List of county executives of Maryland

County executives head nine of the 23 counties of Maryland: Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Cecil, Frederick, Harford, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George's, and Wicomico. All of these counties have chartered governments and county councils; while Dorchester and Talbot counties also have chartered governments, they do not have executives. The other 12 counties are governed by boards of county commissioners.[1] As of 2025, the Democratic Party held six county executiveships, while the Republican Party held three.

Current executives

Current county executives of Maryland
County Image Executive Entered office Party Election(s) Ref.
Anne Arundel Steuart Pittman
(born 1961)
December 3, 2018 Democratic 2018
2022
[2]
Baltimore Kathy Klausmeier
(born 1950)
January 7, 2025 Democratic [a] [4]
Cecil Adam Streight
(born 1974)
December 2, 2024 Republican 2024 [5]
Frederick Jessica Fitzwater December 5, 2022 Democratic 2022 [6]
Harford Robert Cassilly
(born 1958)
December 5, 2022 Republican 2022 [7]
Howard Calvin Ball III
(born 1975)
December 3, 2018 Democratic 2018
2022
[8]
Montgomery Marc Elrich
(born 1949)
December 3, 2018 Democratic 2018
2022
[9]
Prince George's Aisha Braveboy
(born 1974)
June 18, 2025 Democratic 2025 (special) [10]
Wicomico Julie Giordano
(born 1981)
December 6, 2022 Republican 2022 [11]

Executives by county

Anne Arundel

Executives of Anne Arundel County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
Joseph W. Alton
(1919–2013)
February 1, 1965[12] – December 2, 1974[13] Republican 1965[14]
1970[15]
[16]
Robert A. Pascal
(1934–2021)
December 2, 1974[13] – 1982 Republican 1974
1978
[17]
O. James Lighthizer
(born 1946)
1982 – 1990 Democratic 1982
1986
[18]
Robert R. Neall
(born 1948)
1990 – 1994 Republican 1990 [19]
John G. Gary
(born 1943)
1994 – 1998 Republican 1994 [20]
Janet S. Owens
(born 1944)
1998 – 2006 Democratic 1998
2002
[21]
John R. Leopold
(born 1943)
December 4, 2006 – February 1, 2013[b] Republican 2006
2010
[22]
John R. Hammond
Acting
February 2013 Republican [23]
Laura Neuman
(born 1965)
February 22, 2013 – December 1, 2014 Republican [c] [25]
Steve Schuh
(born 1960)
December 1, 2014 – December 3, 2018 Republican 2014 [26]
Steuart Pittman
(born 1961)
December 3, 2018 – present Democratic 2018
2022
[2]

Baltimore

Cecil

Executives of Cecil County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
Tari Moore December 3, 2012 – December 5, 2016 Independent[d] 2012 [27]
Republican
Alan McCarthy
(born 1947)
December 5, 2016 – December 7, 2020 Republican 2016 [29]
Danielle Hornberger
(born 1981)
December 7, 2020 – December 2, 2024 Republican 2020 [30]
Adam Streight
(born 1974)
December 2, 2024 – present Republican 2024 [5]

Frederick

Executives of Frederick County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
Jan Gardner
(born 1956)
December 1, 2014 – December 5, 2022 Democratic 2014
2018
[31]
Jessica Fitzwater December 5, 2022 – present Democratic 2022 [6]

Harford

Executives of Harford County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
Charles Anderson
(born 1931)
December 28, 1972 – December 4, 1978 Democratic[32] 1972[33]
1974
[34]
J. Thomas Barranger
(1947–2011)[35]
December 4, 1978 – December 6, 1982 Democratic[32] 1978 [36]
Habern W. Freeman
(born 1941)
December 6, 1982 – December 3, 1990 Democratic 1982
1986
[37]
Eileen M. Rehrmann
(born 1944)
December 3, 1990 – December 7, 1998 Democratic 1990
1994
[38]
James M. Harkins
(born 1953)
December 7, 1998 – June 30, 2005 Republican 1998
2002
[39]
David R. Craig
(born 1949)
July 4, 2005 – December 1, 2014 Republican 2006[e]
2010
[41]
Barry Glassman
(born 1962)
December 1, 2014 – December 5, 2022 Republican 2014
2018
[42]
Robert Cassilly
(born 1958)
December 5, 2022 – present Republican 2022 [7]

