June’s primary election will bring us a new crop of political leaders in Maryland. This week’s episode of the Maryland Now podcast examines the races for county executive and council in the counties of Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel and Montgomery.
In all four counties, the winner of the Democratic primary seems assured of becoming the next executive, an illustration of the depleted state of the GOP in Maryland. In all four counties, a viable African American leader has a path to victory. And in all four, no one really knows what the turnout will be – and “undecided’ may be the top choice of voters at the moment because the candidates remain unknown to many.
In this roundtable edition, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by two of the state’s most experienced political insiders: Don Mohler, former Baltimore County Executive, and Candace Dodson-Reed, Chief of Staff at the Maryland Economic Development Corporation.
The discussion includes how voter turnout, public financing, and significant turnover could reshape local governance and produce the next generation of statewide leaders in Maryland.
Topics in this episode
The Turnout Wildcard: Why Democratic nominees for county executive might need to garner relatively few votes due to a lack of competitive statewide races to drive voter participation.
Baltimore County’s Crowded Field: A look at the “inside baseball” controversies—from pension increases that were reversed to debates over the inspector general—and whether they actually influence the average voter.
Ulman stil involved in Howard: Analyzing Vanessa Atterbury’s fundraising lead and the impact of former executive Ken Ulman’s endorsement in a wide-open primary.
Anne Arundel’s Blue Shift: Discussing the county’s transition from a Republican stronghold to a “purple-to-blue” battlefield and the three-way Democratic primary currently underway.
Montgomery’s Generational Change: Why the state’s largest county is guaranteed to see a new era of leadership, even as outgoing County Executive Marc Elrich attempts a unique return to the County Council.
Historic Diversity: Celebrating a cycle that features a record number of women and candidates of color, potentially leading to county executives and county councils that better reflect Maryland’s changing demographics.
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Maryland Now is brought to you by Blended Public Affairs and produced by Carper Cre8tive.
