In a unanimous vote, the Montgomery County Republican Party (MCGOP) voted to withdraw support for District 7 county council candidate Harold Maldonado. Tuesday night, following reports of antisemitic, anti-Black and conspiracy-based statements, Maldonado appeared before party members to defend his actions.
MCGOP Statement
Following the meeting MCGOP Central Committee Chairman Dennis Melby condemned Maldonado’s message in a statement:
Statements recently unearthed cannot be tolerated. We reject as baseless and unacceptable his allegations that Mossad controls Montgomery County elected officials. We oppose antisemitism, bigotry, and all forms of baseless conspiracy theories—regardless of who they target, or the political cause used to advance them.
Esther Wells Press Statement
County Executive candidate Esther Wells issued a statement on Wednesday. Here is part of her press release:
The reported statements attributed to Mr. Maldonado were deeply troubling and inconsistent with the values Montgomery County deserves from anyone seeking public office. Antisemitism, anti-Black hate, discrimination, and conspiracy-driven rhetoric have no place in our community, our politics, or our party.
This is the kind of leadership Montgomery County residents have been asking for: leadership rooted in facts, accountability, public safety, and equal dignity for every community. Thank you to the MCGOP for your courage, leadership, strength, and coherence in meeting this moment.
Reardon Sullivan Remarks
District 1 Council Candidate and MCGOP County Chairman Emeritus Reardon Sullivan issued a statement shown here in part:
Harold Maldonado’s statements are his alone. They do not represent my views, and they should not be portrayed as representing the views of other Republican candidates in Montgomery County.
End of Endorsement Actions
Following his dismissal as a bona fide Republican candidate, Maldonado’s name will be taken off all official websites, election voter guides and social media connected to the MCGOP.
