Get to Know the TAAAC-Endorsed Candidates

County Executive: James Kitchin

James Kitchin is the standout candidate to serve as our next county executive and has earned the endorsement of TAAAC. Scroll to the right to learn why >>>

James was an educator.

James Kitchin was a teacher himself. His wife, Lauren, is currently a teacher at Crofton Woods Elementary School here in AACPS. From his own experience, and from years hearing his wife’s stories from the classroom, he is the only candidate that understands the stress, pressure, and the workload that teachers face. While his opponents may argue that they have experience because they sat on the school board or were inspired by great teachers, we all know that there is no substitute for standing in front of a room full of young people. Only someone who has the experience of preparing multiple different classes, grading papers on nights and weekends, and dealing with the full range of adolescent behavior can truly understand our work.

James is accountable to voters not developers.

James is the first candidate in Anne Arundel County to participate in the new public campaign finance system. This means he takes no donations larger than $250 and he does not accept donations from PACs of any kind. Meanwhile his opponents can and have accepted donations from the development community and other PACs as large as $6000. They insist that those giant donations don’t sway their votes or opinions, but if that is the case, why are these donors so willing to give these large sums? The only reason that makes sense is the development community wants access and sway with individuals if and when they become elected officials.

James has experience in the executive branch.

James is the only candidate who has experience in the County Executive’s office so he will be able to step into this role on day one. He has worked alongside our current county executive, Steuart Pittman, for the past seven and a half years, seeing him increase investments into our public services including our public education system while also creating a more fiscally-sound county. During his time serving in the executive branch, Kitchin resolved countless constituent issues and has undertaken numerous projects in the county executive’s office. One example stands out: he undertook the mammoth task of coordinating the county’s distribution of COVID-19 vaccines with no blueprint to follow. As a result of his work, Anne Arundel County reached one of the highest levels of fully vaccinated individuals in the state.

County Council Candidates

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Geonta Simmons

District 1 (North County and Meade)

As a member of the Democratic Central Committee, Judiciary Clerk for the Anne Arundel County Circuit Court, and AACPS graduate, Geonta is a candidate who values public education, listens to educators, and supports workers' rights.

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Will Shorter

District 2 (Severn, Old Mill, Glen Burnie)

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Will served as the District 2 representative on the Anne Arundel County Public Library Board of Trustees, running a kindergarten readiness program and facilitating community engagement at a time of great need. His term on the Glen Burnie Economic Revitalization Task Force and the 2040 General Development Plan Citizen Advisory Committee put Will's political experience above the rest.

Rebecca Baucom

District 3 (Northeast, Chesapeake)

A current TAAAC member and long-time special educator, Rebecca clearly has educators' priorities at heart. She will be a strong advocate for AACPS employees, public education, and working families.

Julie Hummer

District 4 (Meade, Arundel)

Julie has been an advocate for children and families throughout her terms as councilmember, Board of Education member, PTA president, AACPS parent, and special education teacher. She has worked to reduce class sizes, expand mental health and special education services, and increase pay for all educators.

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Natalie Ogilvie

District 5 (Severna Park, Broadneck)

Small business owner and AACPS parent, Natalie Ogilvie is ready to fight for pro-public education priorities around right to strike legislation, increased investments in education, affordable housing, and more.

Gavin Buckley

District 6 (Annapolis)

As the former mayor of Annapolis, Gavin's community relationships, clear track record of improving the quality of life within the city of Annapolis, and business connections throughout the district made him stand out in a crowded field. He is also using public campaign financing.

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Spencer Jones

District 6 (Crofton, South River, Southern)

Owning and operating Chick & Ruth's Delly and multiple Five Guys locations, Spencer's campaign is running on inclusivity. He is strongly aligned on educators' priority issues and wants to bring a new, young perspective to Crofton and south county.

Make a Plan to Vote

Elections are our chance to send a clear message that we’re not going back to slashed budgets and harmful policies that leave too many students behind. Make sure you’re ready to vote with our step-by-step guide.
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MAKE SURE YOU’RE REGISTERED!

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REQUEST OR TRACK A MAIL-IN BALLOT

Any registered voter in Maryland may vote by mail-in ballot. You don't need a reason to vote by mail-in ballot. Getting your vote in well ahead of Election Day gives you peace of mind, and voting by mail is a great way to avoid a last-minute, in-person rush.

Request Your Ballot by June 16

PREVIEW YOUR BALLOT

Before you head to the polls or fill out your mail-in ballot, familiarize yourself with who is on your ballot—and see which pro-public education candidates are recommended by TAAAC, MSEA, and NEA.

Want more information about each candidate?

FIND YOUR POLLING PLACE AND CHECK YOUR DEADLINE

If you choose to vote in person, find where your early vote or election day polling place is located right now. (It may have changed.) If you’re voting absentee, check your ballot for a drop-off location.

Find your Polling Place

PLAN TRANSPORTATION

How do you plan to get to your polling place? If you’re driving, scope out the parking options ahead of time. And please consider offering a ride to a friend or neighbor.

HELP SPREAD THE WORD

Encourage your friends to make their own vote plan with a customized “I made a plan to vote” graphic (pictured) you can share on Facebook and Twitter.