With state and county elections more than a year away, voters will already have a lot of choices when they fill in that little box next to At Large candidates for the County Council.
On Tuesday, the latest entrant, podcaster Steve Solomon announced his candidacy. He is just one of several contenders running so far in the 2026 primary.
Solomon is no stranger to the ballot. He has run for the at-large office in 2018, the Board of Education in 2020 and for the Council in District 6 in 2022.
Solomon state on his website, “I am not a politician. I’m just an average middle class guy who wants to help the community he’s been a part of his whole life.”
Current At Large Councilmembers
Will Jawando and Evan Glass, both current At Large Councilmembers, are running for County Executive so are not eligible for those Council seats.
Of the two remaining At Large members, Gabe Albornoz has not year announced if he will be a candidate. Laurie-Anne Sayles has declared she will seek another term.
Other At Large Candidates
Another name will be on the At Large primary ballot next June, Fatmata Barrie. A Silver Spring attorney, Barrie is active in community advocacy. A former aide to Will Jawando, she ran for Council in 2022, losing to Kristin Mink.
Jeremiah Pope declared his candidacy earlier this year. A long time County resident he served as Chief of Staff to District 19 State Delegate Charlotte Crutchfield. His campaign slogan is “Lifting Every Voice.”
Small business owner Scott Goldberg’s platform will focus on affordability, education and economic opportunity. A former Chair of the County Democratic Party, he also serves on the Bethesda Chamber of Commerce and the Parks Foundation.
County Executive Marc Elrich was term limited last year. In a speech before a local group last November he stated he would pursue an At Large seat in 2026. He has not yet formally declared. Elrich previously served three terms in that position from 2006 to 2018.
What At Large Means
Within the County Council an At Large member is elected by voters across the county rather than representing a particular district. The candidates appear on all County voters’ ballots.
The Maryland primary early voting begins on Thursday, June 11. Primary election day is scheduled for Tuesday, June 23, 2026.
