By Adam Pagnucco.
Board of Education Member Julie Yang, who is running for the County Council District 1 seat being vacated by county executive candidate Andrew Friedson, has claimed that she has qualified for the maximum level of matching funds in public financing.
In the county’s public financing program, which Yang is using, public matching funds are provided to candidates who meet thresholds of number of in-county contributors and amount received from them. For a district-based candidate like Yang, the thresholds for matching funds are 125 in-county contributions totaling at least $10,000. Once a candidate qualifies for matching funds, they are disbursed in accordance with a sliding scale tied to amount of in-county contributions. The maximum amount of public matching funds a district candidate can receive is currently $145,030 in a primary or general election.
In her press release, Yang said she has “successfully qualified” for not only matching funds, but also their maximum amount. However, she has not yet filed a campaign finance report with the State Board of Elections, a necessary step in claiming matching funds. I asked her about that and she replied, “While we have not formally filed the required paperwork, we are confident that, based on our own records, we have more than enough eligible contributions in the amount necessary to receive the maximum amount in matching funds allowed by law. Our number of such contributions continues to grow.”
Yang was an excellent fundraiser as a school board candidate so I am not surprised at her performance. If she receives the Apple Ballot as she did two years ago, she will be a formidable contender for the seat.
Yang’s press release is reprinted below.
*****
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Julie Yang, candidate for Montgomery County Council
julie@julieyang.org
julieyang.org
SEPTEMBER 11, 2025
Julie Yang Leads the Way, First County Council Candidate to Secure Maximum Public Finance Funds
POTOMAC, MD – Julie Yang, candidate for Montgomery County Council (District 1), announced today that the campaign has successfully qualified for the maximum amount of public matching funds. She is the first candidate to reach the maximum threshold among all County Council candidates running in the 2026 election.
This marks a significant milestone that reflects broad community support from everyday residents and neighbors across Montgomery County.
“We’ve built a people-powered movement that embodies everything our community stands for. This campaign is about delivering a smart, bold government that drives economic growth, keeps our schools strong, champions local businesses, and ensures every resident has an equal opportunity to succeed, no matter where they live or where they started. Securing maximum matching funds is just a sign of the broad support we have throughout District 1.” said Yang.
Since kicking off her campaign in July, Yang’s grassroots campaign has received over 375 contributions from Montgomery County residents, including educators, small business owners, scientists, retirees, and working families.
“This milestone isn’t about me—it’s about all of Montgomery County,” said Yang. “A village showed up. Every supporter represents a neighbor who believes we can build something better together. This grassroots support shows that Montgomery County residents want leadership that puts community first as we take on the county’s toughest challenges.”
Yang’s campaign has also garnered endorsements from current County Councilmember Sidney Katz (District 3), State Delegate Lily Qi (District 15), State Delegate Linda Foley (District 15), and State Delegate Aaron Kaufman (District 18).
Yang is running for County Council to represent District 1, which includes Potomac, Bethesda, Chevy Chase, Friendship Heights, Cabin John, Rockville, and Glen Echo.
ABOUT JULIE YANG:
Julie is running for County Council to turn Montgomery County into a thriving hub of educational excellence, economic opportunity, and a welcoming community we can rely on. For over 20 years, Julie has been a trusted advocate for families, students with special needs, and immigrant communities in Montgomery County. She is currently a member of the Board of Education and the founder of the Village Initiative, which supports special education families. She has served on several non-profit boards, including The Arc of Montgomery County and the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center. She lives in Potomac with her husband. They are proud parents of two MCPS graduates.