As Olszewski Aims For Congress, Here's How Baltimore County Would Replace Him

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — Democrat Johnny Olszewski declared victory Tuesday in his U.S. House of Representatives primary election. If "Johnny O" wins the November general election, he will vacate his role as county executive and head to Capitol Hill to represent Maryland in the 2nd Congressional District.

That leaves voters wondering who will take over Olszewski's duties as county executive.

There isn't a clear No. 2 like a vice president or a lieutenant governor to succeed Olszewski, but there is a process to replace him should he win.

The Baltimore County Council would select Olszewski's replacement. At least four of the Council's seven members must approve of the successor. The County Council has four Democrats and three Republicans.

The next county executive would finish out Olszewski's term, which ends in December 2026. They could then run for a full four-year term if they wish.

Olszewski in January announced that he was running to replace retiring Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D). The 78-year-old Ruppersberger has served District 2 for more than 21 years.

The Associated Press on Tuesday projected Olszewski to defeat five other Democrats in his primary election. The AP also called the three-candidate Republican race in favor of Kim Klacik, who drew support from former President Donald Trump (R) when she unsuccessfully ran for Congress four years ago.

"I know that I am not standing here alone," Olszewski said Tuesday evening in his victory speech, aired by WJZ. "I am standing here with all of you. I am standing here with all of the families of Maryland's 2nd Congressional District in our collective aspirations for a brighter future for tomorrow, standing together in our steadfast resolve to forge a better district, state and nation for all."

Olszewski has not yet said when he would step down if he defeats Klacik in the Nov. 5 election.

Olszewski's campaign manager, Asa Leventhal, told Patch in a Wednesday email that the general election campaign "will not impact his duties as county executive."

On Olszewski's potential step-down date, Leventhal said he's "not sure when exactly, but sometime after the election and before swearing in if he were to win the general election."

If Olszewski wins, his term in the U.S. House of Representatives would begin on Jan. 3, 2025, when the 119th Congress takes office. He would have to step down as county executive by then.

Related:

• Baltimore Co. Primary Election Results: Olszewski Vs. Klacik For House
• Baltimore County Executive Running For 2nd District Congress Seat