Anne Arundel Council: Democrats close in on supermajority
Initial tallies show Democratic candidates leading in six of seven districts, with two races remaining too close to call.
By Kevin Iyer ·
Residents of Anne Arundel County may see a shift in local power as early election results place Democratic candidates ahead in most council districts. The county council has operated with a split of four Democrats and three Republicans for the past eight years. Democrats aimed to expand their control to a five-two supermajority on Tuesday night.
Only three incumbents sought re-election this cycle. This turnover means the next legislative body will be composed mostly of new faces, regardless of the final party count. The county has trended Democratic in recent presidential elections, yet the local council remained divided until now.
In District 1, Democrat Kelly Smith, a retired intelligence analyst and Army veteran, holds a commanding lead over Republican Justin Sherlock. Smith is a first-time candidate. In District 2, Democrat Catelyn Middlebrooks, a legislative aide, leads Republican Cory Malinowski. The district covers Glen Burnie and parts of Severn.
Republican Nathan Volke, a lawyer at Silverman Thompson, maintains a large lead over Democrat Rebecca Baucom in District 3. Volke has served since 2018 and represents part of Glen Burnie, Severna Park, and Gibson Island. In District 4, Democrat Julie Hummer, a former member of the Board of Education, appears to be cruising to victory over Republican Tom Wieland. Hummer first won her seat in 2022.
The path to a Democratic supermajority hinges on two tight contests. In District 5, incumbent Republican Amanda Fiedler leads Democrat Natalie Ogilvie. This district includes the Broadneck Peninsula and Severna Park. In District 7, Republican Dawn Pulliam, a current Board of Education member, leads Democrat Spencer Jones. Jones owns Chick & Ruth's Delly in Annapolis. The district stretches from Crofton to the southern tip of the county.
In District 6, former Annapolis Mayor Gavin Buckley holds a strong lead over Republican George Gallagher. Buckley is the Democratic nominee for the district that includes all of Annapolis, Crownsville, and part of Millersville. As of midnight, results were still updating in the two closest races.
The final outcome will determine if Democrats achieve their goal of a five-seat majority. The new council members will take their seats after certification of the results. The county's legislative agenda will be shaped by the composition of this new body.
