By Adam Pagnucco.
In the first labor endorsement of the 2026 county executive primary, International Association of Fire Fighters Local 1664 has chosen to support Council Member Andrew Friedson.
I’m not going to print every single endorsement in this campaign, but I intend to print – at minimum – endorsements by influential organizations in key races. There is no question that the Fire Fighters are a major local political player and the county executive election is a key race. Not only is the Fire Fighters’ endorsement meaningful on its own, but they have historically been close to MCGEO and the police union. I expect labor endorsements to also go to Friedson’s opponents, particularly Will Jawando and perhaps Evan Glass, so this endorsement may suggest that different unions will go in different directions in the county executive race.
Friedson’s press release appears below.
*****
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John Block
Email: john@andrewfriedson.com
Website: www.andrewfriedson.com
July 11, 2025
In First Labor Endorsement of Montgomery County Executive Race, Local IAFF Firefighters Endorse Andrew Friedson
Bethesda, MD — The International Association of Firefighters (IAFF) Local 1664, the organization representing Montgomery County’s career firefighters and paramedics, announced their early endorsement of Councilmember Andrew Friedson for County Executive. This marks the first labor endorsement of the 2026 Montgomery County Executive race, underscoring Friedson’s strong support among workers, first responders, and his ongoing commitment to public safety and working families.
“I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of Montgomery County’s career firefighters,” said Friedson. “Our first responders put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. As County Executive, I will always stand with our firefighters and paramedics, ensuring they have the resources, support, and appreciation they deserve for the sacrifices they make every day. Together, we can make Montgomery County safer, stronger, and a better place to live for all.”
“Andrew understands that true public safety starts with fully staffed fire stations, well-equipped crews, and the efficient delivery of emergency services. This endorsement is not just about supporting a candidate, it’s about standing behind a leader who recognizes the critical need to take decisive action and implement the right solutions for the future,” said IAFF Local 1664 President, Jeff Buddle. “We need a County Executive committed to prioritizing initiatives that modernize our fire and rescue services while significantly improving the working conditions for our firefighters and paramedics. We are confident Andrew will champion forward-thinking policies that safeguard the health, safety, and well-being of our members and the communities we very proudly serve.”
Councilmember Friedson’s campaign continues to gain momentum, building a broad coalition of support from community leaders, labor partners, residents and businesses across Montgomery County. His proven track record includes championing public safety initiatives, including expanding the Nonprofit Security Grants program to protect institutions at risk of experiencing hate crimes and opposing efforts to reduce career firefighter staffing levels in the Upcounty which risk response times.
As County Executive, Friedson is committed to make Montgomery County more affordable and accessible, foster economic opportunity and innovation, prioritize public safety and emergency services,and uphold transparency, fiscal responsibility, and good governance.
The IAFF Local 1664 endorsement adds to Friedson’s growing list of early supporters, including leading state lawmakers including Senators Feldman, King, Love and Zucker, as well as business leaders, and community advocates. In 2023, Councilmember Friedson received the prestigious Hiram Musgrove Memorial Award for distinguishing himself as an outstanding community champion of the Bethesda Chevy Chase Rescue Squad.
For more information about Andrew Friedson’s campaign for County Executive, to get involved, or to RSVP for upcoming campaign events, please visit www.andrewfriedson.com or follow the campaign on social media at facebook.com/andrewfriedson and x.com/amfriedson.