Montgomery County Executive

2 candidates · General election, November 3, 2026

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

Will Jawando

Democrat · $59K raised (state filings)
Strongly left · AI estimate from their own website and their Wikipedia article (79% confidence)

Esther Wells

Republican · $53K raised (state filings)
Not enough public record yet to place on the left–right scale.

Filled dots are published academic scores; hollow dots are AI estimates from the candidate's own public record. How placements work.

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Quick answers

Who is running for Montgomery County Executive in 2026?
Will Jawando (Democrat) and Esther Wells (Republican).
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 Montgomery 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 is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Early voting and mail-ballot deadlines vary by state; check your state or county election office.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Montgomery County ballot.

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