Howard

Executives of Howard County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
Omar Jones
(born 1913)
January 28, 1969 – 1974 Democratic [43]
Edward L. Cochran
(born 1929)
December 1974 – December 1978 Democratic 1974 [44]
J. Hugh Nichols
(1930–2015)
December 1978 – July 1986 Democratic 1978
1982
[45]
Republican[f]
Ned Eakle
(1926–2012)
Acting
October 22, 1986 – December 1986 Democratic [g] [46]
Elizabeth Bobo
(born 1943)
December 1, 1986 – December 3, 1990 Democratic 1986 [47]
Chuck Ecker
(1928–2015)
December 3, 1990 – December 1998 Republican 1990
1994
[48]
James N. Robey
(born 1941)
December 1998 – December 4, 2006 Democratic 1998
2002
[49]
Kenneth Ulman
(born 1974)
December 4, 2006 – December 1, 2014 Democratic 2006
2010
[50]
Allan H. Kittleman
(born 1958)
December 1, 2024 – December 3, 2018 Republican 2014 [51]
Calvin Ball III
(born 1975)
December 3, 2018 – present Democratic 2018
2022
[8]

Montgomery

Executives of Montgomery County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
James P. Gleason
(1921–2008)
December 7, 1970 – December 4, 1978 Republican 1970
1974
[52]
Charles W. Gilchrist
(1936–1999)
December 4, 1978 – December 1, 1986 Democratic 1978
1982
[53]
Sidney Kramer
(1925–2022)
December 1, 1986 – December 3, 1990 Democratic 1986 [54]
Neal Potter
(1915–2008)
December 3, 1990 – December 7, 1994 Democratic 1990 [55]
Doug Duncan
(born 1955)
December 7, 1994 – December 4, 2006 Democratic 1994
1998
2002
[56]
Ike Leggett
(born 1944)
December 4, 2006 – December 3, 2018 Democratic 2006
2010
2014
[57]
Marc Elrich
(born 1949)
December 3, 2018 – present Democratic 2018
2022
[9]

Prince George's

Executives of Prince George's County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
William W. Gullett
(1922–2015)
February 8, 1971[58] – 1974 Republican 1971 [59]
Winfield M. Kelly Jr.
(1935–2023)
1974 – 1978 Democratic 1974 [60]
Lawrence Hogan
(1928–2017)
December 1978 – December 19, 1982 Republican 1978 [61]
Parris Glendening
(born 1942)
December 19, 1982 – December 1994 Democratic 1982
1986
1990
[62]
Wayne Curry
(1951–2014)
December 1994 – December 2, 2002 Democratic 1994
1998
[63]
Jack B. Johnson
(born 1949)
December 2, 2002 – December 6, 2010 Democratic 2002
2006
[64]
Rushern Baker
(born 1958)
December 6, 2010 – December 3, 2018 Democratic 2010
2014
[65]
Angela Alsobrooks
(born 1971)
December 3, 2018 – December 2, 2024 Democratic 2018
2022
[66]
Tara Jackson
Acting
December 2, 2024 – June 18, 2025 Democratic [h] [67][68]
Aisha Braveboy
(born 1974)
June 18, 2025 – present Democratic 2025 [69]

