The race to succeed Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski’s position in 2026 is taking shape, with State Senator Charles E. Sydnor III potentially joining a field of Democratic candidates pushing for expanded government and controversial housing mandates.
Sydnor, 50, who has threatened legal action against the County Council over civil rights claims, confirmed Tuesday he’s “considering” a run for the position. This development comes as Olszewski campaigns for Congress against Republican Kim Klacik, leaving behind a legacy of increased government spending and federal oversight.
The potential candidates, all Democrats, include Council Chair Izzy Patoka, Councilman Julian Jones, and Councilman Pat Young, suggesting a continuation of progressive policies that have characterized Olszewski’s tenure. The position, which comes with a $192,000 taxpayer-funded salary, would oversee implementation of controversial housing mandates and expanded bureaucracy.
Of particular concern is the looming ballot measure to expand the seven-member council by two seats, a move critics say is more about progressive political engineering than effective governance. While expansion advocates claim the measure would increase diversity, opponents argue it’s an unnecessary expansion of government that could cost taxpayers significantly more, as the measure would also make council positions full-time.
The county faces serious challenges under current Democratic leadership, including federal consent decrees in both the fire department and housing department. Most notably, the county is under federal mandate to build 1,000 units of “affordable housing” by 2027, a controversial requirement that could fundamentally alter established neighborhoods and burden local infrastructure.
Sydnor’s legislative record raises additional concerns for fiscal conservatives. As a state legislator involved in police reform discussions, he has consistently supported progressive policies that critics say prioritize social engineering over practical governance.
The county’s housing mandate, pushed by federal authorities, has met resistance from residents concerned about property values and community stability. Despite this pushback, Sydnor advocates for even more development, stating, “We need businesses to come into the county that pay well, and they can’t do that if there’s no housing for their workers.”
The growing field of potential Democratic candidates suggests a continuing shift toward progressive policies that expand government oversight and spending. This comes as the county already faces significant budgetary challenges and increasing federal intervention in local affairs.
Meanwhile, Republican voices on the current council have expressed concerns about maintaining political balance amid these changes. While they ultimately supported council expansion based on promises of continued bipartisan representation, questions remain about whether such promises will be kept under potential progressive leadership.
The 2026 election could prove pivotal for Baltimore County’s future, determining whether the region continues down a path of expanded government control and federal oversight, or returns to more traditional principles of local governance and fiscal responsibility.