By Adam Pagnucco.
Council President Natali Fani-González has endorsed Council Member Evan Glass for executive after previously saying she would not endorse in the race. Fani-Gonzalez criticized Council Members Andrew Friedson and Will Jawando in quotes provided to Bethesda Today, saying among other things that “two colleagues decided to play politics with the budget instead of working constructively to find compromise for the benefit of our residents.”
This endorsement and others from current and former elected officials come as an internal poll released by Friedson finds that he has gained in support but Friedson, Jawando and Glass are all within the margin of error. That could mean a close race right down to the end.
The Glass campaign’s press release appears below.
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June 2, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Cody Bibeau, Campaign Manager
Evan Glass Announces Surge of Endorsements for County Executive
Elected Leaders Recognize a Strong and Winning Campaign
Montgomery County, MD — Councilmember Evan Glass today announced a growing wave of endorsements for his Montgomery County Executive campaign from influential and respected leaders across Montgomery County. These endorsements are from people who see a campaign built on real work, real results and real momentum.
Today’s endorsement by County Council President Natali Fani-Gonzalez adds to the recent endorsements by Maryland Senator Will Smith, Delegates Julie Palakovich Carr, Bonnie Cullison, Lesley Lopez and Joe Vogel, former Delegates Kirill Reznik and Ana Sol Gutierrez and municipal leaders from across the county. This group of endorsements sends a clear message: Montgomery County’s elected leaders trust Evan Glass to deliver real results for county families.
“These endorsements tell you something important,” Councilmember Evan Glass said. “Experienced leaders across Montgomery County are looking at this race in the final weeks and making a choice. They see a campaign powered by people, not special interests. They see a candidate who has built the coalitions, delivered results – and they want to be a part of this campaign.”
The growing list of endorsements at this late-stage underscores rising confidence in Glass’s campaign as voters increasingly focus on issues including affordability, education, transportation, and fighting back against Donald Trump. These endorsements are in addition to those he has received since the launch of the campaign, including the Sierra Club, former U.S. Labor Secretary Tom Perez, Congressman Suhas Subramanyam and former Congressman David Trone.
Council President Natali Fani-Gonzalez said, “Evan and I do not agree on everything — and that’s okay. In fact, I think that’s healthy. Leadership is not about surrounding yourself with people who always agree with you. It’s about honesty, integrity and being willing to work together even when there are disagreements. At this moment, Montgomery County needs a leader who leads with consistency, compassion and courage.
Senator Will Smith praised Glass as a County Executive “who is ready on day one to lead with both vision and competence.”
Across Montgomery County, grassroots energy is growing among residents who want experienced, honest leadership. With three weeks until the June 23 primary, the momentum is clear and Montgomery County’s leaders are taking notice.
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