Wicomico

Executives of Wicomico County
Image Executive Tenure Party Election(s) Ref.
Richard M. Pollitt Jr.
(born 1952)
December 5, 2006[70] – December 2, 2014 Democratic 2006
2010
[71]
Bob Culver
(1952–2020)
December 2, 2014 – July 26, 2020 Republican 2014
2018
[72]
John Psota
(born 1963)
July 26, 2020 – December 6, 2022 Republican [i] [75]
Julie Giordano
(born 1981)
December 6, 2022 – present Republican 2022 [11]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Klausmeier was selected by the Baltimore County Council to serve the rest of Johnny Olszewski's term after he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives.[3]
  2. ^ Leopold was suspended from January 29 after he was convicted on two counts of misconduct in office; he resigned on February 1.[22]
  3. ^ Neuman was selected by the Anne Arundel County Council to serve the rest of Leopold's term.[24]
  4. ^ While Moore won election as a Republican, she became an independent on November 29, 2012,[27] before entering office.[28] She rejoined the Republicans on November 11, 2013.[27]
  5. ^ Craig became executive after Harkins resigned;[39] he was elected to a full term in 2006.[40]
  6. ^ Nichols left the Democrats for the Republicans in 1986.[45]
  7. ^ Eakle became acting executive after the resignation of Nichols.[45]
  8. ^ Jackson became acting executive after Angela Alsobrooks was elected to the U.S. Senate.[67]
  9. ^ Psota became acting executive after the death of Culver and was later chosen by the Wicomico County Council to serve the remainder of Culver's term.[73] He ran for a full term in 2022, but was defeated in the Republican primary by Julie Giordano.[74]

