Washington County Commissioner election Part 2: 4 Democrats, 1 independent seek seats
Five candidates for Washington County commissioner are campaigning on changes to data center regulations, public services and government transparency. The county's 12-month moratorium on new data center applications is scheduled to expire in June 2027, after which commissioners must consider permanent zoning restrictions, an extension or revised development rules.
Four Democrats and one unaffiliated candidate are seeking five seats on the Washington County Board of County Commissioners in Maryland. Their platforms include changes to education funding, public services, tax policy and government transparency, with the proposed ICE detention facility also emerging as a campaign issue.
The candidates differ on how Washington County should handle data center growth. The county currently has a 12-month moratorium on new applications that is scheduled to expire in June 2027, and the next board will decide whether to adopt permanent zoning restrictions, extend the moratorium or allow development under revised rules. Proposals include independent impact studies, stronger environmental standards, developer-funded utilities, union-job requirements and limits on facility locations.