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County Council Member · District 4 · Howard 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 raceLinfeng Chen is a candidate for County Council Member representing District 4 in Howard County. He is a structural engineer with a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics who has lived in Howard County for over 15 years with his family. Chen has a background in community service, having served as an at-large member of the Howard County Public School System Board of Education since 2022 and holding roles such as Vice Chair. He emphasizes integrity, inclusion, and innovation as core values, prioritizing education, public safety, and support for residents in need. His platform includes championing world-class education, enhancing public safety through collaboration, expanding compassionate services, and strengthening diverse community engagement. Chen is also focused on environmental sustainability and youth empowerment through various volunteer and leadership roles.
Sources: Campaign website
Dr. Linfeng Chen for District 4 Campaign Platform Campaign Platform For A Stronger and Safer Community Integrity, Inclusion, Innovation.
Source: chen4d4.org
Education
Champion a world-class education system that equips every student to succeed by investing in educators, modernizing school facilities, and ensuring equitable access to resources.
“We will champion a world-class education system that equips every student to succeed. By investing in educators, modernizing school facilities, and ensuring equitable access to resources, we will strengthen our public schools and support lifelong learning for all residents.”
Public Safety
Support first responders with resources and build trust through prevention programs, neighborhood engagement, and community partnerships to prevent crime.
“We will support first responders with the resources they need while building trust through prevention programs, neighborhood engagement, and community partnerships. Our goal is not just to respond to crime, but to prevent it through collaboration and care.”
Residents in Need
Expand services in healthcare, food security, senior care, and special education, and promote aging in place, reduce poverty through fair zoning and housing policies, and strengthen business growth.
“We are committed to building a compassionate and responsive government that supports residents facing hardship. From healthcare and food security to senior care and special education, we will expand services to ensure no one is left behind.”
Diversity and Community
Celebrate and protect diversity by promoting inclusive policies, supporting cultural initiatives, and ensuring every voice is heard and valued.
“Diversity is one Howard County’s greatest strengths and greatest assets. We will celebrate and protect it by promoting inclusive policies, supporting cultural initiatives, and ensuring every voice – regardless of background – is heard, valued, and represented.”
“We will champion a world-class education system that equips every student to succeed.”
Source“We will support first responders with the resources they need while building trust through prevention programs.”
Source“We will promote aging in place, reduce poverty through fair zoning and housing policies.”
Source“If elected, I will champion environmental issues that protect Howard County’s natural resources while supporting responsible growth and community well-being.”
Source