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County Council Member · District 4 · 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 raceShamieka Preston is a candidate for Howard County Council District 4, describing herself as a mom, advocate, and proud member of the Howard County community. She emphasizes her background balancing work, family, and community activities while protecting her neighborhood from a proposed toxic plastics incinerator by WR Grace. As the daughter of a retired NYPD Police Chief, she brings deep respect for law enforcement to her platform on safety. Her campaign focuses on building a Howard County that works for every family, community, and generation through publicly financed means. She advocates for fully funded schools as an active PTA member and mother of two children in the public school system. Preston also prioritizes good government transparency to restore trust, support for families and seniors with affordable policies, and environmental protection including sustainable growth and green infrastructure. Additionally, she has spoken out against voter suppression measures like the SAVE Act that could impact married women changing their names.
Sources: Campaign website
I am running a publicly financed campaign that is fueled by the people, no big money, or special interests.
My commitment is simple: Working for the People of Howard County.
It is absurd that in 2025, we could find ourselves in a position where we can appear on a ballot... but be turned away when we try to cast one ourselves.
I am running a public finance campaign to protect people, preserve our planet, & ensure families prosper.
Source: prestonforpeople.com
Education
Fully funded schools with resources to unlock the potential of every child.
“Every child deserves access to quality education, not by chance, but by design. I will work to ensure our schools have the resources to support the need to unlock the potential of every child.”
Government Ethics
Transparent, responsive, and accountable government that restores trust.
“Good government is transparent, responsive, and accountable. I will work to restore trust in local government by ensuring decisions are made with respect for the people we serve.”
Seniors
Supporting families and seniors with policies that make life more affordable.
“Our families, seniors and small businesses form the backbone of Howard County, and deserve stability and opportunity. I'll work to: Support families and seniors with policies that can make life more affordable.”
Environment
Protecting air, water, green spaces through sustainable growth.
“I will support sustainable growth, green infrastructure, and policies that protect our environment because our children deserve nothing less than a healthy, thriving community.”
Public Safety
Ensuring safe neighborhoods and accessible healthcare.
“Safety must come first. Every family has the right to feel safe in their home and neighborhood. It's not just policy, it's peace of mind.”
“Every child deserves access to quality education, not by chance, but by design.”
Source“I will work to restore trust in local government by ensuring decisions are made with respect for the people we serve.”
Source“Support families and seniors with policies that can make life more affordable.”
Source“I will support sustainable growth, green infrastructure, and policies that protect our environment because our children deserve nothing less than a healthy, thriving community.”
Source“Safety must come first. Every family has the right to feel safe in their home and neighborhood.”
Source