AFRO News endorses candidates in key Maryland and D.C. races ahead of midterm primaries

By Megan Sayles

AFRO Staff Writer

Over the past several weeks, the AFRO has led its comprehensive endorsement process, evaluating candidates for dozens of closely contested races across Maryland and D.C. The deliberation included questionnaires, interviews with select candidates and a review of their positions on racial equity, criminal justice reform, cost-of-living pressures and more.

Voters across Maryland will need to select a candidate for Maryland Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General, Representative in Congress (by District), State Senator (by District), House of Delegates (by District) and Judge of the Circuit Court. 

Each vote counts and no race is too small or unimportant. There are also races for sheriff, school board, central committees and more. 

In Washington, D.C., voters are tasked with selecting a new mayor as Mayor Muriel Bowser exits her post after 11 years of service. In Baltimore County, residents will have to make a choice for county executive in a fiercely competitive race. 

In Maryland, early voting in the 2026 primary election is slated for Thursday, June 11 – June 18. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by or before Tuesday, June 23, which is also Primary Election Day when those who prefer to vote in person will go to the polls. 

In D.C., the primary election will take place on Tuesday, June 16. It marks the first time the Washingtonians will participate in ranked choice voting while casting their ballots. Early voting begins Monday, June 8 and commences on Sunday, June 14. Mail-in ballots must be postmarked by or before Tuesday, June 16, which is Election Day in the District.

Check out the rest of this week’s edition for more endorsements in select races across Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Mayor of the District of Columbia

Janeese Lewis George

The AFRO endorsement for mayor in the District of Columbia goes to Janeese Lewis George, who already has a record of public service via her role as the D.C. Councilmember for Ward 4. Lewis George has run on a platform that prioritizes lower costs for District residents and increased access to affordable housing, childcare and utilities. She believes in a framework that sees economic growth and affordability as interconnected, arguing that stabilizing residents ultimately benefits businesses. Lewis George has presented a clear plan for lowering crime that includes both crime prevention tactics for youth in D.C. and more support for members of law enforcement who take illegal guns off the street and solve crime.

Baltimore County Executive

Julian Jones

As a Baltimore County councilman overseeing District 4, Julian Jones has experience balancing budgets. He aims to make Baltimore County a place where families can thrive through transparency and increasing public-private partnerships. Jones has a vision for economic growth that includes supporting minority owned local businesses by reducing red tape and attracting new businesses by expanding the Economic Development Office to recruit. In his responses to the AFRO Midterm Election Questionnaire, he emphasized his focus on everyday life concerns for constituents, including “fixing the roads people drive on every day and maintaining our infrastructure,” Jones wrote.  

As a former firefighter, Jones understands the challenges of first responders. “Too often, we are asking police to respond to situations they are not best equipped to handle, like mental health crises, welfare checks, and substance abuse issues,” wrote Jones. “I will expand mobile crisis response and make it a first-line option for those calls. My plan doubles the number of mobile crisis units, establishes a 24/7 crisis center, and ensures that people in crisis are met by trained health professionals when law enforcement is not necessary.”

At the same time, Jones said “accountability is critical to building trust.” 

“I led the effort to pass Baltimore County’s first police reform legislation, and as County Executive, I will strengthen the Police Accountability Board by giving it independent legal counsel, dedicated staff, and real oversight authority.”

For his experience and vision for economic expansion, the AFRO endorses Julian Jones for Baltimore County Executive. 

Howard County Executive

Vanessa Atterbeary

The AFRO endorsement for Howard County executive goes to Vanessa Atterbeary. 

Atterbeary presents a clear platform, prioritizing education, safer communities, economic growth and more. 

Prince George’s County Executive

Aisha Braveboy

The AFRO is proud to endorse Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy for re-election. She has a track record of delivering results on several issues, including housing, transportation and more.

Visit the AFRO Votes page for more information

Kevin McNeir contributed to this report.

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