County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Jessica Ryley Hammond — County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland

  Jessica Ryley Hammond is a Democratic candidate for Harford County Council in District C. A full-time track counselor for the Maryland Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association, she is a dedicated advocate for the well-being of both people and animals in her community. Hammond's campaign platform centers on key issues such as ensuring transparency in local government, promoting community safety, and advocating for responsible green growth in Harford County. She is also the administrator of "Beyond The Wire," a program that helps transition retired racehorses to new homes and careers. Her commitment to service has been recognized with the 2022 David Richardson Community Award for her outstanding contributions to the thoroughbred industry.

• Paula S. Etting — County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland

  Paula S. Etting is a Republican candidate for County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland. A 28-year resident of Bel Air, she was elected to the Bel Air Board of Town Commissioners in 2021 and has served as Mayor since 2023. Her political platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, public safety, and thoughtfully managed development. Etting is an attorney who worked in the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office and for the Harford County Department of Law for 27 years before retiring. She is a graduate of Johns Hopkins University and the University of Maryland School of Law. As a long-time resident and conservative Republican, she aims to represent District C with a focus on what is best for Harford County.

• Charles "Chas" Hagan — County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland

  Charles "Chas" Hagan is a Republican candidate for Harford County Council in Councilmanic District C. A resident of Harford County since 2002, he has been married to his wife, Patty, for 43 years, and their three children and all their grandchildren also reside in the county. Hagan had a 28-year career in education, serving for 18 years as a principal at Harford Technical High School and Southampton Middle School. He is the former President of the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals and was appointed by the Governor to the Professional Standards and Teacher Education Board. His campaign platform emphasizes fiscal discipline and public safety.

• Tim Murphy — County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland

  Tim Murphy, a Republican, is a candidate for Harford County Council in District C, which includes Bel Air and parts of Forest Hill. At 34 years old, this is his first time running for public office. Murphy works in the banking technology field. His campaign platform prioritizes addressing issues related to schools, managing development, and protecting the environment within the county. He has expressed a desire to preserve the character of Harford County for future generations.

• Mike Ciufo — President of the County Council in Harford, Maryland

  Mike Ciufo is a Democratic candidate running for President of the Harford County Council in Maryland. An active member of the local Democratic party, he is involved with the Harford County Democratic Central Committee, the official governing body for the party within the county. The council presidency is a key leadership position, tasked with presiding over the county's legislative branch as it enacts local laws and approves the annual budget. This campaign marks Ciufo's most visible public role. While his party affiliation and candidacy are clear, detailed public information regarding his professional career, educational background, and prior community involvement is limited. His campaign serves as the principal platform for voters to evaluate his qualifications and vision.

• Zach Schulz — County Council in Councilmanic District C, Maryland

  Zach Schulz is a Republican candidate seeking election to the County Council for Maryland's Councilmanic District C. His campaign is centered on addressing the core issues and concerns that directly impact the residents of his community. He is committed to bringing a fresh and dedicated perspective to the council, with a focus on fiscal responsibility and transparent governance. Schulz's platform emphasizes his dedication to serving the public and working to create effective solutions for the district. He is focused on ensuring a prosperous and safe environment for the families and businesses within his constituency, and he is eager to earn the support of the voters in the upcoming election.