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Idamae Garrott, the first person to serve as Montgomery County Council president under the county’s present form of government 54 years ago, was the closest a woman has come to being elected county executive in Maryland’s largest jurisdiction. Despite progressive values, Montgomery County has yet to elect a woman to the position, unlike other “Big Eight” jurisdictions in the state. However, with state Sen. Katherine Klausmeier being a top contender for Baltimore County’s county executive position, change may be on the horizon.
The recent appointment of Montgomery County Councilmember Kate Stewart as the new council president has raised hopes for increased representation of women in leadership roles. Stewart’s strategic and temperamental qualities have positioned her as a strong candidate for the position. With Montgomery County voters embracing a two-term limit for county executives, the upcoming years will be filled with political maneuvering as potential candidates gear up for the 2026 election.
Despite a lack of women currently in the running for the executive position, there is a push for more female representation in Montgomery County’s government. Two council members have introduced a resolution to prevent a council member running for higher office from serving as council president to ensure cohesion and prevent distractions during troubling times. The council is expected to debate this measure in the future.
As the county looks towards the future, the question remains: where are the women in Montgomery County’s political landscape? With several high-quality public servants and council members eyeing the executive position, now may be the time for Montgomery County to offer voters a wider choice and embrace increased diversity in leadership roles.
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Photo credit marylandmatters.org
