By Adam Pagnucco.
Let’s begin our list of most influential MoCo endorsements as voted on by our sources. All comments come from sources except for those appearing under my name. (See Part One for methodology.)
14. Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) (5 votes)
Well funded and very active. Generally better received by the public than “developers.”
Providing a business and economic development centered counterweight in the election landscape. They are still not on the level of the unions – few are – but with the Chambers absent for almost 2 decades they are making an effort.
Pagnucco: My sources made a mistake by not ranking GCAAR higher. They don’t just lend their endorsement. They send mailers on behalf of their candidates and they contribute to independent expenditure committees too.
12 (tie). County Executive Marc Elrich (6 votes)
Pagnucco: Sources, what are you thinking by mostly excluding the sitting county executive? Of course Elrich’s support matters, at least a little bit. Development opponents really have no endorsement that signals agreement with their point of view more than Elrich’s. Just look at Elrich’s alliance with Council Member Will Jawando, who is looking to succeed Elrich in the executive suite. Elrich’s support could potentially open doors that otherwise would not be accessible to Jawando. Yes, Elrich’s endorsement can be a negative as well as a positive – we shall see how it plays out for his special assistant, Debbie Spielberg, who is running in Council District 1 – but it will be a factor regardless.
12 (tie). Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 (6 votes)
On its own, they are vaguely controversial. But in combination with the firefighters, the endorsement of first responders is powerful on mail pieces.
IAFF and FOP are non-existent beyond the press release and, maybe, a check.
Pagnucco: If I had support from the FOP, I would use polling to identify sub-groups most concerned about crime and then target them with this endorsement using social media, digital ads and mailers.
11. International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1664 (7 votes)
Folks underestimate the firefighter endorsement. I’m not sure why. Voters who don’t follow daily politics place huge importance on the endorsement of public servants who save lives every day.
They’re a microcosm of the Teachers.
Come with boots on the ground as well as money. Respected among residents without the baggage of FOP in some circles.
Pagnucco: They have all of the prestige of public safety and none of the controversy (among some) of policing policies.
10. Sierra Club (8 votes)
The Sierra Club brand retains important credibility and influence.
No other endorsing environmental organization is so prominent or has the same kind of name recognition.
The environment matters to Dem Primary voters.
Brand name is still important, but they are less organized and have had a change in leadership, so less relevant than they used to be.
The most important environmental validator in a Democratic stronghold. They often will go the other way when compared to some of the union powers, but have never wavered from their base ideals.
Pagnucco: The Sierra Club is a national brand that many people recognize. We don’t have a lot of endorsements like that in county politics.
8 (tie). CASA in Action (9 votes)
In Montgomery County, 2026 is going to be 2018 and more an “anti-Trump” vote is going to show up even in the Democrat primaries. CASA in Action’s efforts for standing up on behalf of those Trump is oppressing will have a voter appeal here. Now whether CASA in Action is able to focus on local political races while they are dealing with the criminalization of immigrants is another question.
CASA in Action actively canvasses the County, especially in Silver Spring, Wheaton, and Gaithersburg, and they work on behalf of their endorsees. With Gustavo Torres’s departure, we will see if that program remains as active.
They have massive boots on the ground and are especially important considering the Trump actions and the opinions of the majority of the County voters.
Pagnucco: I think my sources are underestimating CASA in Action and its Super PAC. These entities are building ground capacity and running digital ads. Few endorsing groups get to the doors in a real way, and if CASA in Action perfects this, they are going to be a rising power.
8 (tie). U.S. Senator Chris Van Hollen (9 votes)
Chris has lost some support in the Jewish community (not the whole Jewish community), but is still a powerhouse in Montgomery County. He will be sparing in his primary endorsements, but they carry a lot of weight.
The Senator has a values-driven approach that energizes grassroots supporters nationwide. His immigration record shows that he values inclusion, and opportunity for all residents, which is very meaningful in the county’s diverse communities.
The golden boy for Dems over the age of 50 (i.e. the ones who vote).
Pagnucco: Before there was Jamie Raskin (more on him later), there was Chris Van Hollen. His deep roots in MoCo politics (he was first elected as a District 18 Delegate 35 years ago!) make his support a nice get.
7. SEIU Local 500 (13 votes)
SEIU 500 and MCGEO consistently over promise and under-deliver. Their mail and canvassing efforts are weak and come way too late. They could be a real powerhouse in the County if they ever got their stuff together and spent less time fighting with electeds.
There is currently infighting and 500 used to be on par with MCEA but they are still very strong and helpful to a candidate with poll coverage and sometimes mailers and door knocking.
Not nearly as strong or as visible as MCEA, but they have an impact and are a sought-after endorsement.
From schools, to colleges, to hospitals – the voice of working folks matters. SEIU is huge and impactful – they still have lots of reach and status.
Pagnucco: They have a lot of members (including in other parts of the state), an active political program and a recognized brand in progressive politics. Plus, they represent employees in MoCo’s most critical institution – MCPS. I’d rather have them than not have them.
6. Governor Wes Moore (15 votes, including 1 first-place vote)
Highly doubtful he would venture into local Montgomery County primaries, but would make a major difference in any race.
A sitting Democratic Governor (Moore just happens to have the job) carries a lot of weight in the county. However, getting him to endorse in a Democratic Primary will be short of a miracle, which is why this is #4 and not #3, but if a candidate can manage it, it could sway a lot of voters.
Pagnucco: This survey was taken before Moore announced a wave of endorsements, later including Will Jawando for executive. Sitting governors matter and Moore is no exception.
Next: numbers five, four and three!