5 County Executive Finalists Revealed To Replace Congress-Bound Olszewski

BALTIMORE COUNTY, MD — A Wednesday announcement revealed the five finalists to succeed Congress-bound Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski (D).

Baltimore County Council Chair Izzy Patoka (D-Pikesville) said the finalists are:

• Jim Brochin, former state senator
• Yara A. Cheikh, community activist
• Katherine A. Klausmeier, state senator
• George G. Perdikakis Sr., environmental engineer with experience running local government departments
• Barry F. Williams, former Baltimore County Recreation and Parks director and former Randallstown High School principal

The County Council, which is tasked with filling the upcoming vacancy, will host the candidates for interviews at Monday's meeting that starts at 6 p.m. Beginning around 7 p.m., each candidate will outline their experience, qualifications and vision for Baltimore County.

"My colleagues and I are pleased to announce the five candidates who have advanced in the selection process, and we look forward to hearing from each candidate on Monday night. While we truly recognize and appreciate the time and effort of all the candidates throughout this process, the five candidates who are moving forward stand out in their experience and accomplishments, and represent the consensus of the Council at this stage," Patoka said Wednesday on Facebook. "I also want to thank County residents who took the time to address us at the public hearing Tuesday night, especially during this busy time of the year. We genuinely appreciate their input."

Twelve candidates applied to replace Olszewski, who will resign from his county executive post on Jan. 3, 2025, at 9 a.m.

Later that day, Olszewski will begin his two-year term serving Maryland Congressional District 2 in the U.S. House of Representatives. Olszewski defeated Republican Kim Klacik in November's general election. The seat was open because Congressman C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D) is retiring.

The County Council held a Tuesday hearing, where 75 residents suggested qualities they want in their next county executive. Read about that public input on WMAR and The Baltimore Banner.

The County Council will soon vote on Olszewski's replacement, who will finish his four-year term that expires on Dec. 6, 2026.

WYPR reported that Patoka said he and his colleagues are looking for a caretaker county executive, somebody who will finish Olszewski's term and not run for re-election in 2026.

The winning candidate must be approved by four of the seven county council members. The Council has four Democrats and three Republicans.

If nobody meets the four-vote threshold, WJZ said County Administrator D'Andrea Walker will become acting county executive.

The next county executive must be a Democrat, as the County Charter requires the successor to be from the same party as their predecessor.

The county executive's annual salary is $192,000.

Related:

• Olszewski Resignation Date Set, Replacement Candidates Announced
• Who Will Be Next Baltimore County Executive? Olszewski Leaves Soon For Congress
• Olszewski Defeats Klacik In Race For US House
• As Olszewski Aims For Congress, Here's How Baltimore County Would Replace Him