Howard County Executive

What this office does

The county's elected chief executive, found in charter counties such as most of Maryland's. Runs county departments, prepares and proposes the annual budget to the county council, and can sign or veto the bills the council passes.

Candidates

Next elections here

• 2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Howard County ballots

• Howard County Clerk of the Circuit Court
• Howard County Council, Councilmanic District 1
• Howard County Council, Councilmanic District 2
• Howard County Council, Councilmanic District 3
• Howard County Council, Councilmanic District 4
• Howard County Council, Councilmanic District 5
• Howard County Register of Wills
• Howard County Sheriff
• Howard County State's Attorney

All Howard County races and measures →

Quick answers

Who is running for Howard County Executive in 2026?

Vanessa Atterbeary (Democrat) and Nater Kane (Green).

What does this office do?

The county's elected chief executive, found in charter counties such as most of Maryland's. Runs county departments, prepares and proposes the annual budget to the county council, and can sign or veto the bills the council passes.

Who should I vote for in the Howard County Executive race?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.

When is the election?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.