Jud Ashman, the current mayor of Gaithersburg, has declared victory in the Democratic primary for the Montgomery County Council's District 3 seat. With nearly 46% of the votes counted as of Wednesday morning, Ashman surpassed Rockville City Council member Izola Shaw by a margin of fewer than 400 votes.
In his victory statement, Ashman emphasized his commitment to fiscal responsibility and the need for affordable living options for families in the county. He stated, “What I’ve learned in City Hall is what I want to bring to the County: fiscal responsibility, a growing tax base, and a place where families of every age can actually afford to stay and build a life.”
The outcome of this primary is particularly significant as Montgomery County's Democratic primary often determines the winner of the general election in November. Ashman is set to face Ricky Fai Mui, the sole Republican candidate, in the upcoming general election.
While Shaw had a stronger showing on primary day, Ashman's success in early voting and mail-in ballots ultimately secured his victory. He acknowledged the work ahead in his statement, noting the importance of addressing the challenges posed by the Republican challenger.
Ashman has been serving as Gaithersburg's mayor since 2014 and was previously a member of the Gaithersburg City Council from 2007 until his election as mayor. Throughout his campaign, he focused on key issues such as economic development, revitalizing aging neighborhoods, and increasing the supply of affordable housing.
Shaw, who has been on the Rockville City Council since 2023, campaigned on similar issues, including affordable housing and workers’ rights, along with a focus on strengthening county schools. The primary results leave one contest unresolved for an at-large seat on the County Council, where Karla Silvestre and Fatmata Barrie are vying for a position.
Reported by HarborBeat based on The Baltimore Banner (source).
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