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County Council Member · District 5 · Howard 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 raceRyan O'Connor is a Republican candidate for Howard County Council District 5 in the June 23, 2026 primary election. He is a Glenelg High School Class of '96 graduate from Ellicott City who returned to live and raise his three children in West Friendship after college. A two-decade finance professional with an MBA in Finance from Loyola University Maryland, he currently serves as Relationship Manager on Farmer Mac's Rural Infrastructure team supporting responsible investment and sustainable growth. He previously served as President of the Howard's Ridge Homeowners Association in Ellicott City and currently serves as Director of the Howard County Boys Club Lacrosse program where he mentors young athletes. O'Connor emphasizes his background as a neighbor, parent, and youth sports coach rather than career politician. His campaign focuses on protecting District 5's special qualities: excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and affordable living for families.
Sources: Campaign website
"I'm Ryan O'Connor, and I'm running to be your next Howard County Council member for District 5. This is home. I was born and raised in Ellicott City and graduated from Glenelg High School in 1996."
"After college, I came back—because there's nowhere else I'd rather be. Today, my wife and I are raising our three kids right here in West Friendship, and all three attend Howard County public schools."
"I'm not a career politician. I'm a neighbor, a parent, and a youth sports coach who cares deeply about the kind of community our kids will inherit."
"District 5 deserves a council member who understands what we're protecting—and will fight for it. That's why I'm running."
"I'll be a voice for District 5 families—not special interests, not developers, not the politicians who think they know better than we do."
Source: ryanforhoco.com
Strong Schools
O'Connor commits to managing growth so classrooms aren't overwhelmed and every child receives world-class education
“"I'll fight to manage growth so our classrooms aren't overwhelmed and every child gets the world-class education Howard County is known for."”
Lower Taxes
He demands fiscal discipline from county government so families and small businesses aren't taxed out of their community
“"I'll demand fiscal discipline from county government so families and small businesses aren't taxed out of the community they love."”
Safe Communities
He will ensure neighborhoods have responsive police, fire, and rescue services residents depend on
“"I'll ensure our neighborhoods have the responsive police, fire, and rescue services we depend on."”
Fiscal Discipline
His career has taught him how to scrutinize budgets, demand accountability, and deliver results against rising taxes that squeeze family budgets
“"My career has taught me how to scrutinize budgets, demand accountability, and deliver results." "But I've watched as rising taxes squeeze family budgets, development pressures threaten our rural character, and county spending grows faster than our paychecks."”
The Baltimore Banner identifies Ryan O'Connor as one of several candidates in Howard County's 2026 local elections, noting that few incumbents are running and the county is expected to see sweeping turnover. The article mentions he is a Republican candidate for District 5 Council alongside other contested races including County Executive positions.
“"I'll fight to manage growth so our classrooms aren't overwhelmed and every child gets the world-class education Howard County is known for."”
Source“"I'll demand fiscal discipline from county government so families and small businesses aren't taxed out of the community they love."”
Source“"I'll ensure our neighborhoods have the responsive police, fire, and rescue services we depend on."”
Source“"My career has taught me how to scrutinize budgets, demand accountability, and deliver results."”
Source