County
County Council Member, Baltimore County
District 7
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A county council member votes on county laws, the budget, taxes and land-use decisions.
The County Council grows from seven to nine districts with this election, under a new district map. David Marks represents District 5 under the previous seven-district map.
Taxes & budget
Caridad "Cari" SantiagoDemocratic
- Supports predictable, common-sense development impact fees
David MarksRepublican
- Supports property tax relief for seniors on fixed incomes
Education
Caridad "Cari" SantiagoDemocratic
- Supports more oversight and accountability of county schools
David MarksRepublican
- Sponsored resolution seeking Inspector General review of school system
Housing
Caridad "Cari" SantiagoDemocratic
- Supports development and redevelopment under the 2030 Master Plan
- Opposes excessive down-zoning that limits housing
David MarksRepublican
- Sponsored a cap on development impact fees pending a study
Economy & jobs
Caridad "Cari" SantiagoDemocratic
No documented position found.
David MarksRepublican
- Supports creating a county Department of Agriculture
- Supports a concurrent, presumption-of-approval permitting system
Environment & parks
Caridad "Cari" SantiagoDemocratic
No documented position found.
David MarksRepublican
- Sponsored Question A requiring six votes to move the URDL
- Opposes moving the URDL to build affordable housing
Government & transparency
Caridad "Cari" SantiagoDemocratic
- Opposes councilmanic courtesy and targeted legislation
David MarksRepublican
No documented position found.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 6 issues covered in this race.