Atterbeary Announces Bid for Howard County Executive, Forgoing Potential Speaker Role

Delegate Vanessa E. Atterbeary, chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, will forgo a run for reelection and a potential shot at speaker of the House to make a bid for Howard County executive in 2026. Atterbeary revealed her decision in an interview, explaining that she came to this conclusion after a challenging budget session and her 50th birthday in June. The formal announcement is scheduled for an October 15 event, marking a significant career shift for the prominent Democrat.

Atterbeary expressed her affection for legislative work in Annapolis but indicated that the recent session prompted deeper consideration of her future direction. She joins an increasingly crowded field that already includes Howard County Councilperson Deb Jung and fellow Delegate Jessica Feldmark, both Democrats seeking to succeed term-limited County Executive Calvin Ball. The competition features notable overlap, as both Atterbeary and Feldmark currently serve on the influential House Ways and Means Committee, with Feldmark chairing the revenue subcommittee since 2023.

The political implications of Atterbeary's decision extend beyond the county executive race. Appointed to lead the House Ways and Means Committee in 2022 by House Speaker Adrienne Jones, Atterbeary had been widely considered a potential successor should Jones decide not to seek an eighth full term. Jones, who turns 71 in November, filed for re-election in June, but the leadership question remains relevant for the Democratic Party's future in Maryland. Atterbeary acknowledged the expectations surrounding her potential speakership candidacy, noting that many anticipated she would remain in the legislature to pursue that path.

The decision reflects broader considerations about political priorities and leadership impact. Atterbeary mentioned that supporters approached her about running for county executive over a year ago, but she initially dismissed the idea while focusing on pressing budget issues. The challenging legislative sessions of recent years, particularly regarding fiscal matters, required her full attention as Ways and Means chair. Her transition to county politics suggests a desire for more direct executive experience and community-level leadership.

This development significantly alters the political landscape in Howard County and potentially in the Maryland General Assembly. The open county executive seat, created by term limits, has attracted multiple experienced candidates with legislative backgrounds. Atterbeary's entry brings substantial committee leadership experience and statewide policy knowledge to the race. Meanwhile, her departure from the speaker succession conversation creates new opportunities within House leadership ranks. The timing of her announcement, more than two years before the election, allows for extensive campaign preparation while continuing her current legislative duties through the remainder of her term.