Get to Know the Candidates Running for Howard County Executive!

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. — The race for the upcoming Howard County executive is heating up, featuring a diverse array of Democratic candidates keen on succeeding Calvin Ball when his term concludes this year. Interestingly, there are no Republican candidates in the field, which means voters will determine their next executive this June.

Early voting commences on Thursday, June 11, leading up to Primary Day on Tuesday, June 23. Additionally, individuals looking to vote must register by Tuesday, June 2. For more information on the registration process, visit the voter registration page.

The lineup includes a former state delegate, a restaurant consultant, and two current members of the county council, all vying for the top position. Here’s a closer look at each candidate, listed in alphabetical order:

Vanessa Atterbeary

Vanessa Atterbeary, who has dedicated 11 years to the Maryland General Assembly and most recently chaired the Ways and Means Committee, is pursuing the role of Howard County Executive, aiming to apply her expertise within her community.

“This is the community that made me who I am; it instilled in me the values of public service and altruism. I see my election as a form of community service,” she expressed.

If elected, Atterbeary would mark a historical milestone as the first Black female County Executive in Howard County.

In a recent discussion with WMAR-2 News, she underscored her accomplishments in the state legislature, such as abolishing child marriage in Maryland and advancing significant legislation addressing child abuse, sexual violence, and gun safety measures.

“Every piece of legislation I’ve introduced has been with the objective of passing it—not for show. And I relentlessly pursue its passage,” she asserted.

Atterbeary has also contributed to the Maryland Blueprint, an educational reform initiative, and believes she is ideally positioned to carry out its objectives. Among her priorities for addressing the county’s most pressing issues are deferred school maintenance, combating national political agendas, public safety, and affordability.

Atterbeary leads her fellow candidates in fundraising, having amassed over $600,000. Unlike some of her opponents, she has opted not to use public financing through the Citizens’ Election Fund.

“In light of the budget challenges and pressing maintenance issues, it does not seem fair to ask constituents to subsidize someone’s campaign,” she remarked.

Endorsements:
Howard County Education Association
Painter’s Union
County Council Chair Opel Jones
U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks
U.S. Congresswoman Sarah Elfreth
Maryland Treasurer Dereck Davis
Former Howard County Executive Ken Ullman
Ethics Ballot
Lodge 143 HoCo Police Supervisors Alliance
Lodge 21 HoCo Police Officers Association
Columbia Democratic Club

Bob Cockey

Bob Cockey is the only candidate in the running for Howard County Executive without a political background; instead, he is a small business restaurant consultant advocating for innovative solutions to county challenges.

“I did not create this affordability crisis; my opponents did, with their legislative votes in Annapolis. I’m the one who understands budgeting, not responsible for the current difficulties,” he states.

Although he is campaigning as a Democrat, Cockey has previously run for state senate as a Republican against incumbent Clarence Lam.

He envisions an administration that represents all political viewpoints and aims to assemble a collaborative “dream team” to govern the county. While he acknowledges school funding concerns echoing those of his opponents, he emphasizes that affordability is the cornerstone of his campaign. His proposal includes developing 1,200 square-foot homes aimed at first-time buyers and revitalizing the local workforce by hiring healthcare professionals.

“We can recruit bilingual professionals from Puerto Rico who already hold U.S. citizenship and require no work visas,” he added.

Cockey currently has the least funding among his opponents but remains undeterred by this challenge. He references the trailblazing Shirley Chisholm, quoting, “Unbought, unbossed.”

“I don’t need a large budget to get my message across. My team and I manage our own campaign and signage effectively,” he said.

Deb Jung

Deb Jung, currently representing District 1 on the county council, has a rich background as a non-profit attorney and community organizer. After her daughter completed high school, Jung decided to pursue a political path, previously known for her involvement with the local PTA and serving as president of the Wilde Lake booster club.

Education issues greatly influenced her decision to enter the political arena. Moreover, she boasts an endorsement from Liz Bobo, Howard County’s first female executive.

“It’s time for another female county executive, and I am prepared to lead from day one,” she proclaimed.

Jung is one of two candidates utilizing the Citizens’ Election Fund for campaign financing, which prohibits contributions from special interest groups and corporations.

“This initiative is revolutionary. We need candidates like myself who are accountable first to Howard County residents,” she believes, emphasizing a commitment to residents’ needs.

In her discussion with WMAR-2 News, Jung mentioned her work to establish an Inspector General post in Howard County, raise school impact fees for the first time in nearly two decades, and push for tax credits for seniors wishing to age in place.

Her six primary objectives if elected would focus on school funding, economic development, affordability, tax stability, public safety, environmental protection, and restoring trust in government.

Notably, Jung led the effort to thwart a contentious plastics recycling project proposed by W.R. Grace, promising to continue her vigilance in safeguarding community interests if elected.

“The fight is never truly over,” she concluded.

Endorsements:
Howard County Association of Realtors
IAFF Local 2000 (Howard County Professional Fire Fighters Association)
Liz Bobo (the first female County Executive in Howard County’s history)

Liz Walsh

Liz Walsh, currently serving as the council member for District 4 in Howard County, has a strong background in construction law and civil engineering. She transitioned from her legal practice in Washington, D.C., to run for the council and is now poised to take the next step in her political career.

A vocal advocate within the council, Walsh perceives herself as a grassroots candidate committed to addressing local issues head-on.

“If something is wrong, I believe it is my responsibility to acknowledge and fix it,” she stated. “Ignoring problems doesn’t lead to solutions.”

Walsh identifies school financing as the most significant challenge currently facing the county, emphasizing the importance of transparency in the funding process.

“Our investigations revealed substantial funds that were being constrained by arbitrary limitations on both operational and capital spending for schools. This harm must be addressed,” she remarked.

Core principles guiding her campaign include strengthening schools, land use reform—focusing on affordability and environmental sustainability—and advocating for human rights.

In addition, Walsh has introduced legislation aimed at providing guidance for county employees interacting with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while proactively keeping the community informed about ICE operations, despite backlash from some local police unions.

Walsh asserts it is undeniable that ICE operates within the county boundaries.

She is also participating in the Citizens’ Election Fund, which limits fundraising to small donors, matched by county funds. Though currently positioned third in campaign financing, she remains optimistic.

“The common belief is that financial backing defines success, but I have defied that narrative in two previous races,” she concluded.

Endorsements:
CASA in Action
Ellicott City & Western Howard Democratic Club
CAIR Action
Howard County Muslim Alliance