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County Council Member · District 2 · Montgomery 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 raceMarilyn Balcombe is a Democratic County Councilmember for District 2 in Montgomery County who filed for re-election in 2026 to serve her second term. She has served as an advocate for Upcounty residents for nearly 30 years through civic organizations, county government, and non-profit work. Prior to being elected to the County Council in 2022, she was President and CEO of the Gaithersburg-Germantown Chamber of Commerce. Her educational background includes a Bachelor's degree in Accounting from the University of Florida, a Master's degree in Counseling from the University of Florida, and a Ph.D. in Organizational Psychology from the University of Tennessee. Balcombe has been involved in building major community projects including the BlackRock Center for the Arts, Germantown Library, Germantown Town Center Park, and the Watkins Mill Interchange on I-270.
Sources: Campaign website
Experienced. Leadership. Your voice in the Upcounty.
Our leaders should have a deep understanding of who we are and a strong vision of where we are going.
I look at it through the lens of 'how does this impact my community?' And when it comes to budget, I look at it through the lens of 'is my community getting the same fair share?'
The whole reason I ran in the first place is because I felt that the upcounty just doesn't get the same level of resources as downcounty.
Source: marilynbalcombe.com
Education
Balcombe emphasizes education as the county's greatest asset and wants to ensure all children have equal access to quality education, including early childhood education and skills-based options for students not pursuing traditional four-year college.
“Our greatest asset is our educational system. We need to ensure that all children have equal access to the education they deserve.”
Economic Development
She aims to create jobs, expand the tax base by attracting new companies and helping existing businesses grow, and foster a climate where entrepreneurs can thrive.
“Create jobs and expand Montgomery County's tax base by attracting new companies and helping existing businesses grow.”
Housing
Balcombe supports increasing affordable housing while maintaining neighborhood qualities and reducing barriers for first-time home buyers.
“Increase affordable housing while maintaining the unique qualities of our neighborhoods and reduce barriers for first-time home buyers.”
Transportation
She advocates for reducing traffic, building infrastructure with efficient travel options, smart strategic planning, increased capacity on I-270, and completion of Snowden Farm Parkway.
“Reduce traffic and build our infrastructure with more efficient travel options and smart strategic planning, while protecting the environment.”
Environment
Balcombe commits to protecting the Agricultural Reserve and all rural areas in Montgomery County.
“Protect our Agricultural Reserve and all our rural areas.”
Immigration
She celebrates diversity and specifically mentions protecting immigrant populations as a core value of the community.
“We celebrate our diversity and protect our immigrant populations.”
Bethesda Magazine reported on September 26, 2025 that Marilyn Balcombe filed as a Democratic candidate for re-election to her District 2 seat. She represents the northwestern part of Montgomery County including Germantown and Poolesville and is currently serving her first four-year term. In an interview with Bethesda Today, she stated she 'always assumed' she would seek a second term on the council.
“Our greatest asset is our educational system. We need to ensure that all children have equal access to the education they deserve.”
Source“Increase affordable housing while maintaining the unique qualities of our neighborhoods and reduce barriers for first-time home buyers.”
Source“Reduce traffic and build our infrastructure with more efficient travel options and smart strategic planning, while protecting the environment.”
Source“Protect our Agricultural Reserve and all our rural areas.”
Source“Create jobs and expand Montgomery County's tax base by attracting new companies and helping existing businesses grow.”
Source“We celebrate our diversity and protect our immigrant populations.”
Source