Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
County Council Member · District 5 · Frederick 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 raceMason Carter is a 21-year-old Republican serving on the Frederick County Council representing District 5, which encompasses northern Frederick County including municipalities like Woodsboro and Walkersville. He was elected to this position in 2022 at age 18, becoming one of the youngest people ever elected to a county council-level position in Maryland after defeating a Republican incumbent. Carter has embraced parts of President Donald Trump's conservative brand and is currently facing a challenge from fellow Gen Z Republican Chase Borns in the 2026 election. His stated platform emphasizes "smart growth" over severely restricting development, specifically aiming to avoid raising taxes for residents while managing county growth.
Land Use
Emphasizes smart growth strategies rather than severely restricting development projects.
“"smart growth" over severely restricting development”
Fiscal Policy
Aims to manage county growth without increasing the tax burden on residents.
“to avoid raising taxes for residents”
External coverage from The Frederick News-Post identifies Carter as the incumbent Council Member in District 5 who won his seat in 2022 at age 18, making national headlines for being one of the youngest elected officials in Maryland. He is described as a Gen Z Republican who came of age during the Trump era and plans to seek reelection in the upcoming 2026 primary against challenger Chase Borns. The article notes that Carter had not yet officially filed his candidacy at the time of reporting but planned to launch his bid shortly, while emphasizing his focus on balancing growth with fiscal responsibility for residents.