References

  1. ^ "Maryland Counties, local government". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  2. ^ a b "Steuart L. Pittman, Jr., County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  3. ^ Kobell, Rona (January 7, 2025). "State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier named Baltimore County Executive". The Baltimore Banner. Archived from the original on January 7, 2025. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
  4. ^ "Katherine A. Klausmeier, County Executive, Baltimore County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "Adam M. Streight, County Executive, Cecil County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  6. ^ a b "Jessica E. Fitzwater, County Executive, Frederick County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  7. ^ a b "Robert G. Cassilly, County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  8. ^ a b "Calvin B. Ball, County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on June 24, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  9. ^ a b "Marc B. Elrich, County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 22, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  10. ^ Ford, William J. (June 4, 2025). "Braveboy projected to easily claim Prince George's County executive seat". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 19, 2025.
  11. ^ a b "Julie M. Giordano, County Executive, Wicomico County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  12. ^ "Alton takes oath in $18,000 post". The News. Associated Press. February 2, 1965. p. 14. Retrieved February 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ a b "Swearing-in ceremonies are conducted". The Evening Sun. December 3, 1974. p. C28. Retrieved February 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ "Alton calls for 'total effort' in Arundel". The Evening Sun. January 27, 1965. p. C26. Retrieved February 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  15. ^ "Alton re-elected as executive; Beall tops Tydings for Senate". The Capital. November 4, 1970. p. 1. Retrieved February 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ "Joseph W. Alton, Jr., County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  17. ^ "Robert A. Pascal, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  18. ^ "O. James Lighthizer, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on December 19, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  19. ^ "Robert R. Neall, Secretary of Health". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  20. ^ "John G. Gary, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  21. ^ "Janet S. Owens, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  22. ^ a b "John R. Leopold, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  23. ^ "Anne Arundel County, Maryland - County Executives". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  24. ^ "Anne Arundel County Council selects Laura Neuman to replace John Leopold". WBAL-TV. February 22, 2013. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  25. ^ "Laura A. Neuman, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on December 29, 2024. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  26. ^ "Steven R. Schuh, County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  27. ^ a b c "Tari Moore, County Executive, Cecil County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  28. ^ Dresser, Michael (December 2, 2012). "State GOP rejects call for Cecil official to resign after switch". The Baltimore Sun. p. 2. Retrieved April 12, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ "Alan J. McCarthy, County Executive, Cecil County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  30. ^ "Danielle M. Hornberger, County Executive, Cecil County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 22, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  31. ^ "Jan H. Gardner, County Executive, Frederick County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  32. ^ a b "Harford County - Government, County Executives". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  33. ^ Anderson, David (December 26, 2019). "Charles B. Anderson Jr., first Harford County executive, named Living Treasure". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved February 11, 2025. [Anderson] was elected county executive in 1972, the same year voters adopted a county charter
  34. ^ "Charles B. Anderson, Jr., County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  35. ^ "Obituary information for J. Thomas Barranger". www.pumphreyfuneralhome.com. Robert A. Pumphrey Funeral Homes. Archived from the original on September 14, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  36. ^ "J. Thomas Barranger, County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  37. ^ "Habern W. Freeman, County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  38. ^ "Eileen M. Rehrmann, County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 31, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  39. ^ a b "James R. Harkins, County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  40. ^ "Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Harford County". Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  41. ^ "David R. Craig, Maryland Secretary of Planning". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  42. ^ "Barry Glassman, County Executive, Harford County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 21, 2025. Retrieved January 19, 2025.
  43. ^ "Omar J. Jones, Jr., County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  44. ^ "Edward L. Cochran Jr., County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on July 14, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  45. ^ a b c "J. Hugh Nichols, County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on June 18, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  46. ^ "William E. Eakle, Interim County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on October 9, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  47. ^ "Elizabeth Bobo, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  48. ^ "Charles I. Ecker, County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  49. ^ "James N. Robey, Maryland State Senator". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  50. ^ "Kenneth S. Ulman, County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  51. ^ "Allan H. Kittleman, County Executive, Howard County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 25, 2024. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
  52. ^ "James P. Gleason, County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  53. ^ "Charles W. Gilchrist, County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  54. ^ "Sidney Kramer, County Executive, Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 6, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  55. ^ "Neal Potter, County Executive , Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  56. ^ "Douglas M. Duncan, County Executive , Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  57. ^ "Isiah (Ike) Leggett, County Executive , Montgomery County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 2, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  58. ^ "Prince Georges Swears In Gullett". The Baltimore Sun. February 8, 1971. p. 22. Retrieved February 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  59. ^ "William W. Gullett, County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on December 5, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  60. ^ "Winfield M. Kelly, Jr., County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  61. ^ "Lawrence J. Hogan, Sr., County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  62. ^ "Parris N. Glendening, Maryland Governor". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  63. ^ "Wayne K. Curry, County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on August 14, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  64. ^ "Jack B. Johnson, County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 16, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  65. ^ "Rushern L. Baker III, County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  66. ^ "Angela D. Alsobrooks, U.S. Senator (Maryland)". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on January 4, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  67. ^ a b "Prince George's County, Maryland - Government, Executive Branch". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
  68. ^ Spencer, Darcy; Cook, Gina (December 2, 2024). "Angela Alsobrooks resigns as Prince George's County executive after Senate win". WRC-TV. Archived from the original on December 17, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  69. ^ Ford, William J. (June 4, 2025). "Braveboy projected to easily claim Prince George's County executive seat". Maryland Matters. Retrieved June 4, 2025.
  70. ^ Gidjunis, Joseph (December 6, 2006). "New county government era begins". The Daily Times. p. 1. Retrieved February 11, 2025 – via Newspapers.com.
  71. ^ "Richard M. Pollitt, Jr., County Executive, Wicomico County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  72. ^ "Robert L. Culver, Jr., County Executive, Wicomico County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  73. ^ Powers, Kelly (September 18, 2020). "Administration head John Psota will continue as acting Wicomico County executive". The Daily Times. Archived from the original on June 3, 2023. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  74. ^ Peck, Louis (August 2, 2022). "Acting Wicomico Co. Exec John Psota defeated by teacher Julie Giordano in bid for full term". Maryland Matters. Archived from the original on November 4, 2024. Retrieved February 11, 2025.
  75. ^ "John D. Psota, Acting County Executive, Wicomico County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved February 11, 2025.