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County Council Member (At-Large) · Montgomery County · 2026 Primary
At-large county council members represent the entire county rather than a specific geographic district, making decisions that affect all residents. They are responsible for passing local laws, overseeing land use and zoning, and approving the county budget which determines funding for schools, roads, and public safety. This office is vital because these members balance the needs of the whole community to set the county’s long-term priorities and tax rates.
View all candidates in this raceDr. Sherwin Wells is a U.S. Army veteran and immigrant from Trinidad & Tobago who has called Gaithersburg home since 1997 while running for Montgomery County Council At-Large in 2026. He brings over 25 years of experience in financial services, real estate, and mortgage lending, currently serving as a Maryland Mortgage Broker and Managing Broker of a commercial and residential real estate firm licensed across Washington D.C., Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. His family has deep roots in Montgomery County service—his parents worked as Ride-On bus drivers for more than 26 years and his brother is a Ride-On supervisor. Wells holds multiple degrees including two associate degrees from Montgomery College, a Bachelor's Degree in Management Studies from the University of Maryland Global Campus, Master's Degrees in Christian Ministries and Human Services Counseling with a focus on Crisis and Trauma Response, and a Doctor of Ministry in Theology & Apologetics from Liberty University. He is currently pursuing a Juris Doctor at the American Institute of Law.
Sources: Campaign website
"Stronger Future. Smarter Leadership. Vote Wells."
"A True Local Leader! Dr. Sherwin Wells is a proud American citizen, U.S. Army veteran, community advocate, and immigrant from Trinidad & Tobago in the Caribbean. He has called Gaithersburg, Maryland home since 1997 and is deeply connected to Montgomery County through both family and service."
"Dr. Wells is running for Montgomery County Council At-Large because he believes the county deserves leadership that listens, acts, and delivers real solutions for residents and businesses alike. If elected, he will bring his diverse experience, practical knowledge, and commitment to service to help make Montgomery County work for everyone."
"Montgomery County must increase funding for shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services to ensure those in crisis have a safe place to stay while working toward long-term stability. This includes expanding access to mental health care, job training, and financial support programs."
Source: voteforwells.org
Transportation
Reopening White's Ferry crossing across the Potomac River which has been closed for five years, creating major disruptions for residents and businesses.
“"White's Ferry has been closed for years, creating major disruptions for residents, workers, and businesses that rely on this critical connection across the Potomac River. Five years is simply too long for such an important transportation link to remain closed. Montgomery County must work with neighboring jurisdictions and stakeholders to find a practical solution to reopen White's Ferry as soon as possible."”
Housing
Increasing funding for shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services while expanding access to mental health care, job training, and financial support programs.
“"Montgomery County must increase funding for shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services to ensure those in crisis have a safe place to stay while working toward long-term stability. This includes expanding access to mental health care, job training, and financial support programs."”
Government Ethics
Maintaining an open-door policy for residents and business owners to easily reach their elected council member for assistance, concerns, or ideas.
“"Residents deserve leaders who are accessible, responsive, and willing to listen. Too often, people feel disconnected from their elected officials and unsure how to get help when they need it most. Dr. Sherwin Wells is committed to maintaining an open-door policy so residents and business owners can easily reach their elected council member for assistance, concerns, or ideas."”
Government Ethics
Implementing regular performance reviews and measurable benchmarks to evaluate the work of elected officials and county departments.
“"Elected officials and county employees should be held to clear standards that ensure they are serving the community effectively. Dr. Sherwin Wells supports implementing regular performance reviews and measurable benchmarks to evaluate the work of elected officials and county departments."”
Public Safety
Strengthening public safety while improving emergency preparedness and disaster response planning, including investing in first responders and improving coordination between agencies.
“"Montgomery County must ensure that law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency response teams have the resources and support they need to protect our communities. Dr. Sherwin Wells supports strengthening public safety while improving emergency preparedness and disaster response planning."”
Education
Increasing MCPS teacher pay and providing salaries for 12 months per year so educators have greater financial stability.
“"Teachers are the foundation of our education system and play a critical role in shaping the future of our community. Montgomery County must ensure that MCPS teachers are fairly compensated for the important work they do every day. Dr. Sherwin Wells supports increasing teacher pay and providing salaries for 12 months per year so educators have greater financial stability and are better supported in their profession."”
Economic Development
Fostering a more efficient and welcoming environment for businesses to grow, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy by addressing complex permitting processes, zoning restrictions, and regulatory delays.
“"Dr. Wells also works closely with business owners and property investors who face challenges navigating complex permitting processes, zoning restrictions, and regulatory delays. He believes Montgomery County must foster a more efficient and welcoming environment for businesses to grow, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy."”
Affordability
Promoting policies that make Montgomery County more affordable and financially sustainable for working families who struggle with rising costs of living.
“"Through his work with individuals, families, and businesses, Dr. Wells has seen firsthand the financial challenges many residents face. Many people in Montgomery County struggle to balance everyday expenses such as groceries, utilities, housing, transportation, and debt. Rising costs of living have forced many families to relocate to more affordable communities outside the county. Dr. Wells is committed to addressing these challenges by promoting policies that make Montgomery County more affordable and financially sustainable for working families."”
“"Montgomery County must ensure that MCPS teachers are fairly compensated for the important work they do every day. Dr. Sherwin Wells supports increasing teacher pay and providing salaries for 12 months per year so educators have greater financial stability and are better supported in their profession."”
Source“"Montgomery County must increase funding for shelters, transitional housing, and supportive services to ensure those in crisis have a safe place to stay while working toward long-term stability."”
Source“"Montgomery County must ensure that law enforcement, fire and rescue, and emergency response teams have the resources and support they need to protect our communities."”
Source“"White's Ferry has been closed for years, creating major disruptions for residents, workers, and businesses that rely on this critical connection across the Potomac River."”
Source“"He believes Montgomery County must foster a more efficient and welcoming environment for businesses to grow, create jobs, and strengthen the local economy."”
Source“"Residents deserve leaders who are accessible, responsive, and willing to listen. Too often, people feel disconnected from their elected officials and unsure how to get help when they need it most."”
Source“"Together, we can ensure Montgomery County is a place where everyone has the opportunity for safe, stable housing."”
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