By Adam Pagnucco.
Former Democratic National Committee Chair Tom Perez and former Congressman David Trone are endorsing Council Member Evan Glass for county executive.
The twin endorsements have differing political and regional aspects. Perez represented Silver Spring and Takoma Park on the county council from 2002 through 2006 and was known as one of that era’s most prominent progressives. Trone represented parts of western and northern Montgomery County in Congress and was known as a center-left representative who could work with Republicans. It’s interesting that Glass released these endorsements together as they show his potential appeal across political and geographic lines.
Also of interest is that Council Member Andrew Friedson, one of Glass’s opponents, was Trone’s senior adviser in his first race for Congress back in 2016.
Glass’s press release appears below.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 14, 2025
Tom Perez and David Trone Endorse Evan Glass for County Executive
Former U.S. Secretary of Labor and Former Congressman endorse Evan Glass for Montgomery County Executive
Rockville, MD – Councilmember Evan Glass today announced the major endorsements of Tom Perez and David Trone, two nationally recognized leaders who have served at the highest levels of government and have achieved acclaim for championing workers’ rights and driving economic competitiveness.
“Evan Glass is the effective, progressive leader we need right now to fight against the extreme agenda in Washington that is hurting our community and our country,” said Tom Perez. “I’ve been consistently impressed by Evan’s record of getting bold things done and his inclusive leadership style. His ability to work with community members, labor organizers and business leaders means that everyone will have a seat at the table. As County Executive, Evan will lead Montgomery County with vision, integrity and the courage to make real progress.”
Perez served as the United States Secretary of Labor under President Barack Obama. He also served as Director of the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs under President Joe Biden, chair of the Democratic National Committee, Maryland Secretary of Labor under Governor Martin O’Malley, and was previously a member of the Montgomery County Council.
“I’m proud to endorse Evan Glass for County Executive,” said David Trone. “He understands that when businesses thrive, our community grows stronger. Evan is the only candidate for County Executive who has demonstrated an ability to support businesses of all sizes while strengthening workers’ rights. With his independent style of leadership, his honesty and his temperament, I know Evan will bring Montgomery County together to get big things done. That’s the kind of leadership we need.”
Trone served as a member of Congress representing the sixth district of Maryland from 2019 to 2025. He is also the founder and co-owner of Total Wine & More, the largest alcohol retailer in the United States. The company, headquartered in Montgomery County, employs 12,000 team members in 30 states.
“Secretary Perez and Congressman Trone know how to make government work for Marylanders and they understand that Montgomery County is at a critical crossroads. I’m so proud to have them join our campaign focused on economic competitiveness, providing students and educators with the resources they need to succeed, and protecting our diverse community –– all of which is under threat by Donald Trump,” said Evan Glass. “These endorsements are the first of many that will show our campaign is building the big coalition needed to win the Democratic primary.”
About Evan Glass
Councilmember Evan Glass is an At-Large member of the County Council currently serving in his second term. First elected in 2018, Glass became the first openly LGBTQ+ person to serve on the Council. Prior to joining the Council, Glass spent 12 years as a journalist at CNN. He also served as a federal contractor to the Department of Veterans Affairs and as executive director of Gandhi Brigade Youth Media, an innovative after school youth program dedicated to empowering immigrant and low income students.
For more information about Evan Glass’ campaign for County Executive, please visit www.evanglass.com
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