Women emerged as some of the biggest winners in the June 23 primary elections, capturing nominations for county executive, county council and other key local offices across Prince George’s, Howard and Anne Arundel counties despite relatively low voter turnout statewide.
State election officials reported that about 16.7% of eligible Maryland voters cast ballots, well below turnout in the 2024 presidential primary.
Beltsville resident Michelle García won the Democratic primary for Prince George’s County Council District 1, which represents Laurel, Beltsville, West Laurel, South Laurel, Calverton and parts of College Park.
With the backing of former District 1 Council member Mary Lehman and current Council member Tom Dernoga, García emerged as the frontrunner and the only woman in the race. She defeated former Laurel City Council member Martin Mitchell and political newcomer Darwin Romero.
“I plan to be a voice on the council for those who sometimes may feel voiceless,” García, the daughter of an immigrant father, said during her election night party. “And I say that first and foremost because I will be carrying that with me every day I will be sitting on the dais.”
García is unopposed in the November general election and is expected to win. If elected, she would become the first Latina and first person of color to represent District 1 on the county council.
Women also won several of Prince George’s County’s other high-profile races. County Executive Aisha Braveboy secured the Democratic nomination for a full term, while State’s Attorney Tara Jackson won her primary in an all-female field. At-large County Council member Jolene Ivey also won renomination alongside fellow incumbent Sydney Harrison. With Democrats holding a significant voter registration advantage in Prince George’s County, the primary winners are heavily favored in November.
The trend extended beyond Prince George’s County, where women also captured the Democratic nominations for county executive in Howard and Anne Arundel counties.
Howard County
In Howard County voters also nominated women for the county’s top offices, with Del. Vanessa Atterbeary (Dist. 13) winning the Democratic primary for county executive and incumbent County Council member Christiana Rigby securing renomination in the North Laurel-based District 3 race.
Because no Republican filed to run for county executive, Atterbeary is expected to win in November. She would become the first Black woman elected Howard County executive.
“Thank you Howard County, I am honored by your confidence and your trust,” Atterbeary said after the election. “I will always be your champion and your voice.”
Rigby, the only Howard County council member seeking re-election this year, won more than 77% of the vote in her primary and also faces no Republican challenger.
“This result reflects eight years of work we have done together,” Rigby said after winning.
Anne Arundel County
In Anne Arundel County, County Council member Allison Pickard captured the Democratic nomination for county executive, while incumbent County Council member Julie Hummer won renomination in District 4, which includes parts of Laurel in Maryland City, Russett, and Watershed.
Unlike neighboring Prince George’s and Howard counties, Anne Arundel remains politically competitive. Pickard will face Republican Dave Crawford in November, while Hummer will take on Republican Thomas Wieland.
“I am so incredibly honored and grateful for everyone who supported my campaign,” Pickard said after her victory.
Hummer, who won more than 71% of the vote in her primary, thanked supporters after the election, saying, “We knocked [on] thousands of doors to share our vision for serving the residents of Anne Arundel County—and you heard us!”
Sharon O’Malley contributed to this report.