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County Executive · Baltimore County · 2026 Primary
The County Executive serves as the chief administrator of the county, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and enforcing laws passed by the County Council. This official proposes the annual budget that directs how local tax dollars are spent on services such as public schools, roads, and emergency response. The County Executive also has the power to appoint department heads and can sign or veto legislation affecting the entire county.
View all candidates in this racePat Young is a Baltimore County Councilman from District 1 who is running for the office of Baltimore County Executive in 2026. Born and raised in Catonsville, he served as a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with two combat tours in Iraq before earning degrees at Towson University. His political career includes service in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015 to 2022, where he held leadership roles such as Deputy Majority Whip and Chair of the Joint Committee on the Management of Public Funds. Young positions himself as a champion for transparency, accountability, and public financing, aiming to answer only to taxpayers rather than special interests. He has dedicated his career to advocating for veterans, workers' rights, and revitalizing West Baltimore County through economic development initiatives like the West Baltimore County Redevelopment Authority.
Sources: Campaign website
Government Transparency
Young introduced Resolution 6-24 to make the legislative process more transparent and accessible, ensuring amendments are posted in advance and every piece of legislation gets thoughtful discussion.
“"Resolution 6-24... makes the legislative process more transparent and accessible. Now, amendments must be posted in advance, public engagement is a priority, and every piece of legislation gets the thoughtful discussion it deserves."”
Public Financing
Young is utilizing public financing to level the playing field for his campaign, aiming to create new avenues for engagement and ensure government works with the people.
“"Pat is the first candidate in Baltimore County to use public financing. He's running a people-powered campaign to usher in a new era of transparency. As County Executive, he will answer ONLY to the people he serves."”
West Baltimore Development
Young championed the creation of the West Baltimore County Redevelopment Authority (WBCRA) to drive economic development and enhance local infrastructure in an area that has long been overlooked.
“"Pat recognized the need for real investment in West Baltimore County... he championed the creation of the West Baltimore County Redevelopment Authority (WBCRA)... ensuring that revitalization efforts are community-driven, strategic, and built to last."”
Veterans Support
As a Marine veteran, Young has sponsored key legislation including House Bill 593 to expand scholarship opportunities for veterans and their families.
“"From his time as House Chair of the Maryland Veterans Caucus... Pat has fought for policies that support veterans and their families. In the Maryland General Assembly, he sponsored key legislation, including House Bill 593 (2020) to expand scholarship opportunities for veterans and their families."”
Workers' Rights
Young has been a strong advocate for expanding collective bargaining rights across Maryland, successfully overriding a gubernatorial veto to secure bargaining rights for Maryland Transit Administration police sergeants.
“"Pat has been a strong advocate for expanding collective bargaining rights across Maryland... He also played a pivotal role in securing bargaining rights for Maryland Transit Administration police sergeants, successfully overriding a gubernatorial veto."”
WYPR reports that Young claims eligibility for matching campaign funds in Baltimore County Executive Race and will be the first candidate in the race to take public financing. In order to qualify for up to $750,000 in matching funds for the June primary, Young needed to collect $50,000 in small donations from 550 county residents. According to his campaign, Young has nearly 600 contributors and has raised more than $60,000, though it is up to the Maryland State Board of Elections to certify that he has qualified for public financing.
“"Resolution 6-24... makes the legislative process more transparent and accessible."”
Source“"Pat is the first candidate in Baltimore County to use public financing."”
Source“"championed the creation of the West Baltimore County Redevelopment Authority (WBCRA)... drive economic development, attract new businesses, and enhance local infrastructure."”
Source“"sponsored key legislation, including House Bill 593 (2020) to expand scholarship opportunities for veterans and their families."”
Source“"ensuring that revitalization efforts are community-driven, strategic, and built to last, giving residents and businesses the resources they need to grow and succeed."”
Source