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County Executive · Baltimore County · 2026 Primary
The County Executive serves as the chief administrator of the county, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and enforcing laws passed by the County Council. This official proposes the annual budget that directs how local tax dollars are spent on services such as public schools, roads, and emergency response. The County Executive also has the power to appoint department heads and can sign or veto legislation affecting the entire county.
View all candidates in this raceMansoor Shams is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and public servant running for Baltimore County Executive in the Democratic primary to address affordability and access issues in the county. He currently serves as the first-ever Community Engagement and Outreach Officer for the Department of Recreation and Parks, where he works directly with residents to ensure county programs are accessible and responsive. A 43-year-old Towson resident who returned from military service in 2004, Shams holds a master's degree in government with an emphasis on national security studies and an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. He is nationally recognized for founding MuslimMarine.org, a platform dedicated to countering hate through education and dialogue. His campaign emphasizes that government has a responsibility to recognize inequality of opportunity and help everyone rise, not just those born into privilege.
Sources: Campaign website
"Honest and Sincere Leadership — Mansoor Shams is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, public servant, and community advocate running for Baltimore County Executive because he believes government must always put people first."
"His campaign is grounded in a simple conviction: government has a responsibility to recognize inequality of opportunity, reduce unnecessary burdens, and help everyone rise, not just those born into privilege."
"We'll create a Household Stabilizing Fund to provide up to $250 a month for households earning under $75,000 a year. This is money to help cover essential needs like housing, healthcare, food, and utilities without stigma."
"Essentials should be accessible, and affordability shouldn't depend on privilege."
"My genuine desire here is to really serve the people of this county who are badly suffering," said Shams.
"Working more should never leave you with less in Baltimore County. We will protect dignity, reward effort, and support children so every household can rise."
Source: gomansoor.com
Household Stabilizing Fund
Provide up to $250 a month for households earning under $75,000 a year to help cover essential needs like housing, healthcare, food, and utilities without stigma. Money deposited directly into bank account, separate from state and federal programs, does not interfere with SNAP benefits.
“"We'll create a Household Stabilizing Fund to provide up to $250 a month for households earning under $75,000 a year. This is money to help cover essential needs like housing, healthcare, food, and utilities without stigma."”
County Mini Marts
Create mini marts across the county for selling essential goods inside existing county properties. These hubs will offer twenty basics at low prices including food, formula, and hygiene essentials. No ID checks, no questions asked. County provides space in public facilities; vendors provide inventory and absorb unsold-goods exposure.
“"We'll create mini marts across the county for selling essential goods inside existing county properties. These hubs will offer twenty basics at low prices, meaning food, formula, and essentials will always be available nearby and affordable."”
Senior Property Tax Reform
Work with the council to reduce property taxes for senior and disabled-veteran homeowners living in their primary residence. County property taxes reduced at 50% at age 65, eliminated at age 70. Applies only to homeowners who've paid for 30 years or more.
“"We will work with the council to reduce property taxes for senior and disabled-veteran homeowners living in their primary residence. County property taxes will be reduced at 65, and eliminated by age 70."”
The Baltimore Banner reports that Mansoor Shams entered the race for Baltimore County Executive out of frustration after observing four other Democratic candidates waging a long and expensive fight without offering meaningful solutions to voters' most pressing concern: affordability. As an outreach worker with the county's Department of Recreation and Parks, Shams launched his campaign on Jan. 28, promising to reorient county government around tackling the cost-of-living crisis despite never having held elected office or lagging behind rivals in name recognition and fundraising.
“"We'll create a Household Stabilizing Fund to provide up to $250 a month for households earning under $75,000 a year. This is money to help cover essential needs like housing, healthcare, food, and utilities without stigma."”
Source“"We will work with the council to reduce property taxes for senior and disabled-veteran homeowners living in their primary residence. County property taxes will be reduced at 65, and eliminated by age 70."”
Source“"County property taxes will be reduced at 65, and eliminated by age 70. Applies only to the homeowners who've paid for 30 years or more."”
Source“"Essentials should be accessible, and affordability shouldn't depend on privilege."”
Source