On the Issues
Growing Our Economy
We must improve our local economy. Regional competition has accelerated and the Trump administration is making things even worse for our federal workers and contractors.
I know that we need to expand economic opportunities for all residents.
That’s why I established the Council’s Economic Development Committee and championed the Make Office Vacancy Extinct (MOVE) Act, which, in its first year, helped dozens of companies relocate to or expand within Montgomery County.
As County Executive, I will strengthen our life sciences and biotech sector, reform the permitting process to make it easier for small businesses, and ensure that workforce training is available for those seeking employment.
Housing Affordability
It is too expensive to live in Montgomery County. Our kids and grandkids cannot afford to live in the communities where they grew up. Many of our seniors would like to downsize, but there aren’t many available options.
That’s why I passed legislation reducing the cost to build new housing and providing record levels of funding to build even more affordable housing.
We need more housing options for families to stay together, for middle class residents to afford, and for low income residents to live near their jobs.
If we want more housing that is affordable, we need more housing.
Taxes & Fiscal Accountability
I voted against raising taxes on Montgomery County residents — that is my record, and the facts are clear. Living here costs too much, and I've spent my time on the Council doing something about it: making buses free, passing renter protections, building affordable housing, and fighting to pause data center expansion to keep utility bills down.
When faced with a proposed a 6.1% property tax increase and an income tax hike, I said no. As County Executive, I will hold the line on taxes and make sure every dollar delivers real results for the families who live here.
Public Safety
It’s important that we feel safe in our homes and neighborhoods. Public safety is a core responsibility of local government. When communities are safe, schools thrive and economies grow.
I am proud to have doubled the size of the police department’s Cadet Program, which is the most diverse program within law enforcement, recognizing that we can strengthen our community policing efforts while also reflecting Montgomery County’s diversity.
I also believe that school safety needs to be improved. As County Executive, I will engage with each school cluster to understand what their students, parents, and educators need to feel safe. Solutions must be tailored to the specific needs of each community, not imposed from Rockville.
Good Government
As a former CNN journalist, I have championed efforts to protect our democracy by increasing transparency, accountability and ethical decision-making in Montgomery County.
I led the effort to expand the size of the Council from 9 to 11 to better represent Montgomery County’s growing population. This initiative resulted in the most diverse and representative Council in the County’s history — including a majority-female body.
Most importantly, I am running a people-powered campaign — rejecting corporate donations, PAC contributions, and special interest money by participating in the county’s public financing system.
I am the only candidate in this race to have never accepted special interest donations.
Education & Schools
MCPS receives over $3.7 billion — nearly half our entire county budget. Yet students are struggling, staff are stretched, and buildings are falling apart. I am the only candidate demanding real accountability for how that money is spent.
When I uncovered a buried $100 million budget line lumping snow removal with special education teachers, I pushed for statewide reform. When nine antisemitic incidents hit our schools in one week, I created the Anti-Hate Task Force.
As County Executive, I will require comprehensive budget reporting, an independent audit, and a full-time school board. No more rubber-stamping. Every dollar must reach our classrooms.
Transportation & Road Safety
Ensuring every resident can safely and easily get to school, work, and everywhere in between is one of my top priorities — and that starts with making transportation accessible and affordable for all.
I led the effort to make RideOn buses completely fare-free for every resident, putting real money back in families' pockets. I also passed the Safe Streets Act to make our roads safer for pedestrians, bicyclists, and drivers.
In 2025, 678 pedestrians and cyclists were injured on our roads and 18 people were tragically killed. As County Executive, I will make Vision Zero a reality.
The Environment
We are in a climate crisis. Protecting our natural resources and ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations is a moral obligation.
I am proud to be endorsed by the Sierra Club because of my work protecting our tree canopy, strengthening the county’s green building codes, expanding food composting programs, and securing critical investments in the Green Bank.
My work was honored by President Joe Biden, who appointed me to serve on the EPA’s Local Government Advisory Committee, helping guide environmental policy locally and nationally.
Data Centers
I was the first in Montgomery County to take on data center sprawl, protecting residents from higher utility bills and environmental damage.
In January 2026, I introduced a Data Center Task Force of diverse stakeholders and subject matter experts to study the impacts and get policy right. It was voted down.
In May, I introduced a six-month moratorium. In June, County Executive Elrich signed an executive order pausing permits — consistent with what I have been fighting for since day one.
But a pause alone kicks the can down the road. That's why I am calling again for a Data Center Task Force to address community needs and get this right.
Equal Rights & Equal Pay
Diversity, equity and inclusion are vital for creating a safe and thriving community.
The first piece of legislation I passed at the County Council was the Pay Equity Act, which eliminated the gender and racial wage gap that existed in Montgomery County government.
Recognizing the increase in hate and violence, I created the Anti-Hate Task Force, working with our most vulnerable communities who are experiencing a rise in racism, antisemitism, Islamaphobia, homophobia, transphobia and xenophobia.
I will continue fighting to ensure everyone feels welcome, safe and valued in Montgomery County.