By Adam Pagnucco.
As I have previously reported, Debbie Spielberg – who is one of County Executive Marc Elrich’s special assistants – is running for the County Council District 1 seat being vacated by Andrew Friedson. She is enrolled in the county’s public campaign financing program and her website is live. Spielberg’s announcement is reprinted below.
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September 12, 2025
Contact: info@debbiespielberg.org
DEBBIE SPIELBERG ANNOUNCES RUN FOR COUNCIL DISTRICT 1, BRINGING 15+ YEARS EXPERIENCE IN COUNTY GOVERNMENT TO THE RACE
Bethesda, MD – Debbie Spielberg, currently a special assistant to County Executive Marc Elrich, former campaign chair for then-state Senator Jamie Raskin, and legislative director for the late Representative John Lewis (D, GA), today announced that she is running for the Montgomery County District 1 Council seat.
Debbie is running because Montgomery County needs strong, experienced leadership to meet today’s challenges, including the effects of the Trump administration policies and the realities of being a mature urban/suburban community. She is well prepared to deal with all that this entails. “Because of my experience,” Debbie says, “I don’t need on-the-job training. I can get to work – on Day 1 – on the issues we face—economic, land use, housing, transportation, equity and justice, environment, and more.”
Debbie has spent more than 15 years as a senior staffer in county government, dealing with virtually every issue that comes to a council office and the county executive’s office, from the minimum wage to land use, from economic development to environmental protection, from improved transportation modeling to local impacts of state bills. And, she says, “As a progressive Democrat, I bring compassion for those who need extra help to thrive. As a government employee, I know the importance of transparency and accountability. As someone who has regularly dealt with constituents, I listen with respect and care.”
In addition to her work in local, state, and national politics and government, Debbie served as a PTA president and cluster coordinator while her two daughters attended Montgomery County Public Schools.
Familiar to many from her years in public service and broad experience, Debbie already has significant support in District 1.
From Amanda Farber, of East Bethesda, chair of Debbie’s campaign: “Debbie Spielberg has dedicated her career to public service, consistently putting the needs of the community first. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the people, places, and policies that make up Montgomery County, Debbie is the leader District 1 needs now. Her commitment and vision will help build a strong future for Montgomery County and District 1.”
Vernon Ricks of Potomac, the first Black elected municipal official in Montgomery County, Montgomery County 2023 African American Living Legend, longtime NAACP member, and honorary co-chair of the campaign: “I am pleased to support Debbie Spielberg for District 1 County Council. She has the heart to care about the issues that matter, the ability to work with others and the experience to translate ideas into action.”
Bonnie Casper, Past President, Local and State Realtor Associations, Past Chair, Committee for Montgomery: “Debbie has committed her career to public service. Her integrity and independent approach to listening, analyzing and formulating policy decisions enables Debbie to be a great legislator and leader for District 1 and the County. Debbie will work to encourage the growth of existing businesses, and attract new business, while maintaining the quality of life Montgomery County residents have come to expect.”
Jeffrey Slavin, Mayor of Somerset and campaign treasurer: “I’ve been fortunate to work with Debbie on District 1 issues for many years. She listens carefully to residents, keeps local government transparent and accountable, and always asks how we can better serve and engage the community, including those who are sometimes forgotten.”
Jenny Sue Dunner, a longtime activist, recipient of a Montgomery County Distinguished Service Award, and honorary co-chair of the campaign: “Debbie Spielberg is the best kind of public official. She listens, engages, and explains her thinking. District 1 will benefit from the respect she shows constituents.”
Debbie is a graduate of Swarthmore College. She raised her two daughters in Silver Spring and currently lives in downtown Bethesda.
Debbie will be using public financing, and she looks forward to meeting and hearing from the people of District 1 during her campaign.