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County Council Member · District 3 · 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 raceNatasha Valencia is a Democratic candidate running for Frederick County Council District 3 in 2026. A longtime Frederick City resident and former business owner, she was appointed in 2024 to serve on the Frederick City Planning Commission, filling a vacancy left by former chairwoman Barbara Nicklas. Her community roots and civic involvement form the backbone of her candidacy, which she is running under the theme of "Leadership You Can Trust" and "Community-focused solutions for Frederick County." She is one of two Democrats competing in the primary for District 3, alongside Christian Benford, a community organizer affiliated with the Frederick Democratic Socialists of America. The sole Republican in the race is Tammie Baugher, who filed on the final day of the deadline. The seat is open as incumbent Democrat M.C. Keegan-Ayer is term-limited after serving three consecutive terms. District 3 covers portions of western Frederick County, including the Golden Mile corridor. The Democratic primary is June 23, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026.