3-03-2025 4:58am

TU GRAD FIRST

1st County Executive Candidate Officially Enters Race

A council member announced he will run for Baltimore County executive. He's the first candidate to enter the race.

CATONSVILLE, MD — Baltimore County Council Member Pat Young (D-Catonsville) is running for county executive in 2026, The Baltimore Banner first reported. He's the first official candidate in the race.

Young announced his candidacy on Thursday. He held the campaign launch outside his alma mater of Woodbridge Valley Elementary School, The Baltimore Sun said.

"When I was a young boy, growing up right here in this community, I was taught that we have a profound duty to defend others," Young said on Facebook. "That lesson from childhood has guided me throughout my journey in public service, and it still guides me to this very day."

The 41-year-old served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005, completing two combat tours in Iraq and a humanitarian mission in Liberia.

In 2010, Young graduated from Towson University, where he earned degrees in political science, religious studies and philosophy.

He later served in the Maryland House of Delegates from January 2015 to December 2022. He has represented District 1 on the County Council ever since.

"I'm ready to build on our progress and create a more transparent, inclusive government that works for every resident– no matter what zip code they live in. This campaign will take me onto the doorsteps and into the neighborhoods of every corner of Baltimore County, and I couldn't be more excited for the days that lie ahead. Let's get to work!" Young wrote on Facebook.

The County Council last month selected former State Sen. Kathy Klausmeier (D) to be the next county executive. Klausmeier will finish the term of now-Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-District 2), but she promised not to run for county executive in 2026.

That leaves an open field in the race.

Rumored candidates include District 2's Izzy Patoka (D-Pikesville) and District 4's Julian Jones (D-Woodstock). Neither has officially declared their candidacy.

The Sun said State Sen. Charles Sydnor (District 44) and Nick Stewart, co-founder of the progressive lobbying group We The People, are considering running as Democrats.

Voters can learn more about Young at patyoung.us.