MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now) — Montgomery County At-Large Councilmember Evan Glass (D) announced Wednesday that he is running for county executive in 2026.
The announcement comes after Montgomery County voters overwhelmingly passed an amendment in favor of term limits on Election Day, foiling county executive Marc Elrich’s plans to run for the office for a third time. County executives were previously limited to serving three consecutive terms.
On Wednesday, Glass’ X bio reflected his decision to run, reading: “Candidate for Montgomery County Executive.” His website also reflected the announcement, inviting voters to attend a campaign kickoff event on March 22.
Glass, the first openly gay man to serve on the Montgomery County Council, was elected to office in 2018 and is currently serving his second term as an At-Large councilmember. He chairs the Transportation & Environment Committee and is a member of the Economic Development Committee.
According to the Council’s webpage, Glass’s priorities for the year include “addressing the climate crisis” through environmental legislation and clean energy initiatives, addressing housing and affordability, striving toward transit equity and achieving Vision Zero (ending traffic deaths).
During his time on the Council, Glass has passed legislation to close the gender pay gap, led the effort to create the COVID-19 rental assistance fund, provided emergency funding for the nonprofit sector during the pandemic and led the effort to increase the size of the Council from nine to 11 members.
Prior to serving on the Council, Glass spent 12 years as a CNN journalist, covering national politics, presidential campaigns and Congress.
If elected to the seat, Glass would be the first openly LGBTQ+ county executive. The candidate filing period for the 2026 primary opened March 6 and will run through Feb. 24, 2026. Glass is one of the first candidates to announce a run, following Celeste Iroha.
