Montgomery County is at a crossroads. For the first time in over a decade, the county executive seat is truly up for grabs. Longtime Executive Marc Elrich — who won in 2018 and narrowly survived a primary in 2022 — is term-limited. With no incumbent on the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary ballot, a wide-open race is underway to lead one of the nation’s most prosperous and diverse counties.
Why It Matters
Montgomery County is home to more than one million residents. It is among the wealthiest and most educated counties in America — and one of the most diverse. The county executive controls a $6.7 billion budget and oversees Montgomery County Public Schools, the county police, housing policy, and economic development. This is one of the most consequential local races in the entire DMV region.
The Candidates
Andrew Friedson is the District 1 County Council member, representing Bethesda, Chevy Chase, and Potomac. He has earned an endorsement from former candidate David Blair and is seen as a pragmatic, business-aligned progressive.
Evan Glass is an at-large County Council member who released an internal poll in March 2026 showing him leading the field at 21%. He is positioning himself as an experienced administrator with broad geographic appeal.
Will Jawando is another at-large Council member and former candidate for U.S. Senate. He is running on a platform of racial equity, education, and public safety reform. He trails Glass by one point in recent polling.
Mithun Banerjee is a real estate investor and political newcomer. He has struggled to gain traction in early polling but represents a business-focused, outsider alternative.
Peter James is a tech executive who ran for county executive in 2022. He is making a second bid, emphasizing innovation, economic growth, and a less ideological approach to county government.
The State of the Race
The contest is essentially a two-way race between Glass and Jawando, with Friedson within striking distance. All three are current Council members, meaning voters are choosing between insiders with known records. Key issues include public safety, affordable housing, school funding, and the county’s relationship with the business community. With 43% of voters undecided in early polling, the race remains highly competitive.
What’s Next
Early voting begins June 11, 2026. Primary Election Day is June 23, 2026. Because Montgomery County votes overwhelmingly Democratic, the winner of the primary is virtually certain to become the next county executive. DMV residents in Montgomery County should expect a busy spring of candidate forums, endorsements, and door-to-door campaigning across the county’s vastly different communities — from Silver Spring to Gaithersburg to Bethesda.