Candidate Seeking More Affordable Housing Is Running For Baltimore County Executive

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A pro-housing candidate entered the race for Baltimore County Executive this week.

Democrat Nick Stewart, co-founder of the smart growth group We The People – Baltimore County, launched his campaign Tuesday at Heavy Seas Brewery in Halethorpe.

“It cannot take six years to build a new housing unit in Baltimore County,” Stewart said, according to WYPR. “It cannot take 15 years to build a new high school. It cannot take 90 minutes to travel from Rosedale to Tradepoint Atlantic. It cannot be that we allow redevelopments to die because they’ve been delayed into the grave.”

Stewart is the second candidate to enter the race. The deadline to file as a candidate is Feb. 24, 2026. The primary election is on June 30, 2026, and the General Election is on Nov. 3, 2026.

Stewart, a lawyer and former school board member, was raised in the Timonium area and now lives in Catonsville with his wife and their four children.

Stewart plans to improve schools by expanding access to free full-day pre-K and addressing classroom overcrowding.

Stewart also aspires to take a data-driven approach toward fighting crime.

As for housing, Stewart wants to prioritize mixed-use development in key areas and revitalize older communities like Baltimore Highlands, Lansdowne, Dundalk, Essex and Middle River. He hopes this will introduce more affordable housing options.

"I love this county. I've grown up here. I would like my kids to be able to live here as well," Stewart told The Baltimore Banner. "That's becoming less and less possible, to be very clear."

Stewart graduated from Dulaney High School. He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland, College Park and his law degree from George Washington University.

Stewart worked for the City of Baltimore and later the State of Maryland under then-mayor and later Gov. Martin O'Malley. For the past 14 years, Stewart has worked in the private sector as a business attorney.

"I'm not a career politician — I'm a problem-solver with real business experience, a record of service in our public schools, and a bold plan to modernize government, expand housing, grow the economy, and rebuild trust in public safety and education," Stewart said on Facebook.

Stewart joins fellow Catonsville Democrat Pat Young in the race for county executive.

Democratic County Executive Kathy Klausmeier, who replaced now Congressman Johnny Olszewski (D-District 2), promised not to run for county executive in 2026.

That leaves an open field in the race.

Rumored candidates include District 2's Izzy Patoka (D-Pikesville) and District 4's Julian Jones (D-Woodstock). Neither has officially declared their candidacy.

The Baltimore Sun said State Sen. Charles Sydnor (District 44) is considering running as a Democrat.

"With no incumbent in the race and the County Council set to expand for the first time in more than 50 years, the 2026 election will help shape the future of Baltimore County for years to come," Stewart said on Facebook.

Voters can learn more at nickforbaltimorecounty.com.

Related: 1st County Executive Candidate Officially Enters Race