County Council in Montgomery County District 3, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Jud Ashman — County Council in Councilmanic District 3, Maryland

  Jud Ashman, a Democrat running for Montgomery County Council in District 3, has a long history of public service. He has served as the Mayor of Gaithersburg since 2014, and prior to that, was a member of the City Council for seven years. A small business owner, Ashman is known for founding the Gaithersburg Book Festival and his focus on fiscal responsibility, public safety, and community engagement. During his tenure as mayor, Gaithersburg has maintained one of the lowest property tax rates for a large city in Maryland and has seen a decline in crime. He holds a master's degree in Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Maryland.

• Allison Eriksen — County Council in Councilmanic District 3, Maryland

  Allison Eriksen is a progressive Democrat running for Montgomery County Council in District 3. A Gaithersburg resident, she is a former international disaster preparedness and response expert for USAID. Eriksen aims to leverage her experience to ensure the county is ready for future crises, both natural and otherwise. Her campaign priorities include creating safer streets, supporting working families, building more housing, and protecting communities from discrimination. She was motivated to run for local office after seeing a lack of action at the national level to address critical program cuts. District 3 primarily encompasses Gaithersburg and Rockville.

• Izola "Zola" Shaw — County Council in Councilmanic District 3, Maryland

  Izola "Zola" Shaw, a Democratic candidate for County Council in Councilmanic District 3, Maryland, currently serves on the Rockville City Council. A dedicated public servant with two decades of experience in government, she is a vocal advocate for affordable housing and rent stabilization. Shaw has contributed to her community through service on various bodies, including the Montgomery County Racial Equity and Social Justice Advisory Committee. She holds a bachelor's degree from Howard University and a master's degree from Johns Hopkins University, and is committed to building a more equitable and affordable Montgomery County.

• Ricky Fai Mui — County Council in Councilmanic District 3, Maryland

  Ricky Fai Mui is a Republican candidate for County Council in Maryland's Councilmanic District 3. A Navy veteran with 12 years of service, he is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a master's degree in Business Administration. His professional experience includes roles at Frito Lay and as a management consultant for Accenture. Mui has been actively involved in his community, serving on the Rockville City Commission and as a delegate for the MCCPTA. In 2024, he was a candidate for the Montgomery County Board of Education. His campaign focuses on bringing his leadership experience from the military and business sectors to the County Council.