In highly competitive races for the next Prince George’s County executive and the council’s District 5 seat that have featured criticism and critique in the final weeks, Monday is the final day of early voting and Election Day is Tuesday.
The next county executive will inherit an estimated $170 million budget shortfall that is only expected to grow as federal spending cuts, the firing of government workers, and costs shifted from the state to the county are reflected in economic projections.
“Taxes are too high in Prince George’s, but I don’t know if they can fix that quickly with all that’s going on,†Hyattsville voter Lydia Martin. “With what’s going on at the White House now, I see what’s happening there and it’s awful.â€
The winner of this race will be up for reelection in the 2026 midterm elections.
Nine Democratic are on the ballot for county executive, although Council Chair Jolene Ivey (D) withdrew from the race in early February. Dozens of forums allowed voters from across the county to hear the ideas and perspectives of the diverse field, including some veteran lawmakers and some political novices with business acumen.
State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D) has been in the front-runner position since Jolene Ivey withdrew. The of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) on Feb. 19 has strengthened her position and she is also supported by several members of the Prince George’s County Council and Sen. Ron Watson (D).
She has pledged to invest in local business development to help improve the County economy.
No polls in the county executive race have been publicly released since the November poll conducted by the Ivey campaign, which showed a competitive race between the council chair and Braveboy, with former County Executive Rushern Baker and County Council member Calvin Hawkins (D) trailing respectively.
Braveboy has sent the most mailers of any candidate, including joint sample ballots alongside Council District 5 candidate Shayla Adams-Stafford. Adams-Stafford released a poll last week that showed her with a wide lead over her nearest competitor, CountyStat Director Ryan Middleton (D).
County Council member Calvin Hawkins (D), buoyed by endorsements from Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D), former Congressman Al Wynn, and state Sen. Nick Charles (D-District 25), has relied on his vast personal network and mailers to spread his message. He has pledged to continue the work of his predecessor on public safety, growing the county economy, and fiscal management.
Alsobrooks plans to join him at the polls on March 4.
Baker has taken a critical tone regarding the direction of the county during his campaign, particularly regarding crime and the response to the January snowstorm that left many Prince Georgians unable to leave their homes. His campaign has run social media ads and even did a robocall to criticize crime trends while Braveboy has served as the State’s Attorney, particularly a spike in carjackings in 2023.
He has also received endorsements from County Council member Sydney Harrison (D- District 9) and a coalition of Prince George’s police and firefighters unions.
“We are facing significant, unique challenges, and those challenges will impact our budget,†acting County Executive Tara Jackson on Feb. 13. “This year, challenges with the state budget and the federal government are adding to the challenges we have already faced and are impacting the fiscal health of our local government.â€
Election Day will be held on Tuesday, March 4. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The list of voting locations is available .