beyond, including funding for MCPS and Montgomery College, addressing infrastructure needs, and closing the digital divide.
“As your councilwoman dedicated to strengthening 21st-century learning from cradle to career and beyond, I have championed numerous initiatives aimed at empowering our students throughout their educational journeys.”
Housing
Expediting approval for affordable mixed-use developments via O.P.E.N. Zoning Text Amendment and securing funding for the Housing Initiative Fund to preserve affordable housing.
“This legislation expedites the approval process for affordable mixed-use developments, ensuring that more residents have access to vital amenities and housing options as we work to address the 37,000 people currently on the housing assistance waitlist in our County.”
Healthcare
Ensuring equal access to quality healthcare for all residents regardless of background through her role as Lead for Eliminating Disparities in Public Health.
“I am dedicated to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, have equal access to quality healthcare.”
Economic Development
Revitalizing the economy and expanding opportunity through public-private partnerships for apprenticeships and supporting local businesses.
“Laurie-Anne has built a proven record of passing meaningful legislation and delivering S.M.A.R.T. solutions to revitalize our economy, expand opportunity, and position Montgomery County for long-term success.”
Environment
Reducing dependence on imported goods and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions through the Office of Food Systems Resilience.
“Our collective efforts have led to a significant reduction in our dependence on imported goods and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Immigration
Pursuing comprehensive immigration reform as part of her legislative priorities.
“I focus on expanding access to early childhood education, advocating for a $15 minimum wage, fighting for equal rights, a clean environment, a vibrant economy, and pursuing comprehensive immigration reform.”
Veterans
Advocating for property tax credits for honorably discharged, disabled veterans to support stable housing.
“I advocated for a property tax credit for honorably discharged, disabled veterans in Montgomery County through Bill 6-24.”
Sayles launched her re-election campaign in March 2025, stating that diversity, equity, and inclusion values remain threatened despite unprecedented challenges. External coverage notes she was one of six women elected to the county council in 2022, creating a historic female majority, and previously served on the Gaithersburg City Council where she was the first African American elected. The news article highlights her establishment of a Youth Advisory Council and attendance at community meetings discussing safety and youth engagement. It also mentions her first council bill as lone lead sponsor approved last year regarding housing discrimination against people with certain minor criminal histories.
“As your councilwoman dedicated to strengthening 21st-century learning from cradle to career and beyond, I have championed numerous initiatives aimed at empowering our students throughout their educational journeys.”
Source“This legislation expedites the approval process for affordable mixed-use developments, ensuring that more residents have access to vital amenities and housing options as we work to address the 37,000 people currently on the housing assistance waitlist in our County.”
Source“I am dedicated to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their background, have equal access to quality healthcare.”
Source“Laurie-Anne has built a proven record of passing meaningful legislation and delivering S.M.A.R.T. solutions to revitalize our economy, expand opportunity, and position Montgomery County for long-term success.”
Source“Our collective efforts have led to a significant reduction in our dependence on imported goods and a decrease in greenhouse gas emissions.”
Source“I focus on expanding access to early childhood education, advocating for a $15 minimum wage, fighting for equal rights, a clean environment, a vibrant economy, and pursuing comprehensive immigration reform.”
Source“I advocated for a property tax credit for honorably discharged, disabled veterans in Montgomery County through Bill 6-24.”
Source