County Council in Councilmanic District 5, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Johnny Mercer — County Council in Councilmanic District 5, Maryland

  Johnny Mercer is a Democratic candidate running for the Frederick County Council in Councilmanic District 5. Having grown up on his grandfather's rhododendron farm, Mercer developed a profound appreciation for Maryland's agricultural roots and the importance of responsible land use. In his campaign, he strongly advocates for preserving rural landscapes, protecting clean water sources, and pushing back against unchecked suburban sprawl. Mercer is deeply committed to ensuring that local growth serves the community, prioritizing smart infrastructure investments and fully funded public education. He aims to give working families and farmers a vital voice.

• Mason Carter — Republican Central Committee in Frederick, Maryland

  Mason Carter is a Republican serving on the Frederick County Council, representing Councilmanic District 5 in Maryland. Elected in November 2022 at eighteen years old, he is the youngest councilman in the county and state. Born in Frederick County, Carter graduated from Walkersville High School in 2022 and earned a business degree from Frederick Community College in 2024. He is pursuing a finance degree at the University of Maryland Global Campus. Before taking office, he was a campaign manager and a County Representative to the Maryland Center for School Safety. He serves on the county's Board of Health.

• Chase A. Borns — County Council in Councilmanic District 5, Maryland

  Chase A. Borns is a Republican political figure and resident of Thurmont, Maryland, who ran a campaign for the office of County Council, representing Councilmanic District 5 in Frederick County. Borns launched his electoral bid in June 2025, organizing his official committee under the name Patriots for Chase Borns. Demonstrating a strong interest in local civic affairs, he engaged with municipal governance by delivering public comments during the Frederick County Council budget meetings in the spring of 2025. Public records indicate that Borns officially withdrew his active candidacy for the County Council seat in early October 2025.