List of county executives of Maryland

Current county executives of Maryland:

  Democratic (6)

  Republican (3)

  County does not have an executive

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 ^[update] , 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	—N/a [a]	[4]
Cecil		Adam Streight (born 1974)	December 2, 2024		Republican	2024	[5]
Frederick		Jessica Fitzwater (born 1983) [6]	December 5, 2022		Democratic	2022	[7]
Harford		Robert Cassilly (born 1958)	December 5, 2022		Republican	2022	[8]
Howard		Calvin Ball III (born 1975)	December 3, 2018		Democratic	2018 2022	[9]
Montgomery		Marc Elrich (born 1949)	December 3, 2018		Democratic	2018 2022	[10]
Prince George's		Aisha Braveboy (born 1974)	June 18, 2025		Democratic	2025 (special)	[11]
Wicomico		Julie Giordano (born 1981)	December 6, 2022		Republican	2022	[12]

Executives by county

Anne Arundel

Executives of Anne Arundel County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
—N/a	Joseph W. Alton (1919–2013)	February 1, 1965 [13]  – December 2, 1974 [14]		Republican	1965 [15] 1970 [16]	[17]
—N/a	Robert A. Pascal (1934–2021)	December 2, 1974 [14]  –1982		Republican	1974 1978	[18]
	O. James Lighthizer (born 1946)	1982 –1990		Democratic	1982 1986	[19]
	Robert R. Neall (born 1948)	1990 –1994		Republican	1990	[20]
—N/a	John G. Gary (1943–2025) [21]	1994 –1998		Republican	1994	[22]
—N/a	Janet S. Owens (born 1944)	1998 –2006		Democratic	1998 2002	[23]
	John R. Leopold (born 1943)	December 4, 2006 – February 1, 2013 [b]		Republican	2006 2010	[24]
—N/a	John R. Hammond Acting	February 2013		Republican	—N/a	[25]
	Laura Neuman (born 1965)	February 22, 2013 – December 1, 2014		Republican	—N/a [c]	[27]
	Steve Schuh (born 1960)	December 1, 2014 – December 3, 2018		Republican	2014	[28]
	Steuart Pittman (born 1961)	December 3, 2018 – present		Democratic	2018 2022	[2]

Baltimore

Main article: Baltimore County Executive

Cecil

Executives of Cecil County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
	Tari Moore	December 3, 2012 – December 5, 2016		Independent [d]	2012	[29]
				Republican
	Alan McCarthy (born 1947)	December 5, 2016 – December 7, 2020		Republican	2016	[31]
	Danielle Hornberger (born 1981)	December 7, 2020 – December 2, 2024		Republican	2020	[32]
	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	[33]
	Jessica Fitzwater (born 1983) [6]	December 5, 2022 – present		Democratic	2022	[7]

Harford

Executives of Harford County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
—N/a	Charles Anderson (born 1931)	December 28, 1972 – December 4, 1978		Democratic [34]	1972 [35] 1974	[36]
—N/a	J. Thomas Barranger (1947–2011) [37]	December 4, 1978 – December 6, 1982		Democratic [34]	1978	[38]
—N/a	Habern W. Freeman (born 1941)	December 6, 1982 – December 3, 1990		Democratic	1982 1986	[39]
	Eileen M. Rehrmann (born 1944)	December 3, 1990 – December 7, 1998		Democratic	1990 1994	[40]
	James M. Harkins (born 1953)	December 7, 1998 – June 30, 2005		Republican	1998 2002	[41]
	David R. Craig (born 1949)	July 4, 2005 – December 1, 2014		Republican	2006 [e] 2010	[43]
	Barry Glassman (born 1962)	December 1, 2014 – December 5, 2022		Republican	2014 2018	[44]
	Robert Cassilly (born 1958)	December 5, 2022 – present		Republican	2022	[8]

Howard

Executives of Howard County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
—N/a	Omar Jones (born 1913)	January 28, 1969 – 1974		Democratic		[45]
—N/a	Edward L. Cochran (born 1929)	December 1974 – December 1978		Democratic	1974	[46]
—N/a	J. Hugh Nichols (1930–2015)	December 1978 – July 1986		Democratic	1978 1982	[47]
				Republican [f]
—N/a	Ned Eakle (1926–2012) Acting	October 22, 1986 – December 1986		Democratic	—N/a [g]	[48]
	Elizabeth Bobo (born 1943)	December 1, 1986 – December 3, 1990		Democratic	1986	[49]
—N/a	Chuck Ecker (1928–2015)	December 3, 1990 – December 1998		Republican	1990 1994	[50]
	James N. Robey (born 1941)	December 1998 – December 4, 2006		Democratic	1998 2002	[51]
	Kenneth Ulman (born 1974)	December 4, 2006 – December 1, 2014		Democratic	2006 2010	[52]
	Allan H. Kittleman (born 1958)	December 1, 2014 – December 3, 2018		Republican	2014	[53]
	Calvin Ball III (born 1975)	December 3, 2018 – present		Democratic	2018 2022	[9]

