This past Tuesday, Nov. 6, Democrat Marc Elrich won his three-way County Executive Race against independent candidate Nancy Floreen, and Republican Robert Ficker. The final numbers amounted to Elrich receiving 225,900 votes compared to Floreen’s 67,402 and Ficker’s 57,489.
Elrich began his political career as a member of the Takoma Park City Council from 1987-2006. Following his tenure in the Takoma Park City Council, he served as a member of the Montgomery County Council from 2006-2018, and launched his campaign as Montgomery County Executive 18 months ago. In the six-way Democratic primary in June, Elrich came out on top, beating runner-up David Blair by a mere 77 votes. Floreen, a former council member, filed as independent after the primary, and Ficker was the only candidate in the Republican primary.
As a whole, the county saw a spike in voter turnout. As compared to 2014, unofficial numbers report a 223% increasein early voting and a 17% increase in election day voting, overall creating a 47% increase in voter participation in the executive race.
In his celebratory speech at the Silver Spring Civic Center on Nov. 6, Elrich mentioned several of his campaign pledges, including implementing environmentally friendly policies, affordable housing, and extending educational opportunities to free pre-kindergarten. Floreen agreed with most of Elrich’s policies, but disagrees with Elrich’s platforms on overdevelopment, plans to address unaffordable housing, and alignment with the Democratic Socialist branch of the Democratic party. On the other hand, Ficker opposed almost all of Elrich’s approaches, advocating, among other things, for lower taxes.
Both Elrich and Ficker utilized the public financing system, Elrich maxing out the limit of 1.5 million dollars and Ficker raising about $255,000. Floreen missed the deadline for public financing, though she told supporters that she raised $930,000 at her concession speech last Tuesday night. All three candidates utilized Super-PACS for funding of advertisements.
Elrich will claim the seat previously held by Ike Leggett and hold it for a four year term. As county executive, he has the power to veto the decisions of the County Council and serves as another way for Montgomery County residents to voice their concerns if ignored by the council.
With the tumultuous and divided Montgomery County Executive Race finally coming to an end, Elrich will be sworn into office Dec. 3.
Article by MoCo Student staff writer Shevani Tewari of Richard Montgomery High School.