By Adam Pagnucco.
Yesterday, Progressive Maryland and the Working Families Party endorsed Council Member Will Jawando for county executive. Coming after his endorsement by LIUNA, County Executive Marc Elrich and several other elected officials and his application for public matching funds, this is a continuation of a strong early run by Jawando.
Progressive Maryland’s support of Jawando is noteworthy for two reasons. First, its board includes representatives of powerful organizations including CASA; SEIU Locals 32-BJ, 500 and 1199; UFCW Local 400; and MCGEO. That doesn’t automatically mean that all of them will individually endorse Jawando, but a lot of them will. Second, Progressive Maryland often plays in elections through independent expenditures including but not limited to Super PACs. In 2018, a Super PAC affiliated with Progressive Maryland spent tens of thousands of dollars to oppose David Blair for executive, a move that helped endorsee Marc Elrich. Endorsements are nice, but endorsements backed by actual campaign activity are much better.
Three months ago, I asked whether Jawando was the frontrunner in this election. Because a number of wild cards remain, I’m hesitant to make that determination at this moment. However, Jawando is competing with Council Member Evan Glass in this race’s progressive lane and endorsements like this are very helpful. If Jawando consolidates his position as the top progressive running for executive, he will be hard to stop.
The press release from Progressive Maryland and the Working Families Party is printed below.
*****
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 3, 2025
Media Contacts:
Janay Fenner, janay@progressivemaryland.org
Stacey Mink, smink@workingfamilies.org
Progressive Maryland and Working Families Party Endorse Councilmember Will Jawando for Montgomery County Executive
Community leaders and elected officials highlight Jawando’s record on housing, racial and economic justice, and support for working families
Silver Spring, MD – Progressive Maryland and the Working Families Party announced their endorsement of Councilmember Will Jawando for Montgomery County Executive at a press conference today, joined by tenant leaders, local elected officials, and community advocates. Speakers highlighted Jawando’s long-standing commitment to advancing affordable housing, protecting renters, and championing racial and economic justice across the county.
Will Jawando with Progressive Maryland, Working Families Party, and community leaders at the endorsement announcement Credit: Michael Blain
Councilmember Will Jawando opened his remarks by expressing gratitude for the endorsements and the strength of the coalition behind his campaign.
“This endorsement means a great deal to me,” said Councilmember Will Jawando. “I want to thank Progressive Maryland for their deep work in our communities and the Working Families Party for their tireless efforts across the country and this region. Having their support in this campaign is powerful, and I am grateful to stand with them in the fight for justice, equity, and opportunity in Montgomery County.”
“Working Families Party is standing with Will Jawando because he shares our values. He has consistently fought for racial and economic justice, affordable housing, criminal justice reform, and expanded access to opportunity,” said Vidal Hines, DMV Senior Political Director for the Working Families Party. “Supporting Jawando is part of our work to build a working families majority in county government that will deliver for the working class in our communities.”
Tenant leaders echoed these sentiments, pointing to Jawando’s consistent support for renters and families struggling with rising housing costs.
“At the Enclave, my neighbors and I have had to fight hard for better living conditions and accountability from negligent landlords,” said Tonia Chestnut, President of the Progressive Maryland Enclave Tenants Association. “Through it all, Will Jawando has been a true ally. He listens, he shows up, and he pushes for real solutions to protect renters and make housing in Montgomery County more affordable, accessible, and safe.”
Progressive Maryland leaders emphasized that Jawando’s record of fighting for working families makes him the right choice to lead the county through this moment of crisis and opportunity.
“Will Jawando has always stood shoulder-to-shoulder with our members in the fight for justice and equity,” said Larry Stafford Jr., Executive Director of Progressive Maryland. “In a county full of Democrats, Will is one with the backbone to stand tall and fight for everyday people. His vision and leadership are exactly what Montgomery County needs, and Progressive Maryland is ready to fight for him because he’s ready to fight for us.”
Rockville City Councilmember Izola Shaw spoke to both Jawando’s character and his track record of delivering for working families.
“Councilmember Jawando always leads with vision and creativity, always searching for new ways to improve the lives of everyday people,” said Councilmember Izola Shaw. When I lost my federal job, Will led the effort to give laid-off workers a real shot at county jobs. That meant hope when we needed it most. Will doesn’t just talk about supporting working people,he puts it into action.”
Jawando spoke to his vision for Montgomery County and the values that will guide his leadership as County Executive.
“We are at a moment in time when we need compassionate, progressive leadership,” said Councilmember Jawando. “As someone who has lived in troubled housing, fought back against Trump’s attacks on our residents, and stood up for working people my entire career, I know what’s at stake. We have to fully fund our schools, make sure every child has access to a meal, expand affordable housing in partnership with communities, and support our small businesses and public servants. When working people thrive, Montgomery County thrives—and with the grassroots energy in this room and across our county, I know that we will win.”
Together, these powerhouse political organizations will support Jawando in the field with canvassing, a digital program, and other activities.
###