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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 raceMichelle García is a dedicated community organizer, tenured public servant, and longtime resident of Prince George's County seeking election as County Council Member for District 1. Born to an immigrant father (Peruvian) and mother from Puerto Rico, she is a first-generation college graduate from the University of Maryland who has spent over 18 years serving District 1 residents in various capacities. She began her public service career working in substance abuse treatment centers serving incarcerated individuals, adolescents, women, and children before entering government roles as Chief of Staff to State Delegate Joseline Peña-Melnyk, State Senator Jim Rosapepe, and Prince George's County Council Member Tom Dernoga since 2018. García is a founding member and Vice Chairperson of the Latino Democrats of Prince George's County, graduate of EMERGE Maryland, and has worked on campaigns for Attorney General Anthony Brown and Congressman Ben Cardin. She stands for equitable education, community-centered public safety, affordable housing as a right, environmental justice, transparent governance, supporting workers and unions, senior services, and fiscal responsibility without raising taxes.
Sources: Campaign website
"Michelle García is a dedicated community organizer, tenured public servant, loving mother, and longtime resident who's ready to support the needs of District 1 and our North Prince George's County communities."
"Not one cent will be fundraised from PACs, lobbyists, or special interests. This campaign will always be 100% people-powered."
"Michelle has been my essential partner in delivering for District 1 the past seven years. She is the only person with the experience and character to step in on Day 1 and provide exceptional and effective representation." — Councilmember Tom Dernoga
"Safe, affordable housing is a right, not a privilege."
"County agencies should work for the people—not against them."
Source: michellejgarcia.com
Education
Increase funding for underperforming schools, address disparities in student achievement, ensure student safety, and tackle aging school buildings
“"Michelle is committed to ensuring that all schools in District 1 have the resources they need to help students succeed. She will work to increase funding for underperforming schools, address disparities in student achievement, ensure student safety, and tackle the long-overdue issue of aging school buildings."”
Public Safety
Prioritize smart investments in community programs, mental health resources, and youth development to prevent crime and address root causes of violence
“"She will prioritize smart investments in community programs, mental health resources, and youth development to prevent crime and address the root causes of violence."”
Housing
Advocate for preserving and expanding affordable housing options while supporting policies that empower small businesses
“"She believes that safe, affordable housing is a right, not a privilege. She will advocate for preserving and expanding affordable housing options while supporting policies that empower small businesses, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen unions as a vital force for economic stability and fairness."”
Environment
Champion policies promoting clean energy, reduce pollution, and create green spaces to benefit all communities
“"She will champion policies that promote clean energy, reduce pollution, and create green spaces to benefit all communities."”
Fiscal Policy
Advocate for innovative revenue streams while maintaining commitment not to raise taxes; push for comprehensive review of government operations to eliminate inefficiencies
“"Additionally, she will advocate for innovative revenue streams that strengthen our county's financial health while maintaining our commitment not to raise taxes. Smart budgeting and efficient governance will ensure that Prince George's County remains a place where families and businesses can thrive."”
Economic Development
Support policies empowering small businesses, create sustainable jobs, strengthen unions as vital force for economic stability and fairness
“"She will advocate for preserving and expanding affordable housing options while supporting policies that empower small businesses, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen unions as a vital force for economic stability and fairness."”
Government Ethics
Advocate for greater transparency in county decision-making and ensure residents have voice in shaping future of communities; campaign will be 100% people-powered with no PAC or special interest funding
“"She understands that effective governance starts with trust. She will advocate for greater transparency in county decision-making and ensure that residents have a voice in shaping the future of their communities." "Not one cent will be fundraised from PACs, lobbyists, or special interests. This campaign will always be 100% people-powered."”
Seniors
Increase access to affordable housing and community programs providing essential resources and social support for older residents to age with dignity
“"She is committed to increasing access to affordable housing and community programs that provide essential resources and social support. By prioritizing these initiatives, our county can ensure that seniors remain active, engaged, and valued members of our county."”
Immigration
Deep understanding of challenges and opportunities immigrant communities face; born to immigrant father with commitment to immigrants and minorities
“"As the daughter of a Peruvian immigrant father and a mother from Puerto Rico, Michelle deeply understands the challenges and opportunities immigrant communities face. She is committed to immigrants and minorities."”
External news coverage describes Michelle García as currently serving as Chief of Staff to Prince George's County Council Member Tom Dernoga for seven years before running to fill his seat after term limits. The Sentinel notes she is a Beltsville resident, first-generation college graduate from the University of Maryland, and has extensive experience serving Maryland residents through various government roles including work on Attorney General Anthony Brown's gubernatorial campaign and Congressman Ben Cardin's re-election campaign. Streetcar Suburbs reports that García would be the first Latina elected to District 1 if she wins, noting that for at least 25 years only white-identifying candidates have been elected to this seat.
“"She will work to increase funding for underperforming schools, address disparities in student achievement, ensure student safety, and tackle the long-overdue issue of aging school buildings."”
Source“"She believes that safe, affordable housing is a right, not a privilege. She will advocate for preserving and expanding affordable housing options"”
Source“"She will prioritize smart investments in community programs, mental health resources, and youth development to prevent crime and address the root causes of violence."”
Source“"She will champion policies that promote clean energy, reduce pollution, and create green spaces to benefit all communities."”
Source“"Additionally, she will advocate for innovative revenue streams that strengthen our county's financial health while maintaining our commitment not to raise taxes."”
Source“"She will advocate for preserving and expanding affordable housing options while supporting policies that empower small businesses, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen unions"”
Source“"She will advocate for greater transparency in county decision-making and ensure that residents have a voice in shaping the future of their communities."”
Source“"She is committed to increasing access to affordable housing and community programs that provide essential resources and social support."”
Source“"As the daughter of a Peruvian immigrant father and a mother from Puerto Rico, Michelle deeply understands the challenges and opportunities immigrant communities face."”
Source