By Adam Pagnucco.
Montgomery County Republican Party First Vice Chair Reardon “Sully” Sullivan filed to run for Council District 1 on January 29. Sully is a former GOP county party chair and unsuccessfully ran for county executive in 2022. He was the principal organizer of a successful ballot question reducing term limits for the county executive in 2024. Last year, Sully announced that he was gathering signatures for a new ballot question that would limit increases in county spending.
Council District 1 was represented by Republicans Betty Ann Krahnke (1990-2000) and Howie Denis (2000-2006) before Democrat Roger Berliner defeated Denis, kicking off 20 years of Democratic control of the seat. GOP candidates in the district received 32% of the vote in 2010, 31% in 2014 and 22% in 2018. The party did not field a candidate against current incumbent Andrew Friedson in 2022. Friedson is vacating the seat to run for county executive.
In his press release, Sully states, “When elected, I will donate 30% of my net salary to the MoCo Police Foundation and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO — because politicians should put their money where their mouths are.” I don’t recall ever seeing a candidate make such a promise, Democrat or Republican. I wonder what MCGEO President Gino Renne thinks of that!
I asked Sully about whether he would pursue his candidacy and ballot question at the same time. He told me:
While running for County Council ( https://www.reardonsullivanformoco.com/) I will continue to serve as chairman of the “Stop the Spend” ballot petition ( https://controlmocospending.com/ ), which seeks to limit County spending to the prior year’s rate of inflation.
County spending and affordability are major concerns for most residents. I believe we must closely examine where our tax dollars are going and fully review spending before raising taxes or fees.
I also believe it is essential to have a County Council member who is an independent thinker, and committed to fiscal responsibility for all citizens, not someone focused on political favors or being invited to the social events. That belief is a key reason why I am running for County Council.
Sully’s press release appears below.
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Campaign Launch Announcement
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 2, 2026
Reardon “Sully” Sullivan, PE, LEED AP Announces Campaign for Montgomery County Council, District 1
“A practical, accountable approach focused on schools, safety, taxes, and maintaining our neighborhoods.”
Bethesda, MD — Reardon “Sully” Sullivan, a longtime Montgomery County resident and community leader, today announced his candidacy for Montgomery County Council, District 1, running on a platform of Business Development, Reduced Taxes, Public Safety, Responsible Growth, Education, Energy Policy, and Transportation.
“This race isn’t about ideology or labels,” Sully said. “It’s about making sure growth is responsible, schools are safe and effective, taxes are reasonable, and County government respects the people who live here. We can be compassionate, practical, and fiscally responsible at the same time.”
“Our community works because families, small businesses, and neighbors do their part every day,” said Sullivan. “County government should do the same by focusing on core responsibilities, spending taxpayer dollars wisely, and making decisions that strengthen, not strain, our neighborhoods.”
Sullivan said District 1 residents are increasingly concerned about:
- Road diets on Little Falls Parkway
- Zoning laws that will destroy neighborhoods
- Funding the police
- Declining school performance and a need for better educational alternatives
- Growing debt to finance an unsustainable County budget
- The wealthy leaving due to excessive taxes
- Weak job and business growth
- Redlining due to County taxes and mandates
As your County Council Member, my mission is simple: make life better for the people of Montgomery County, not for the politicians.
I don’t just talk about change – I make it happen.
- I was the architect of the “Term Limits” Ballot Petition, approved by 67% of voters.
- I currently chair the “Stop the Spend” Ballot Petition, which will cap County spending increases to the rate of inflation.
When elected, I will donate 30% of my net salary to the MoCo Police Foundation and UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO — because politicians should put their money where their mouths are.
“Montgomery County succeeds when decisions are made close to home, with community input and clear accountability,” Sullivan added. “I’m running to bring a steady hand and a practical voice to the County Council, one that listens first and puts results ahead of rhetoric.”
The campaign will begin with a series of neighborhood listening sessions across District 1. If you are interested in hosting a listening session. Please contact me directly at reardon@reardonsullivanformoco.com.
For more information, visit https://www.reardonsullivanformoco.com/ or follow https://www.facebook.com/ReardonSullivanforMoCo.