By Tavon N. Thomasson
Special to the AFRO
tthomasson@afro.com
Fourth District Councilman Julian E. Jones Jr. launched his bid for Baltimore County executive Aug. 28 at the Marriott Owings Mills Metro Centre, a campaign that has the potential to make county history.
A marching band played as Jones entered the hotel’s conference hall, where more than 350 supporters packed the room to celebrate the kickoff of his campaign. Among those in attendance was Del. N. Scott Phillips of the 10th District, who praised Jones’s qualifications.
“He is the best qualified person in this race to be our next county executive,” said Phillips. “He potentially could make history as the first African-American . Far more importantly, he understands our county better than anyone else that’s in this race.”
Jones is the only official filer in the 2026 Democratic primary for Baltimore County executive. District 2 Councilman Izzy Patoka, however, has reported nearly $1.3 million in campaign funds, fueling speculation he could soon join the race.
“I’ve been here on the council for 11 years. I’ve been chairman four times more than anyone else in this race, or even thinking about running for this race,” said Jones in an interview. “Looking at my ability, my knowledge, my skills, the things that are important to Baltimore County, I know that there’s no one more qualified to do this job than me.”
Though the field is far from set, Jones used his kickoff to thank supporters and outline his top priorities for Baltimore County if elected.
“As a former first responder, I know what it takes to build safe communities,” Jones said during his speech. “We need to give the police, the firefighters, the emergency medical services (EMS) and other emergency management professionals the resources they need. And of course, as always, we must demand accountability and professionalism.”
Jones also emphasized education, recalling his six years as Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) president at his daughter’s elementary school.
“Great schools start with great teachers, and we need to make sure that our educators get the salaries they deserve,” Jones said during his speech. “We’ll make smart investments in pre-K and workforce training so that our students are prepared both for college and for the jobs of the future.”
He pointed to redevelopment projects such as the Marriott Metro Centre and Mill Station as models for boosting jobs and revitalizing communities.
“I’ll implement housing policies that expand affordable home ownership and ensure that communities are sustainable and healthy,” Jones said during his speech. “I’ll listen and respond to communities to ensure that development projects meet their needs.”
What gives many of his supporters confidence that he will follow through on his promises they say is the kind of leader he has already proven himself to be.
“He’s really boots on the ground. He’s approachable. His family’s approachable,” said Baltimore County resident and CEO of Root Branch Media Group Vonnya Pettigrew. “He does not mind rolling up his sleeves and making himself available to be there to support.”
Supporters said those qualities stem from Jones’s decades of public service, first as a firefighter and later as a councilman, experience he often points to when describing the leadership he would bring as county executive.
“We need somebody who knows what it’s like to run into a burning building, to save lives, to hold the line on what is right and to make tough decisions in the face of opposition,” Jones said during his speech.
Jones’s kickoff event signaled the start of a campaign that could make county history. The candidate field will be finalized by Feb. 24, 2026. After early voting June 11–18, the June 23 primary will determine whether Jones can turn his historic bid into a victory as Baltimore County’s first African-American executive.