Laurel voter guide 2025

Update Nov. 2: Sheila Carroll has reentered the city council race, seeking to represent District 1. There are now three candidates running for two District 1 seats: challenger Sheila Carroll and incumbents James Kole and Adrian Simmons. More information below.

Five council seats will be filled this November. Early voting begins Nov. 1, with polls open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Polls will be open on Election Day, Nov. 4 from  7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Find your ward and polling place on the city’s website.

There are seven candidates running for the five seats on the city council. Brencis D. Smith is challenging Christine Johnson for Laurel’s one At-Large council seat, representing the whole city. Current council members for Ward 2 are running to keep their seats, with no challengers.

See each candidate’s answer to The Laurel Independent’s questions, below.

At-Large Candidates

Civic involvement: Secretary, Woman’s Club of Laurel; President and multimedia specialist, New Vision Church.

Why running: To continue to learn more about city government so that I can provide needed resources to the citizens of Laurel.

Favorite Laurel event: I love Laurel’s events. The ones that stand out to me right now are Main Street Festival, 4th of July Celebration.

Civic involvement: Co-vice chair Homelessness Taskforce, council member 2019 – 2023, city council president 2021 – 2023, candidate for mayor 2023, candidate for city council at-large 2025

Why running: I am running because Laurel deserves leadership that delivers real results with substance and a proven track record. Since joining the city council in 2019 and serving as council president from 2021 to 2023, I have dedicated myself to listening to residents, solving problems and moving our city forward. In 2023, I stepped up to run for mayor because leadership starts at the top. While many encouraged me to remain on the council, others urged me to keep pushing for progress. Today, I believe now is the moment to step back in and provide the leadership Laurel needs.

As the most senior candidate in this race, I bring the experience, relationships and commitment necessary to address the challenges facing our families and neighborhoods. I know how to bring people together across all levels of government to find solutions that work. My vision is clear: keep our neighborhoods safe, revitalize Main Street and our shopping plazas, support small businesses, expand opportunities for youth and seniors, and tackle the rodent problem that has become a growing concern. This campaign is about building a stronger, safer and cleaner Laurel for everyone.

My record shows that I deliver on what I promise. I helped establish the city’s Multi-Service Center, balanced budgets responsibly and supported key investments in public safety. I’ve built trusted relationships at every level of government: here in the city of Laurel, with Prince George’s County leaders, with state officials in Annapolis, and with our federal partners in Washington, D.C. These partnerships give Laurel a stronger voice to secure funding, shape legislation and directly address issues like crime prevention, economic growth, infrastructure and community development. I am a solutions-driven leader, focused not on politics but on results that improve everyday lives.

Since I left office in 2023, crime has risen to unacceptable levels. That is not the Laurel we deserve. Public safety will be my top priority, and I am committed to working with law enforcement, community leaders and residents to restore safe streets, eliminate the rodent issue and strengthen our neighborhoods.

This campaign is not just about me; it’s about us. On Nov. 4, I ask for your support so we can keep moving Laurel forward together!

Favorite Laurel event: Laurel Fourth of July Celebration

Ward 1 Candidates

Civic Involvement: My latest civic involvement has included volunteering at a local church for several years helping in the areas of teaching, administration, event planning and food distribution and from their pantry. I have a big concern for food stability and have at times cooked and served meals from my home to people I know. I am a fan of LARS’s work and I donated a harvest of pears this summer.

Why running: My campaign and, with your vote on November 4th, this cause – Sheila Carroll Cares – is about ensuring safe, supportive neighborhoods, opportunities for families to thrive, and a city we can all continue to be proud to call home. I bring not only decades of professional and practical leadership experience, but also the heart of a mom, a neighbor, and an everyday Laurelite who believes that when we listen to each other and work together we contribute to the strides already made to improve our quality of life. I’ll work with residents, organizations and government partners so Laurel thrives! Allow me to help move Laurel forward for and with you!

I’m Sheila M. Carroll, 58-year old, 14-year Laurel resident, Navy mom, community servant, leadership development trainer, life coach and program manager. I’m running for Ward 1 City Council standing on my 30 years of Federal Government experience (Yes I’m on furlough right now) and professional knowledge, the drive I have for solving problems, creating solutions, improving processes, and driving results that matter to people the most.Throughout my career, I’ve been known for building strong relationships and blending creative ideas with practical actions to get things done. I come from a family legacy of community service. 

Favorite Laurel Event: My personal favorite Laurel event is the Laurel Main Street Festival. A close second is the Fourth of July fireworks at the lake. I’ve attended both a bunch of times. See you soon!

Note: In September, Sheila Carroll sent The Laurel Independent a statement saying that she was no longer running for office. On Nov. 2 she confirmed that she had reentered the race.

