County Council in Montgomery County District 7, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Van Free — County Council in Councilmanic District 7, Maryland

  Van Free is a Democratic candidate for Montgomery County Council in District 7. A lifelong resident of the district, he served as a firefighter for 15 years before an injury prompted a career change. Drawing on his experience, he then started a small business within the community. Now, Free is running for office with a focus on several key areas, including enhancing transportation infrastructure, ensuring equitable distribution of county services, protecting the county's Agricultural Reserve from urban sprawl, and addressing school overcrowding and mental health resources for students. His campaign emphasizes his deep roots and commitment to the residents of District 7.

• Sharif Hidayat — County Council in Councilmanic District 7, Maryland

  Sharif Hidayat is a Democratic candidate for County Council in Maryland's Councilmanic District 7. A former Montgomery County police officer, Hidayat is running on a platform focused on addressing traffic issues, what he describes as wasteful spending, and improving public safety. He has previously run for the same council seat in 2022, for Mayor of Laytonsville in 2023, and for the school board in 2024. Hidayat has pledged not to accept special interest money and plans to donate his council salary to youth development in the district. He aims to provide a more equitable voice for up-county residents in budget decisions.

• Dawn Luedtke — County Council in Councilmanic District 7, Maryland

  Dawn Luedtke, a Democrat, is a member of the Montgomery County Council, representing District 7 since her election in 2022. A former Assistant Attorney General for Maryland, her work has focused on public safety, healthy schools, and behavioral health. On the Council, she serves on the Public Safety and Health and Human Services Committees. Luedtke is a certified law enforcement trainer and has served on various state-level task forces and work groups related to school safety and mental health. She earned a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and a J.D. from the University of Maryland School of Law. Luedtke lives in Ashton with her husband and four children.

• Harold Maldonado — County Council in Councilmanic District 7, Maryland

  Harold Maldonado was a Republican candidate for Montgomery County Council in District 7, Maryland. A Bolivian immigrant who attended Montgomery County public schools, he is an economist by training with over 25 years of professional experience in the public and private sectors, specializing in economic development. Maldonado holds a Master's degree in Economic Development and a Bachelor's degree in Economics from The Catholic University of America. His campaign platform focused on promoting economic growth, ensuring quality education, and improving public safety within the county. He was on the general election ballot on November 8, 2022.