TOWSON, MD—The Baltimore County Council on Tuesday announced that it has made a selection to fill the recent vacancy in the office of Baltimore County Executive.

As a result of the vacancy created by the resignation of former County Executive John A. Olszewski, Jr., the County Council was tasked with electing the next County Executive to serve the remainder of the current term in accordance with the Baltimore County Charter.

Following the general election on November 5, 2024, the Council undertook a two-month process that included the posting of a County Executive announcement on the County Council’s website that resulted in 12 applications received; a virtual and in-person Public Hearing on December 10, 2024; and public presentations by each of the final five candidates on December 16, 2024. In addition to the candidates’ application submissions, Councilmembers also reviewed emailed comments from County residents.

After careful review of the candidates, the County Council has selected Maryland State Senator Katherine A. Klausmeier to be the next Baltimore County Executive. Born and raised in Baltimore, Senator Klausmeier has represented parts of Baltimore County in the Maryland General Assembly for almost 30 years, serving as a Delegate from 1995 to 2003 and as a Senator from 2003 to the present. Senator Klausmeier has led the Baltimore County Senate Delegation and was President Pro Tempore of the State Senate in 2019-20.

“My colleagues and I are very pleased to announce the selection of Senator Klausmeier as the next County Executive. Kathy’s experience in State Government, her reputation as a problem-solver who listens to constituents, and her leadership in the General Assembly bring qualities that will be needed for Baltimore County residents for the next two years and beyond,” said Council Chairman Izzy Patoka.

Councilman David Marks added, “having known Senator Klausmeier for nearly three decades, I can attest to her long record of bipartisanship. It is important that we have a County Executive who commands respect and brings together people of all backgrounds and political philosophies.”

The Council’s formal vote to elect the County Executive will take place during the Legislative Session on Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, followed immediately by the swearing-in ceremony.

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