Editor’s note: This story was originally published at 12:22 p.m. on June 11, 2025. It was updated at 5:19 p.m. on June 11, 2025, to include additional information.
Ending months of speculation, Montgomery County Councilmember Andrew Friedson (D-Dist. 1) of Bethesda announced Wednesday he is running for county executive in the 2026 general election.
“As someone who was born and raised here, I know the enormous promise of Montgomery County — but our economy is unacceptably stagnant, housing prices are out of control, and families are getting priced out,” Friedson said in a press release Wednesday announcing his candidacy. “We can once again make Montgomery County a place that leads the region in economic growth, provides our students with a world-class education, and is accessible and welcoming to all.”
Friedson, 39, is running to replace County Executive Marc Elrich (D), who is facing his final two years in office after voters passed a term-limit referendum in November that amends the county charter to restrict the county executive to serving two terms. Elrich is serving the second year of his second four-year term, which will end in 2026.
The shake-up caused by the referendum’s passage has led some councilmembers to enter the county executive race, opening their seats. Friedson will face fellow councilmembers Evan Glass (D-At-large), who announced his candidacy March 12 in an exclusive interview with Bethesda Today, and Will Jawando (D-At-large), who officially announced his run at a May 21 event. Silver Spring resident and registered medical assistant Celeste Iroha (D) also filed to run for the seat in March.
Friedson has raised more than $1 million, but for months would neither confirm nor deny his intention to run. In March, he told Bethesda Today that he is focused on his work as a councilmember and that there will be “plenty of time” for politics later.
Elrich publicly endorsed Jawando at the May 21 event, during which both politicians appeared to attack Friedson and the size of his campaign war chest.
“You cannot elect a county executive who already has millions of dollars from developers,” Elrich said while endorsing Jawando.
Jawando expressed a similar sentiment, urging those in attendance to donate to his campaign.
“One of my opponents has $1 million funded by developers,” he said.
Jawando and his campaign staff did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Bethesda Today on Wednesday afternoon.
“Montgomery County is at a crossroads. The Trump Administration is threatening our economy and our diversity. In this moment, we need steady, progressive leadership to protect our community and the quality of life that makes Montgomery County a welcoming place for all,” Glass said in an email statement to Bethesda Today on Wednesday. “I’m confident that voters recognize the serious challenges we face — and will choose a County Executive with the temperament and experience to fight for our residents.”
Friedson has served on the council since he was elected in 2018, and was the council’s president in 2024. He chairs the council’s Planning, Housing, & Parks Committee and serves on the Government Operations & Fiscal Policy Committee. He is the youngest member of the 11-member council.
Recently, his prominent legislation has included the “More Housing NOW” legislative package and the Jobs, Opportunities and Business Support (J.O.B.S.) economic development initiative, which awarded more than $20 million in grants for local businesses. He also co-sponsored the FAITH zoning text amendment, which allows houses of worship and certain nonprofits to build housing on their land.
During his time as council president, Friedson advocated for increased transparency measures between the council and Montgomery County Public Schools. He also aimed to increase public engagement, which he told Bethesda Today he was proud of in a December 2024 interview.
