County Council in Montgomery County District 5, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Charles Kirchman — Democratic Central Committee in Legislative District 14, Maryland

  Charles Kirchman is an information technology specialist running as a Democratic candidate for the Democratic Central Committee in Maryland's Legislative District 14. A longtime resident of Montgomery County, Kirchman has demonstrated a sustained commitment to public service and local civic engagement. Prior to his current campaign for the Central Committee, he sought election to the Montgomery County Council, participating in both the District 2 Democratic primary in 2010 and the District 5 race in 2026. With a background that merges technical expertise and civic involvement, Kirchman is dedicated to supporting local Democratic initiatives.

• Kristin Mink — County Council in Councilmanic District 5, Maryland

  Kristin Mink, a Democrat, represents District 5 on the Montgomery County Council since December 2022. A first-generation Chinese-American, she was born and raised in the county, attending Montgomery Blair High School. Mink is a former Montgomery County Public Schools teacher and previously worked as the Senior Legislative Organizer for the Center for Popular Democracy, a national nonprofit advocating for justice. On the council, she serves on the Public Safety and the Education and Culture Committees. Her policy priorities include tenant protections, infrastructure investment, expanded healthcare access, and promoting clean energy.

• Josephine Salazar — Republican Central Committee in Legislative District 14, Maryland

  Josephine Salazar is a Republican candidate running for Montgomery County Council in District 5. A results-driven leader, she has a background in technology policy, advocacy for parents and students, and support for farmers and small businesses. Salazar has also been a strong voice against the fentanyl crisis and a proponent of secure and transparent elections. She is committed to fighting for working families and ensuring responsible government. In 2024, Salazar was elected as a Trump Delegate to the Republican National Convention. Her platform prioritizes affordability, safer communities, better schools, and a stronger job market for Maryland.