Civic involvement: Current councilmember for Ward 1 (2021–present), former council president (2023–2024), and former member of the Ethics Commission (2018–2021). I also served on the Historic District Commission, Planning Commission, and Environmental Affairs Committee.

Why running: I’m running for reelection because I want to keep working for the people of Laurel. I enjoy helping residents, finding solutions and making sure concerns are addressed. If I don’t know the answer myself, I’ll still respond and work to connect people to the resources they need. Over the past term, I’ve helped with alley improvements, supported updates to the weed ordinance to allow native gardens and worked to maintain services while balancing the city budget. Looking ahead, I’ll continue focusing on responsible growth, protecting the green spaces that make Laurel special and helping our city live, grow and thrive for everyone.

Favorite Laurel event: I love events that bring neighbors together, especially the Main Street Festival. It’s a day when the whole city comes alive, with local businesses, community groups and families filling Main Street. I enjoy walking through, talking with residents and seeing how much pride people have in our city.

Civic involvement: Laurel City Councilmember; have served on Laurel committees & commissions; Assistant t-ball coach for my kids’ team; Cubmaster of Cub Scout pack; member, Laurel Board of Trade; weekly parishioner at St. Mary of the Mills; many non-profit volunteer roles over the years

Why running: To promote policies that serve Laurel residents well and create a foundation on which they can build community. This includes public safety, economic vibrancy, environmental responsibility, community focus, cultural celebration and good fiscal stewardship.

Favorite Laurel event: Our Fourth of July celebration! I love how it brings together all of Laurel, reminds us of our country’s ideals and is fun for young and old.

Ward 2 Candidates

Civic involvement: Civic engagement for me starts with serving as your councilmember and this year’s council president. Right here in Laurel, I’m also proud to chair our city’s first-ever Multicultural Committee, because celebrating our diversity makes us stronger. I also serve on the Education Advisory Committee and Planning Commission, working on the issues that shape our daily lives.

At the county and state level, I’m an At-Large board member for the Prince George’s County Municipal Association and serve on their legislative committee. I’m also a member of the Prince George’s County NAACP, the Maryland Municipal League Black Caucus, and the National League of Cities’ National Black Caucus and Public Safety committee — because representation matters at every level.

What really energizes me is the grassroots work — serving on the Laurel High School Steering Committee, being part of the new Laurel Kiwanis International Club supporting vulnerable children and working with Friends of Patuxent to protect our natural resources.

At the end of the day, I’m just a neighbor who cares deeply about this community. When I see a problem, I want to fix it. When our kids need support, I want to be there. That’s what drives everything I do.

 Why running: I try to approach everything with a service mindset. When I think about leadership, I want to lead in a way that I’d be proud to vote for myself. We need leaders with real integrity — people who genuinely care and will stand up for others. Every day, I ask myself, “How would I want someone to represent me?” and I try to live by that standard.

It’s really not about the title for me. It’s about helping people and building community. Though I’ll be honest — the title does give me access to more information, which helps me make those important connections and find real solutions for folks.

Even though I’m running to represent Ward 2 again, I don’t believe in putting up boundaries. I’m here to help anyone — whether you live in Ward 2, Ward 1 or the greater part of Laurel. If you need help, I want to be there for you.

For the past two years, it’s been such an honor to be part of the support system for Laurel residents. There’s nothing more rewarding than being able to connect someone with the resources they need or help solve a problem that’s been weighing on them. I’d be grateful for the chance to continue serving in that role and keep building on the relationships and progress we’ve made together.

Favorite Laurel event: Hands down, the Main Street Festival! There’s something magical about seeing thousands of neighbors come together — kids running around with painted faces, families discovering new food trucks, people bumping into friends they haven’t seen all year.

What I love most is watching our whole community just light up for that one day. Everyone’s laughing, eating great food, enjoying the parade — it’s Laurel at its absolute best. Plus, I’ll be honest, I always find myself trying way too many food vendors and having zero regrets about it!

It’s the perfect reminder of why I love the City of Laurel!

Civic Involvement: I was elected November of 2023 following the footsteps of my father John W. Mills. 

Why Running: I like to be straightforward and honest. I only run because my constituents ask for me to run and fight for them. I don’t run for a job; I run because it’s who I am. Mills stands for Motivation, Intelligence, Loyalty, Loves, Service. This term I run uncontested, so I have to be doing something right. I love Laurel, and if that love ever fades away, well that will be the day I stop fighting for safety, seniors and education.

Favorite Laurel Event: My favorite Laurel event is Main Street Festival.

Correction: an earlier version of this article mistakenly said that Carroll was running to represent district 2.