Andrew Friedson – Candidate for County Executive (Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series)

This post is part of the Moderately MOCO Candidate Introduction Series. Candidates who did not receive the questionnaire via email or need more information can get access through our contact form. The information in this post was submitted directly by the candidate and does not represent the views of Moderately MOCO or its publication.

Basic Information

Political Party: Democratic Party

Campaign Website: https://andrewfriedson.com/

Why Are You Running For Office?

I am running for County Executive to bring proactive leadership, fiscal responsibility, and a clear economic vision to Montgomery County. We are at a critical juncture where our local government can no longer afford to solve structural budget challenges by simply asking our residents and small businesses to pay more taxes. I want to build a county that is affordable for working families to live, competitive for businesses to grow, and safe for everyone to enjoy a high quality of life. By shifting our government from a culture of complacency to a culture of yes, we can expand our commercial tax base, ensure world-class schools and parks, and invest in our infrastructure without placing an unsustainable burden on local taxpayers.

What Is The Biggest Issue Facing Voters In This Race?

The biggest issue facing voters is economic competitiveness and affordability. Montgomery County has relied too heavily on raising residential property taxes to cover budget shortfalls, which directly squeezes middle-class families, renters, and small business owners. When we add unnecessary regulatory burdens and suppress housing production and make it difficult for businesses to invest here, we restrict our own revenue. The choice in this race is clear: continue the endless cycle of raising taxes without growing jobs or charting a new path for private sector job growth and fiscal responsibility to make Montgomery County more affordable and economically competitive.

What Experience Best Prepares You For This Role?

My tenure on the Council and as Council President delivering tangible results and my fiscal and economic background at the state level managing large public financial agencies best prepares me to lead our multi-billion county government to ensure it works for residents. I have consistently demonstrated the ability to build broad coalitions and pass complex, innovative policies: the $100 million Housing Production Fund to jumpstart mixed-income housing, the Accelerate MoCo Initiative to fast-track life sciences expansion and affordable housing construction, the New J.O.B.S. Initiative to spur economic development, paid parental leave, and the largest climate investment in county history. Crucially, I am the only candidate in this race who has consistently voted against tax hikes, including voting against this year’s budget which raises taxes on every homeowner by $692 and creates a structural shortfall of nearly $300 million starting July 1. Because we can’t make Montgomery County more affordable by making it more expensive.

What Would You Like Voters To Know About You Personally?

I want voters to know that my commitment to Montgomery County is lifelong and deeply personal. My wife Demi and I were born and raised here, attended our public schools, and this is the community where we are building our future with our newborn daughter, Joelle. My approach to public service is shaped by the values of accountability, integrity, and hard work that I learned growing up here. We need less shouting in our politics and more showing how government can actually work. I view local government not as a place for rigid ideology, but as a practical tool to solve everyday problems for our neighbors. I am deeply invested in ensuring that the county remains a vibrant, welcoming, and prosperous place over the next four years, and for generations to come.

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