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County Council Member · District 1 · Prince George's 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 raceMartin Mitchell is a political and public affairs consultant and former Laurel City Councilmember elected at-large in 2021, running for Prince George’s County Council District 1 to replace term-limited Councilmember Tom Dernoga. A native of the county and resident of Laurel where he raises his twin sons, Mitchell graduated from Bowie State University with a degree in Political Science after earning All-American honors in wrestling during high school and college. His campaign focuses on public safety partnerships, economic growth through workforce training and affordable housing, and education improvements including mental health support within schools. The race is historic as Mitchell would be the first Black or Afro-Caribbean council member elected to represent District 1 if he wins.
Sources: Campaign website
Public Safety
Strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and local neighborhoods to improve community safety.
“Improve community safety by strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and local neighborhoods.”
Public Safety
Ensuring greater funding for police, fire, and emergency rescue personnel.
“Ensure greater funding for police, fire, and emergency rescue personnel.”
Education
Advocating for mental health professionals in schools to support student well-being.
“Fight for at least 1 certified mental health professional in every prince george’s county public school.”
Economic Development
Providing family supporting jobs through workforce training initiatives and streamlining permitting for small businesses.
“Providing family supporting jobs through workforce training initiatives Streamline permitting process for small businesses”
Housing
Meeting the demand for safe, affordable, workforce housing.
“Meeting the demand for safe, affordable, workforce housing.”
The Streetcar Suburbs article reports that Mitchell is one of three candidates vying for District 1, joining Michelle García and Darwin Romero to replace term-limited Councilmember Tom Dernoga. It notes the potential historic significance of the election, as Mitchell would be the first Black or Afro-Caribbean council member elected to represent the district if he wins. All candidates are focusing on quality-of-life issues including education, development, and community engagement in a year that also features a gubernatorial election.
“Improve community safety by strengthening partnerships between law enforcement and local neighborhoods.”
Source“Fight for at least 1 certified mental health professional in every prince george’s county public school.”
Source“Providing family supporting jobs through workforce training initiatives Streamline permitting process for small businesses”
Source“Meeting the demand for safe, affordable, workforce housing.”
Source“Relieving congestion by investing in roads, bridges, and transit.”
Source