By Adam Pagnucco.
Now here is something you don’t see every day: a current or former elected official endorsing one candidate and later switching to a rival. That’s what former District 18 Delegate Ana Sol Gutierrez did today.
Ana Sol was the first Latina elected to the General Assembly and served four terms there until she left to run unsuccessfully for County Council District 1 in 2018. She also served two terms on the school board from 1990 through 1998. I was once her slate treasurer and I have a soft spot for her. She is a fearless firecracker who charts her own path, notably championing the Purple Line despite the opposition of many of her constituents in Chevy Chase (where she lives).
Back in October, Ana Sol endorsed Council Member Will Jawando for executive. They have shared many of the same organizational endorsements over the years, notably MCEA and CASA in Action. Now she is supporting Council Member Evan Glass.
Let’s not get carried away with this – other than Jamie Raskin and Ike Leggett, few individual elected endorsements make or break candidacies. But this switch is both unusual and entertaining. I have asked the former delegate for comment.
In the meantime, following are the original blast email announcing her support for Jawando and the new blast email announcing her support for Glass. Enjoy!
Endorsement of Jawando, 10/23/25.
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Subject Line: I’m With Will Jawando for County Executive
“Will Jawando has the courage, the experience, and the heart to lead Montgomery County forward. He’s proven he will fight for our schools, protect working families, and stand up for immigrant communities when they need us most. That’s the kind of leadership we need right now.”
– Ana Sol Gutiérrez, Former Maryland State Delegate, District 18
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
I’ve spent my life fighting to open doors of opportunity for every child and every family in Montgomery County—no matter where they come from or what language they speak at home.
In 2002, I became the first Latina ever elected to the Maryland House of Delegates, and the first Salvadoran-American elected to public office anywhere in the United States. I served 16 years in Annapolis because I believed our community deserved a voice that understood the struggles of working families and immigrant communities.
That’s why I’m proud to endorse Will Jawando for County Executive.
I’ve watched Will on the County Council fight for what matters: fully funding our schools, protecting working families, standing up for immigrant communities when they needed us most.
Will understands what I learned as a public servant: real leadership isn’t about speeches. It’s about the single mother who can finally afford childcare. The student who gets the support to succeed. The senior who can stay in their home with dignity.
Montgomery County is facing serious challenges. We need a County Executive who will protect our schools, expand opportunity for all families, and stand up to anyone—including this administration in Washington—who tries to harm our community.
Will Jawando is that leader. He has the courage, the experience, and the heart to lead us forward.
I hope you’ll join me in supporting him.
Ana Sol Gutierrez
Former Maryland State Delegate
Former Montgomery County Board of Education Member
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Endorsement of Glass, 4/27/26.
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Subject Line: I was wrong. Here’s who I’m supporting now.
Friend,
I’m going to be honest with you. Last year I endorsed a candidate for County Executive. But as time went on, I realized I made a mistake.
Today I am proud to endorse Evan Glass for Montgomery County Executive.
This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. I’ve spent decades fighting for working families, immigrants, and those too often left out of the political process.
I know what courage and leadership looks like — and I know when I see it.
Evan Glass has proven, time and again, that he delivers for our community. From expanding protections for renters and workers, to championing equity in our schools, to standing up for immigrant families when it matters most, Evan leads with courage and conviction.
Evan’s progressive record isn’t just talk –– it’s measurable, meaningful progress.
While Evan’s accomplishments are important, how he leads is too.
He brings discipline, experience, and integrity to every decision. He is honest, even when it’s difficult. And he listens.
In a time when trust in government is fragile, Evan’s transparency, hard work, and steady leadership is exactly what Montgomery County needs.
We need a County Executive who has a proven track record based on good management of people and institutions. I believe that Evan will not waiver in the face of pressure –– he will put people before politics and understands that progress must include everyone.
Evan Glass is that leader.
I’m proud to stand with Evan and I hope you will join me.
In solidarity,
Ana Sol Gutiérrez
Former Maryland State Delegate