Julian Jones Elected First Black Baltimore County Executive
Julian Jones won the Baltimore County executive election with over 62% of the vote, becoming the first Black person to lead the jurisdiction.
Democratic Councilman Julian Jones won the election for Baltimore County executive on November 3, 2026, defeating Republican Patrick Dyer with more than 62% of the vote. Jones becomes the first Black person elected to lead the county, extending a Democratic hold on the office that began in 1990.
In his victory speech, Jones pledged to prioritize public safety by improving police response times and conducting a comprehensive review of county finances and operations. His platform includes constructing 15 new schools, creating two year-round aquatic centers, expanding youth employment, and addressing the affordable housing crisis. He also vowed to oppose federal policies under President Donald Trump that could harm local schools and families.
Jones is expected to succeed interim County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, with his four-year term beginning January 1.
Parallel to the executive race, the Baltimore County Council expanded from seven to nine members. The new council holds a slim five-four Democratic majority, including newly elected members Ruben Amaya, Karson Kamenetz, and Makeda Scott, the first Black woman to serve on the council. Republicans Tim Fazenbaker and Nino Mangione also won seats, though three Democratic candidates have not yet conceded pending the results of mail-in ballots.
