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County Executive · Howard County · 2026 Primary
The County Executive serves as the chief administrator of the county, responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations and enforcing laws passed by the County Council. This official proposes the annual budget that directs how local tax dollars are spent on services such as public schools, roads, and emergency response. The County Executive also has the power to appoint department heads and can sign or veto legislation affecting the entire county.
View all candidates in this raceVanessa Atterbeary is a former Maryland Delegate seeking election as Howard County Executive in 2026, having served in the House of Delegates since 2015 and chaired the Ways and Means Committee until her resignation to focus on the local race. Her campaign describes her as a 'bold proven fighter' who grew up watching her parents dedicate their lives to serving Howard County, with her father's civic engagement and mother's teaching career laying a foundation of community responsibility. Atterbeary highlights her legislative record in Annapolis, where she passed landmark laws to protect survivors of domestic violence, hold abusers accountable, and lead police accountability reforms. She positions herself as ready to bring that same fighting spirit home to address local challenges including affordability, education funding, and protecting residents from federal threats.
Sources: Campaign website
"Vanessa Atterbeary has always believed that you need to fight for what you believe in."
"She believes public trust is earned through action, and service is measured by results."
"Here in Howard County, that means taking on Donald Trump, ensuring every child receives a world-class education, and making our county more affordable."
"Vanessa will be the Howard County Executive that we need in this moment."
Source: vanessaatterbeary.org
Education
Commitment to funding education at levels that reverse the current scarcity trend, ensuring small class sizes are provided, and paying educators competitive salaries with reasonable workloads.
“"Small class sizes are the most equitable benefit we can provide to students... every child, no matter their zip code, has access to the very best education—and every educator is paid a competitive salary in a system where workloads are reasonable and staff well-being is prioritized."”
Housing
Prioritizing capital investments that facilitate smart growth options for first-time buyers, allowing seniors to age in place, and meeting the needs of economically disadvantaged families.
“"A thriving community starts with affordable, stable housing... She will prioritize capital investments that facilitate smart growth options that open doors for first-time buyers, allow seniors to age in place, and meet the needs of economically disadvantaged families."”
Public Safety
Continuing work to reduce gun violence, strengthen public health resources, and build communities where families feel secure while upholding Howard County's Sanctuary Jurisdiction status.
“"Safety and trust go hand in hand... As County Executive, she will continue working to reduce gun violence, strengthen public health resources, and build communities where families feel secure and supported."”
Healthcare
Expanding emergency room capacity at Howard County General Hospital and investing in community mobile crisis units that can respond quickly when seconds matter.
“"This will mean expanding the emergency room capacity at Howard County General Hospital and investing in community mobile crisis units that can respond quickly when seconds matter."”
Immigration
Prohibiting local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE to protect residents.
“"And Vanessa will prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE."”
Criminal Justice
Reducing gun violence and ensuring women's ability to get abortion care while keeping clinics open, alongside police accountability reforms.
“"Just as she did in Annapolis, Vanessa will ensure women's ability to get abortion care, keeping clinics open. And Vanessa will prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE."”
External coverage reports that Atterbeary announced her resignation from the House of Delegates to focus on her campaign for Howard County executive. The article notes she was Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee and had been considered a contender for Speaker before Del. Adrienne Jones stepped down. Her resignation letter highlighted her work 'for stronger laws against firearm sales' and background checks for long guns as part of her legislative record.
“"Strong Schools for Every Child... every child, no matter their zip code, has access to the very best education"”
Source“"A thriving community starts with affordable, stable housing... facilitate smart growth options that open doors for first-time buyers"”
Source“"Safe Neighborhoods, Healthy Communities... reduce gun violence, strengthen public health resources"”
Source“"expand the emergency room capacity at Howard County General Hospital and investing in community mobile crisis units"”
Source“"prohibit local law enforcement from being deputized by ICE"”
Source“"reduce gun violence... stronger laws against firearm sales and background checks for long guns"”
Source