Montgomery

Executives of Montgomery County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
—N/a	James P. Gleason (1921–2008)	December 7, 1970 – December 4, 1978		Republican	1970 1974	[54]
—N/a	Charles W. Gilchrist (1936–1999)	December 4, 1978 – December 1, 1986		Democratic	1978 1982	[55]
	Sidney Kramer (1925–2022)	December 1, 1986 – December 3, 1990		Democratic	1986	[56]
—N/a	Neal Potter (1915–2008)	December 3, 1990 – December 7, 1994		Democratic	1990	[57]
	Doug Duncan (born 1955)	December 7, 1994 – December 4, 2006		Democratic	1994 1998 2002	[58]
	Ike Leggett (born 1944)	December 4, 2006 – December 3, 2018		Democratic	2006 2010 2014	[59]
	Marc Elrich (born 1949)	December 3, 2018 – present		Democratic	2018 2022	[10]

Prince George's

Executives of Prince George's County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
—N/a	William W. Gullett (1922–2015)	February 8, 1971 [60]  – 1974		Republican	1971	[61]
—N/a	Winfield M. Kelly Jr. (1935–2023)	1974 – 1978		Democratic	1974	[62]
	Lawrence Hogan (1928–2017)	December 1978 – December 19, 1982		Republican	1978	[63]
	Parris Glendening (born 1942)	December 19, 1982 – December 1994		Democratic	1982 1986 1990	[64]
—N/a	Wayne Curry (1951–2014)	December 1994 – December 2, 2002		Democratic	1994 1998	[65]
—N/a	Jack B. Johnson (born 1949)	December 2, 2002 – December 6, 2010		Democratic	2002 2006	[66]
	Rushern Baker (born 1958)	December 6, 2010 – December 3, 2018		Democratic	2010 2014	[67]
	Angela Alsobrooks (born 1971)	December 3, 2018 – December 2, 2024		Democratic	2018 2022	[68]
	Tara Jackson Acting	December 2, 2024 – June 18, 2025		Democratic	—N/a [h]	[69] [70]
	Aisha Braveboy (born 1974)	June 18, 2025 – present		Democratic	2025	[11]

Wicomico

Executives of Wicomico County

Image	Executive	Tenure	Party		Election(s)	Ref.
	Richard M. Pollitt Jr. (born 1952)	December 5, 2006 [71]  – December 2, 2014		Democratic	2006 2010	[72]
	Bob Culver (1952–2020)	December 2, 2014 – July 26, 2020		Republican	2014 2018	[73]
	John Psota (born 1963)	July 26, 2020 – December 6, 2022		Republican	—N/a [i]	[76]
	Julie Giordano (born 1981)	December 6, 2022 – present		Republican	2022	[12]

See also

• List of mayors of Baltimore  –the head of the independent city of Baltimore

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. ^[24]
3. Neuman was selected by the Anne Arundel County Council to serve the rest of Leopold's term. ^[26]
4. While Moore won election as a Republican, she became an independent on November 29, 2012, ^[29] before entering office. ^[30] She rejoined the Republicans on November 11, 2013. ^[29]
5. Craig became executive after Harkins resigned; ^[41] he was elected to a full term in 2006. ^[42]
6. Nichols left the Democrats for the Republicans in 1986. ^[47]
7. Eakle became acting executive after the resignation of Nichols. ^[47]
8. Jackson became acting executive after Angela Alsobrooks was elected to the U.S. Senate. ^[69]
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. ^[74] He ran for a full term in 2022, but was defeated in the Republican primary by Julie Giordano. ^[75]

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. "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. "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. "Help us wish the County Executive a Happy Birthday!". Archive of Political Emails. December 26, 2024. We know the holiday season is in full swing, and life can get hectic this time of year, so we won't take too much of your time, but today is Jessica's 41st birthday!
7. "Jessica E. Fitzwater, County Executive, Frederick County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives . Retrieved January 18, 2025.
8. "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.
9. "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.
10. "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.
11. "Aisha N. Braveboy, County Executive, Prince George's County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
12. "Julie M. Giordano, County Executive, Wicomico County, Maryland". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives . Retrieved January 18, 2025.
13. "Alton takes oath in $18,000 post". The News . Associated Press. February 2, 1965. p. 14. Retrieved February 12, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
14. "Swearing-in ceremonies are conducted". The Evening Sun . December 3, 1974. p. C28. Retrieved February 12, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
15. "Alton calls for 'total effort' in Arundel". The Evening Sun . January 27, 1965. p. C26. Retrieved February 12, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
16. "Alton re-elected as executive; Beall tops Tydings for Senate". The Capital . November 4, 1970. p. 1. Retrieved February 12, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
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18. "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.
19. "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.
20. "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.
21. Matheson, James (July 22, 2025). "John Gary, Anne Arundel County executive in the '90s, dies". Capital Gazette . Retrieved July 22, 2025.
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23. "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.
24. "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.
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28. "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.
29. "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.
30. 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.
31. "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.
32. "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.
33. "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.
34. "Harford County - Government, County Executives". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 4, 2025. Retrieved January 18, 2025.
35. 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
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40. "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.
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42. "Official 2006 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Harford County". Maryland State Board of Elections . Retrieved January 19, 2025.
43. "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.
44. "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.
45. "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.
46. "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.
47. "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.
48. "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.
49. "Elizabeth Bobo, Maryland State Delegate". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives. Archived from the original on February 8, 2025. Retrieved February 8, 2025.
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64. "Parris N. Glendening, Maryland Governor". Maryland Manual On-Line. Maryland State Archives . Retrieved February 11, 2025.
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66. "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.
67. "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.
68. "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.
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70. 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.
71. Gidjunis, Joseph (December 6, 2006). "New county government era begins". The Daily Times . p. 1. Retrieved February 11, 2025– via Newspapers.com.
72. "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.
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74. 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.
75. 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.
76. "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.