In this second "Roundtable" edition of Maryland Now, hosts Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin are joined by two of the state’s most experienced political insiders: Don Mohler, former Baltimore County Executive, and Candace Dodson-Reed, Chief of Staff at the Maryland Economic Development Corporation.
This episode focuses on the critical battles for County Executive and County Council in Baltimore, Howard, Anne Arundel, and Montgomery counties. The group discusses how voter turnout, public financing, and significant turnover could reshape local governance and produce the next generation of statewide leaders in Maryland
In This Episode:
- The Turnout Wildcard: Why Democratic nominees for county executive might need to garner relatively few votes due to a lack of competitive statewide races to drive voter participation.
- Baltimore County’s Crowded Field: A look at the "inside baseball" scandals—from pension controversies to debates over the inspector general—and whether they actually influence the average voter.
- The "Ulman Wing" and Howard County: Analyzing Vanessa Atterbury’s fundraising lead and the impact of former executive Ken Ulman’s endorsement in a wide-open primary.
- Anne Arundel’s Blue Shift: Discussing the county’s transition from a Republican stronghold to a "purple-to-blue" battlefield and the three-way Democratic primary currently underway.
- Montgomery’s Generational Change: Why the state’s largest county is guaranteed to see a new era of leadership, even as outgoing County Executive Marc Elrich attempts a unique return to the County Council.
- Historic Diversity: Celebrating a cycle that features a record number of women and candidates of color, potentially leading to county executives and county councils that better reflect Maryland's changing demographics.
Connect With the Show:
- (00:00) - Welcome and Guests
- (01:08) - Why County Exec Races Matter
- (01:39) - Baltimore County Field and Turnout
- (04:36) - Scandals and Voter Attention
- (08:07) - Money Field and Identity Politics
- (14:01) - County Council Shakeup Ahead
- (16:47) - Negative Ads and Popcorn Time
- (19:27) - Howard County Stakes and Turnover
- (20:44) - Howard Candidates and Money Race
- (22:16) - Howard Voters Progressives and Black Vote
- (25:08) - Money And Mailers
- (26:07) - Ulman Wing Endorsements
- (28:09) - Turnout Enthusiasm Wildcard
- (29:37) - Anne Arundel Turns Blue
- (31:02) - Three Way Primary Dynamics
- (34:27) - Apple Ballot And Black Vote
- (36:38) - Montgomery Race Overview
- (37:50) - Money Unions And Polling
- (39:53) - Elrich Endorsement Fallout
- (42:52) - Statewide Stakes And Diversity
- (45:16) - Final Thanks And Wrap
What is Maryland Now?
Maryland Now is a podcast that goes beyond the headlines to explore the forces shaping Maryland’s politics, policy, and public life. Hosted by Dori Henry, Josh Kurtz, and David Nitkin — three veteran journalists and public‑affairs leaders with more than 60 years of combined experience — the show brings depth, context, and historical perspective to the issues facing Maryland today.
Each episode blends reporting, interviews, and insider knowledge. You’ll hear directly from the people driving decisions in Annapolis and across the state: agency heads, lawmakers, advocates, strategists, and longtime policy experts. The hosts draw on their decades covering and working in Maryland government to connect past decisions to current debates — revealing how we got here, what’s been tried before, and what’s at stake now.
Season One follows the 2026 General Assembly session and election cycle, with deep dives into housing, energy, the state budget, public health, and more. The conversations are smart, candid, and grounded in real reporting — not hot takes.
If you want to understand Maryland — its politics, its communities, and its future — Maryland Now is for YOU