Volunteer Firefighter Is 1st Republican Running For Anne Arundel County Executive

SEVERNA PARK, MD — The first Republican has thrown his hat in the ring for Anne Arundel County executive.

Dave Crawford, a volunteer firefighter from Severna Park, held his campaign kickoff on Sept. 22.

Crawford has been a volunteer firefighter for over 35 years. He is currently the chief of Earleigh Heights Volunteer Fire Company.

The Capital Gazette reported that Crawford, leading a team of about 145, has secured nearly $10 million in grants during his time as chief.

"I go after every dollar I can to try and save these taxpayers money," Crawford told the Capital Gazette. "That's exactly what I want to do as county executive."

Crawford's website says his priorities are "supporting small businesses, keeping schools safe, protecting taxpayers, tackling the cost of housing, and ensuring seniors can remain safe and supported right here in Anne Arundel County."

The Capital Gazette said he was born and raised in Ohio before moving to Texas to work in food service management. A job as district manager for Sysco food service brought him to Anne Arundel County in 2012, the newspaper said, noting that he briefly retired in 2017 before he resumed working as a district manager at Performance Food Service.

Crawford has worked in food service sales for over 40 years. He thinks this has prepared him to develop the local business community.

The election to replace term-limited Democrat Steuart Pittman as county executive is in 2026.

The Democrats already have a crowded field of county executive candidates. James Kitchin, a top Pittman aide, will face County Council Members Allison Pickard (District 2) and Pete Smith (District 1) in the primary.

The deadline to file as a candidate is Feb. 24, 2026. As of now, Crawford does not have an opponent in the primary.

Crawford's wife, Lori, is a retired Anne Arundel County special education teacher.

Crawford's website says he plans to "champion both higher education aspirations and expanded trade programs so every student can succeed."

Voters can learn more at crawford4exec.com.

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