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County Council Member · District 2 · Anne Arundel 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 raceWill Shorter is a 28-year-old lifelong resident of Anne Arundel County District 2 running for County Council in the 2026 election. Born and raised in Glen Burnie, he is the son of a plumber and an Anne Arundel County Public Schools employee. His background includes serving as Class President at Glen Burnie High School (Class of 2015), representing students on the University System of Maryland Board of Regents during his time at the University of Baltimore, becoming the youngest elected chair of a public library board in the nation at age 23 while leading the Anne Arundel County Public Library Board of Trustees, and earning both a Master's in Public Policy from the University of Maryland, College Park and a Juris Doctor from George Washington University Law School. He has served on the Glen Burnie Economic Revitalization Task Force and the 2040 General Development Plan Citizen Advisory Committee. Shorter positions himself as a young public servant with deep institutional experience focused on housing affordability, education resources, economic development in District 2, environmental resilience through flood mitigation, and comprehensive public safety approaches that support first responders while reducing recidivism.
Sources: Campaign website
District 2 deserves leadership rooted in service. Will Shorter is a lifelong resident fighting for real solutions — from housing to better schools.
Born and raised in District 2, Will Shorter has spent his life serving the community he calls home. From leading his high school class to advocating for better community centers, Will knows real change starts at the neighborhood level.
Education is the pathway to bright futures and strong communities. By educating the next generation, we are ensuring that we grow as a society.
Housing is part of the American Dream and a challenge for many Americans. I will work to ensure Anne Arundel County has a comprehensive strategy and policy that addresses issues in our zoning code that allow for affordability and attainability in our housing market.
Source: shorterwill.com
Education
Securing resources for schools through competitive salaries for teachers and staff, facilities for 21st-century learning, and wrap-around services to provide for all students regardless of zip code
“In partnership with the Anne Arundel County Board of Education, I will make sure that our schools have the resources to provide competitive salaries for teachers and staff, facilities for 21st-century learning, and wrap-around services to provide for all students regardless of their zip code.”
Housing
Comprehensive strategy addressing zoning code issues that allow for affordability and attainability in the housing market through smart growth strategies and strong partnerships
“I will work to ensure Anne Arundel County has a comprehensive strategy and policy that addresses issues in our zoning code that allow for affordability and attainability in our housing market.”
Economic Development
Creating real opportunities for families, revitalizing communities with focus on Glen Burnie Town Center through strategic redevelopment decisions that enhance competitiveness and ensure long-term prosperity
“This includes prioritizing the revitalization of the Glen Burnie Town Center.”
Environment
Improving drainage and addressing flooding for a safer, more sustainable future by improving public waterways, enhancing drainage systems, and addressing flooding to protect both infrastructure and resident safety
“This includes improving public waterways, enhancing drainage systems, and addressing flooding to protect both our infrastructure and the safety of our residents.”
Public Safety
Comprehensive public safety approach that supports first responders by recruiting and retaining police, EMS, and fire personnel through competitive pay and resources while reducing recidivism through effective community programs including mental health, homeless resources, and reentry programs
“I will work to recruit and retain police, EMS, and fire personnel by advocating for competitive pay and resources. I will also make sure that mental health, homeless resources, and reentry programs are effective at reducing recidivism.”
Patch reports Will Shorter as a Democrat running for Anne Arundel County Council District 2 in the 2026 election, noting he is the first candidate to announce a bid for the district. The Capital Gazette describes him as a young public servant known for his work on local advisory boards who plans to tackle housing affordability and attainability by updating the zoning code. External coverage highlights his aspirations including continuing the revitalization of Glen Burnie Town Center, addressing first responder retention rates, reducing recidivism with support programs, and protecting waterways.
“Educating the next generation by securing the resources needed for a brighter tomorrow through strong schools, competitive salaries, and comprehensive support for every student.”
Source“Providing diverse housing through smart growth strategies and strong partnerships in Anne Arundel County. Housing is part of the American Dream and a challenge for many Americans.”
Source“Enhancing economic opportunities that creates real opportunities for families, revitalizes communities, and ensures long-term prosperity, with a focus on the Glen Burnie Town Center.”
Source“Building a sustainable future and resilient communities by improving drainage and addressing flooding for a safer, more sustainable future.”
Source“Fostering safe communities through advocacy for a comprehensive public safety approach that supports our first responders and reduces recidivism through effective community programs.”
Source