The candidate filing deadline passed on Feb. 24, establishing the official list of incumbents and challengers during the upcoming primary and general elections.
Sean Michael Wilson, a consultant who is working with several local campaigns, is excited to see so many names on the ballot.
“This election year is going to be pivotal for the future of our county especially when it comes to development,” he told The Informer. “We must carefully study the candidates and not vote based on name alone or endorsements, but we should cast our vote based on a proven track record and experience.”
One of the marquee races in Prince George’s is the State’s Attorney race, with incumbent Tara Jackson (D) facing Councilmember Wanika Fisher (D) and Charles County prosecutor Karen Piper Mitchell (D).
Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Councilmember Jolene Ivey (D) have both endorsed Jackson. Fisher held a January fundraiser in partnership with Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D) and has been endorsed by several legislators including House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk.
More than 20 candidates filed for the 5th Congressional District seat to replace outgoing Rep. Steny Hoyer (D), who announced he is not running after nearly 50 years on Capitol Hill.
Anthony Lee Wright, a regional labor leader, was impressed by former County Executive Rushern Baker’s first-place showing in a recent poll.
“Based on the new information from a GQR poll, Rushern is about to make a return. I truly believe that Rushern Baker will replace Steny Hoyer in Congress,” he proudly told The Informer.
The register of wills race features a dozen candidates, including: former Central Committee Chair Dr. Antwan Brown; former Board of Education member Belinda Queen Cunningham (D); 2024 Democratic National Convention Delegate Januari McKay (D); former Bladensburg Councilmember Jocelyn Route (D); and Prince George’s NAACP President Linda Thornton-Thomas.
Del. Tiffany Alston (D-District 24) praised Cereta Lee, the current register of wills, and said she wants to see her successor continue to run the office effectively.
“The register of wills serves as the clerk of the orphans. This person also provides education about estate planning,” she told The Informer. “We need a person who is compassionate, people-oriented and committed to this position.”
Alston is facing entrepreneur Kevin Ford Jr. for state Senate, as Sen. Joanne Benson (D) is retiring following the legislative session after decades in public office.
Wright believes the candidates should prioritize local issues, especially affordability.
“Public safety is obviously an important issue. Public safety, housing, and employment are the top three issues, in my opinion. I would like to see the county attract more businesses and improve housing affordability.”
Challenger Candidates State Their Case
Councilmembers Eric Olson (D-District 2), Krystal Oriadha (D-District 7), and Edward Burroughs III (D-District 8) are unchallenged, but most local incumbents are facing challenger candidates who seek to highlight constituent services, economic development, and other local issues in their campaigns.
Greg Holmes is seeking the county executive position and is focusing his campaign on strong leadership to better serve residents.
“This is a defining moment for Prince George’s County, and we can’t afford to waste it on the old Prince George’s politics, incompetence, or petty distractions,” he told The Informer. “We need new, transformational leadership that restores accountability and delivers results.”
Holmes, who hosted a summit last March for entrepreneurs to discuss the future of the region with other key stakeholders, has a background in business development and hopes to share his expertise with the county.
“My focus is to create a competitive environment to: grow our economy with a forward-looking innovation strategy that attracts new employers and expands the tax base; strengthen security by improving our schools and making neighborhoods safer through prevention and accountability; and improve affordability by lowering costs so families and seniors can thrive,” Holmes said.
The county executive candidate said he hopes to work with Prince Georgians to strengthen the area for residents, business and visitors alike.
“We must harness the talents and potential of each resident to lead the future,” he continued. “Prince George’s deserves a government that delivers, spends taxpayer dollars responsibly, and executes a clear economic strategy that turns opportunity into prosperity.”
Sherman Hardy, who ran for county executive in the previous cycle, is one of nine candidates vying to represent District 9, a majority-rural district that links Upper Marlboro, Eagle Harbor, Clinton, and Accokeek.
“I’m running for Prince George’s County Council District 9 because our county deserves leadership that understands both mission and management,” he said. “As a veteran, emergency manager, realtor, and federal procurement professional — I’ve spent my career solving complex problems, protecting taxpayer dollars, and leading under pressure.”
Hardy has prioritized transparency during his campaign, even showing up to a hearing dressed up in a Batman outfit and calling himself “the dark knight of accountability”.
“Prince George’s has enormous potential, but we have to tighten up accountability, strengthen land use decisions, and make sure every dollar delivers results,” continued Hardy. “This campaign is about restoring trust in government and building a county that works as hard as its people do.”
County Councilmember Sydney Harrison is term-limited in his current role representing District 9 and is one of nine candidates running for two at-large seats. Harrison was temporarily stuck in Uganda while doing humanitarian work as conflict between the United States and Iran escalated.
“It’s not everyday that you hop on a plane and hear about a war breaking out in the same airspace you’re flying through,” he said in an interview with NBC 4 News. “We were four hours into the flight and the pilot said “we have to turn around and fly back to Africa”. People started figuring out what was happening and became very unsettled on the plane.”
Joel Peebles Jr. is one of the four candidates challenging Councilmember Danielle Hunter (D-District 6), who was appointed in January to fill a vacancy following Councilmember Wala Blegay’s appointment to one of the two at-large seats.
“Prince George’s County faces many challenges as we venture into this new year,” Peebles, of City of Praise Family Ministries, told The Informer. A longtime local faith leader, Peebles also worked as a legislative officer in the county government during past years.
“From repeating budget deficits, to losing some of our most cherished community assets, it is imperative to have experienced and community-based leadership,” he explained in an email. “Join our team, and help put people over politics.”
For a list of statewide candidates, click here. For a list of candidates for local office in Prince George’s County, click here.