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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 raceMarc Elrich is the current Montgomery County Executive and is running for election to the County Council At-Large seat. Born in DC and raised in Montgomery County, he attended local schools including Einstein High School and the University of Maryland. His political involvement began with civil rights activism, including marching in Dr. King's March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, working to desegregate the campus and College Park businesses, and participating in the anti-war movement. He started community and tenant organizing around 1980 and has held three previous terms on the County Council. Elrich is motivated by observations of racial injustice, including witnessing blockbusting firsthand when a real estate agent told his mother that Black families moving into neighborhoods would depress property values.
Sources: Campaign website
I was born in DC and moved to Montgomery County when I was pretty young - I attended McKenney Hills Elementary School, Montgomery Hills Junior High School, and Einstein High School.
My observation of racial injustice is a large part of what motivated me to get involved in politics. Growing up, I witnessed blockbusting firsthand when a real estate agent came to my door to talk to my mom. The idea that my mother was being told that Black families moving into a neighborhood would depress the property values and destroy the neighborhood sounded wrong to me then.
I marched in Dr. King's March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom and got involved in the civil rights movement, and when I went to the University of Maryland, I worked to desegregate the campus, College Park businesses, and local apartments.
I ran for elected office because I thought I could make more of an impact on these and other issues in more systemic ways than I could ever make given three minutes to testify in front of a microphone.
Source: marcelrich.org
Land Use
Elrich was active in resident efforts for more responsible land-use policies, including fighting to prevent a mega mall in downtown Silver Spring and build street-facing retail instead.
“I started out doing community and tenant organizing in Montgomery County around 1980 and was active in numerous resident efforts for more responsible land-use policies, including the fight to prevent a mega mall in downtown Silver Spring and build street-facing retail instead.”
Economic Development
Elrich notes he knows the influence County Council can have on businesses and economic development in the county.
“Having served on the Council previously, I know the influence it can have on the future of our County, its neighborhoods, schools, ag reserve, environment, businesses, economic development, and its people.”
Civil Rights
Elrich was motivated by observations of racial injustice and worked to desegregate campus, College Park businesses, and local apartments during his university years.
“My observation of racial injustice is a large part of what motivated me to get involved in politics. Growing up, I witnessed blockbusting firsthand when a real estate agent came to my door to talk to my mom.”
For only the second time ever in Montgomery County history, current County Executive Marc Elrich is running for election to become a member of the County Council. Last fall, residents voted to limit the number of terms for County Executive from three to two, but Elrich still looks to serve and has chosen to run again for the Council, seeking one of four At-Large seats. He will seek re-election after having held the Council job three times in the past.
“Having served on the Council previously, I know the influence it can have on the future of our County, its neighborhoods, schools, ag reserve, environment, businesses, economic development, and its people.”
Source“Having served on the Council previously, I know the influence it can have on the future of our County, its neighborhoods, schools, ag reserve, environment, businesses, economic development, and its people.”
Source“Having served on the Council previously, I know the influence it can have on the future of our County, its neighborhoods, schools, ag reserve, environment, businesses, economic development, and its people.”
Source“I started out doing community and tenant organizing in Montgomery County around 1980 and was active in numerous resident efforts for more responsible land-use policies, including the fight to prevent a mega mall in downtown Silver Spring and build street-facing retail instead.”
Source“I started out doing community and tenant organizing in Montgomery County around 1980 and was active in numerous resident efforts for more responsible land-use policies, including the fight to prevent a mega mall in downtown Silver Spring and build street-facing retail instead.”
Source