County Executive in Frederick, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Jessica Fitzwater — County Executive in Frederick, Maryland

  Jessica Fitzwater serves as the Democratic County Executive for Frederick County, Maryland, a position she assumed in December 2022. Her election to the county's highest office followed an eight-year tenure on the Frederick County Council, where she represented District 4 for two consecutive terms from 2014 to 2022. During her service on the council, Fitzwater was involved in key legislative efforts, including initiatives to expand affordable workforce housing and the establishment of a Human Trafficking Task Force. Before her career in public service, Fitzwater dedicated over 16 years to education as a music teacher at Oakdale Elementary School. Her academic background includes a bachelor's degree in music from St. Mary's College of Maryland and a master's degree in educational leadership from Hood College.

• Diane Fouche — County Executive in Frederick, Maryland

  Diane Fouché is a Republican candidate for County Executive of Frederick County, Maryland. With 25 years of experience in civil service, she is the former Director of the Frederick County Office of Procurement and Contracting. Fouché's campaign platform centers on responsible, community-driven growth, the protection of farmland, and ensuring infrastructure precedes development. She is a vocal opponent of data center expansion and has expressed concerns about the county's spending. Her career in government also includes positions in Montgomery and Howard counties. Fouché advocates for accountable, transparent, and fiscally responsible governance to benefit families and businesses in Frederick County.

• William J. Holtzinger — County Executive in Frederick, Maryland

  William “Jeff” Holtzinger is a Republican candidate for Frederick County Executive. A native of Frederick, he brings a diverse background to his campaign, with experience as both a civil engineer and a practicing attorney. Holtzinger previously served as the Mayor of the City of Frederick from 2005 to 2009. His campaign emphasizes practical governance and his experience in managing municipal growth and infrastructure. He earned his B.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Maryland and his J.D. from The Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. Holtzinger resides in Frederick with his wife, Pam, and their four children.