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County Executive · Anne Arundel 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 racePete Smith is a 28-year Marine and former Anne Arundel County Councilman running for County Executive to create the best quality of life through great schools, a thriving business climate, safe public spaces and attainable housing. He emphasizes building a culture of excellence in government similar to his experience in the Marines and cybersecurity industry, where every resident is treated as a customer deserving their best effort. Smith highlights personal struggles with poverty and mentorship as motivation for investing in youth and keeping funding levels high for schools. He aims to leverage Anne Arundel's assets to grow a job-creating economy that keeps the county affordable for families while stepping up government responsiveness to resolve complaints quickly.
Sources: Campaign website
Pete Smith is running for Anne Arundel County Executive to create the best quality of life through great schools, a thriving business climate, safe public spaces and attainable housing.
Anne Arundel County government needs to step up, helping our residents who look to us for great schools, a thriving business climate, public safety and more.
As county executive, Pete will build a culture of excellence and customer service. Every county employee needs to think about each resident as a customer who deserves their best effort.
Source: votepetesmith.com
Education
Investments in teachers, programs, facilities, and keeping funding levels high for schools.
“Education will always be central to our future, with investments in teachers, programs, and facilities.”
Housing
Job creation and new housing options including tiny homes to keep the county affordable.
“Job creation and new housing options will keep Anne Arundel affordable.”
Public Safety
Ensuring residents feel safe in their communities through technology for police departments.
“Safe Streets... residents need to feel safe in their communities.”
Environment
Protecting the environment today while building a stronger, more resilient county for the future.
“Protecting our environment today while building a stronger, more resilient Anne Arundel County for the future.”
Economic Development
Taking chains off economic development efforts so deals get done quicker and leveraging assets.
“Pete knows how to produce and seize opportunities that will leverage Anne Arundel's assets and grow a job-creating economy.”
Veterans
Taking the lead on tax breaks that help veterans stay in their homes.
“Helped our veterans, by taking the lead on tax breaks that help them stay in their homes.”
Seniors
Connecting older adults to services and providing options to age in place.
“Older adults need to be connected to services and with options to help them age in place.”
A BmoreNews article from April 12, 2026, describes Smith as a 28-year Marine and decade-long councilman who believes Anne Arundel County can do better by its people. The report notes his background starting with survival, including his mother dropping out of high school and siblings ending up in prison, which shaped his path through mentorship from public servants like a police officer and teachers. It mentions he walked alongside Sheriff Everett Sesker to make a statement about discipline and visibility regarding leadership.
“Education will always be central to our future, with investments in teachers, programs, and facilities.”
Source“Job creation and new housing options will keep Anne Arundel affordable.”
Source“Safe Streets... residents need to feel safe in their communities.”
Source“Protecting our environment today while building a stronger, more resilient Anne Arundel County for the future.”
Source“Pete knows how to produce and seize opportunities that will leverage Anne Arundel's assets and grow a job-creating economy.”
Source“Helped our veterans, by taking the lead on tax breaks that help them stay in their homes.”
Source“Older adults need to be connected to services and with options to help them age in place.”
Source