Battle for the Throne of Dysfunction: Montgomery County Executive Race Kicks Off with a Stampede of Self-Appointed Saviors
It’s official: the race to replace outgoing Montgomery County Executive Marc Elrich has begun—and judging by the current trajectory, by the time the filing deadline hits, we might have to convert the county fairgrounds into a debate stage just to fit all the Democrat contenders. There are already five, and it’s only June. Expect at least 50 more, maybe even a few dogs and sentient compost piles, because honestly, anything might be more effective than the last eight years.
First, a round of applause for Marc Elrich, who by some cosmic joke was allowed two full terms to turn one of the wealthiest counties in the nation into a punchline. Now, thanks to term limits (the county's only surviving form of accountability), we’ll be spared a third season of “How to Raise Taxes and Call It Equity.”
The Glorious Hopefuls: Which Will Be the Lesser Disaster?
Will Jawando entered the ring in May 2025 like a knight anointed by Lord Elrich himself (who thankfully cannot run again—have we mentioned that yet?). Jawando’s got the classic buzzwords down: “education,” “equity,” and “affordable housing.” So basically, more spending, more slogans, and more Elrich-style magical math. With Elrich’s endorsement, Jawando’s campaign is already haunted.
Andrew Friedson wants to “hold the line on taxes,” which in Montgomery County usually means finding new creative fees to tax instead. “Affordability” is his rallying cry—but with what budget? The one that’s bleeding from years of DEI offices, anti-traffic initiatives that cause traffic, and solar-powered projects that still somehow require diesel backup?
Evan Glass launched back in March, vowing to fight for social justice and small businesses. No word yet on how he plans to reconcile that combo, but maybe he’ll pave the roads in identity-affirming asphalt while charging mom-and-pop shops a “privilege tax” for existing. He’s also big on transportation, which in Montgomery County typically means war on drivers and bike lanes no one uses.
Celeste Iroha, a registered medical assistant, was the first out of the gate, and while her platform is still somewhat mysterious, she gets points for enthusiasm. One can only hope her prescription for the county isn’t more of the same fiscal fever and bureaucratic bloat.
Mithun Banerjee, a real estate investor, might be the only candidate who speaks actual Earthling, with a platform including not raising taxes and helping small businesses. Sadly, this might make him unelectable among party loyalists who believe county budgets grow on inclusive trees.
Meanwhile, In GOP Fantasyland...
No Republicans have filed. None. Zero. Nada. It’s been so long since a Republican dared run in Montgomery County, we suspect they’ve gone into witness protection. But hey, there’s still time until February 24, 2026. Maybe someone will emerge from the woods of Poolesville or Germantown and pull an electoral miracle, like a political Hunger Games tribute from the forgotten District of Fiscal Sanity.
So Who Will Win?
More importantly, who will make it worse? Who will raise the most taxes while calling it “community investment”? Who will ban gas-powered leaf blowers but approve another data center that eats power like it’s Halloween candy? And—dare we dream—could one of these candidates shock the world and actually improve something?
The battle for Montgomery County Executive has begun. Let the virtue signaling commence.