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County Council Member · District 7 · Montgomery 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 raceSharif Hidayat is a former Montgomery County police officer and candidate for Council District 7 in the upcoming primary election against incumbent Dawn Luedtke. He has previously run unsuccessfully for Council District 7 in 2022, Mayor of Laytonsville in 2023, and school board in 2024 before establishing a traditional campaign committee to challenge Luedtke for a second term. Hidayat is running on a platform that addresses ongoing issues such as traffic problems, wasteful spending at MCPS, and concerns regarding developer handouts and teacher morale. He emphasizes the need for equitable representation for up-county residents in budget decisions and opposes legislation he views as trivial, such as banning gas-powered leaf blowers. Additionally, his campaign plans to donate their entire county council salary to youth development in District 7 rather than accepting special interest monies.
Sources: Campaign website
Traffic
Hidayat argues that traffic issues in District 7 have gone unaddressed since his previous run four years ago.
“Four years later, we still have the same traffic issues in District 7 that have gone unaddressed.”
Education
He criticizes wasteful spending at MCPS and points to specific concerns like mold in schools.
“We still have wasteful spending at MCPS. We still have mold in our schools.”
Economic Development
Hidayat opposes politicians giving handouts to wealthy developers, stating it harms the middle class.
“We still have politicians that give handouts to wealthy developers at the expense of the middle class.”
Education
He highlights concerns regarding teacher morale within the district.
“We still have disgruntled teachers.”
Environment
Hidayat opposes legislation he considers trivial, specifically citing a ban on gas-powered leaf blowers as an example of 'Mickey Mouse legislation'.
“District 7 residents deserve a leader who isn’t going to promote Mickey Mouse legislation like banning gas powered leaf blowers.”
Fiscal Policy
He advocates for equitable budget decisions that give up-county residents a voice and opposes special interest money.
“District 7 residents deserve a leader who recognizes that up-county residents aren’t getting an equitable voice at the table when it comes to budget decisions. We are not going to accept any special interest monies.”
Government Ethics
Hidayat criticizes politicians using tax dollars for personal connections and promises to donate his salary.
“We still have politicians using tax dollars to take care of their cronies. We plan on donating our entire county council salary to youth development in District 7.”
According to a profile by Adam Pagnucco for the Montgomery Perspective, Hidayat has established a traditional campaign committee to challenge incumbent Dawn Luedtke for a second term in Council District 7. The article notes that he previously finished fifth of seven candidates in the last race for this seat and is returning after unsuccessful runs for other local offices in recent years.
“We still have wasteful spending at MCPS. We still have mold in our schools.”
Source“We still have disgruntled teachers.”
Source“We still have politicians using tax dollars to take care of their cronies.”
Source“Four years later, we still have the same traffic issues in District 7 that have gone unaddressed.”
Source“District 7 residents deserve a leader who isn’t going to promote Mickey Mouse legislation like banning gas powered leaf blowers.”
Source“We are not going to accept any special interest monies and plan on donating our entire county council salary to youth development in District 7.”
Source