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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 raceVan Free is a lifelong resident of Montgomery County District 7 running for the County Council. He served as a firefighter for 15 years before an injury led him to start a small business in the community. His platform emphasizes "people-first leadership" with a focus on public safety, education, and representation for the Upcounty region. Free advocates for increasing road funding and pedestrian safety in areas like Damascus and Olney, as well as protecting the 93,000-acre Agricultural Reserve from suburban sprawl. He also supports expanding mental health resources in schools, prioritizing renovations for older school clusters, and filling vacancies within the police department.
Sources: Campaign website
Van Free is running to bring bold, people-first leadership to District 7 — championing safe neighborhoods, thriving schools, and an economy that works for everyone.
Establish "Service Hubs" so residents don't have to drive 45 minutes to Rockville for basic county government services.
Protect the Ag Reserve from suburban sprawl while focusing attainable housing in established town centers like Montgomery Village.
Support agritourism policies (farm-stays, breweries, wineries) to keep farming profitable in 2026.
Van Free served as a firefighter for 15 years, risking his life to protect the people of this community every single day.
Source: vanfreefordistrict7.com
Public Safety
Aims to fill staffing vacancies in the MCPD and expand technology-based response systems to cover rural areas.
“Fill staffing vacancies in MCPD and expand the "Drone as First Responder" program across D7's vast distances. Support the Public Safety Joint Operations Center for faster coordination between fire, rescue, and police in rural areas.”
Transportation & Infrastructure
Advocates for a larger share of the county transportation budget to be allocated to Upcounty roads and pedestrian safety.
“Demand a fair share of the $2.2B transportation budget for Upcounty roads like MD-108 and MD-124, plus pedestrian safety in Damascus and Olney.”
Agriculture & Land Use
Supports protecting the Agricultural Reserve from sprawl while encouraging agritourism to maintain profitability.
“Protect the Ag Reserve from suburban sprawl while focusing attainable housing in established town centers like Montgomery Village. Support agritourism policies (farm-stays, breweries, wineries) to keep farming profitable.”
Education
Focuses on renovation funding for older school clusters and increasing mental health support for students.
“Prioritize 2027–2032 CIP funding for renovations at older schools in the Damascus and Magruder clusters. Increase mental health professionals and support "community school" models.”
Local media reports that Van Free is running as a Democrat for the District 7 seat on the Montgomery County Council. He is competing in a primary field that includes incumbent Dawn Luedtke and fellow challenger Sharif Hidayat.
“Prioritize 2027–2032 CIP funding for renovations at older schools in the Damascus and Magruder clusters.”
Source“Fill staffing vacancies in MCPD and expand the "Drone as First Responder" program”
Source“Demand a fair share of the $2.2B transportation budget for Upcounty roads like MD-108 and MD-124”
Source“Protect the Ag Reserve from suburban sprawl while focusing attainable housing in established town centers”
Source“He channeled that same grit and determination into building a small business right here in District 7 — creating jobs and serving his neighbors.”
Source