Ashman victorious in Democratic primary for open County Council District 3 seat

Shaw says 'razor-thin closeness' of election results demonstrates voters' strong desire for change

July 9, 2026 11:20 a.m. | Updated: July 9, 2026 11:25 a.m.

Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman is the Democratic nominee for an open Montgomery County Council seat representing District 3, according to results from the June 23 primary election that were certified Wednesday by the county Board of Elections.

With all ballots counted, Ashman had 45.9% of the votes cast in the Democratic primary for District 3. His closest opponent, Rockville City Councilmember Izola Shaw, had 43.9% of the vote. Former federal worker Allison Eriksen was third with 10.2% of the vote. In addition to Gaithersburg and Rockville, District 3 also includes the municipality of Washington Grove.

In a statement posted to social media on Tuesday, Ashman said he would continue serving as Gaithersburg mayor through the Nov. 3 general election, where he will face Republican Ricky Mui. Mui ran unopposed for his party’s nomination.

“One of the many things being Mayor has taught me is how much Rockville and Gaithersburg, in particular, have in common: they’re both beautiful cities, full of caring residents who deserve strong schools, safe streets and a government that shows up and listens,” Ashman wrote in his statement Tuesday. “That will be the job if I win in November.”

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If Ashman wins, he would be the second consecutive Gaithersburg mayor to leave his post for the District 3 seat. He became the city’s mayor by appointment in 2014 after former Gaithersburg mayor Sidney Katz (D) was elected to represent District 3 on the council.

Katz could not seek re-election this year due to term limits. Ashman won re-election to a third full term as Gaithersburg mayor in November. He announced his council bid two weeks later.

In a text message Wednesday afternoon, Ashman told Bethesda Today that Shaw had yet to contact him to concede. Shaw told Bethesda Today in a Thursday phone interview that she has been out of town.

In an email message to her supporters Thursday morning, Shaw said that while the outcome of the District 3 race is not what she hoped for, the “razor-thin closeness of the results” is proof of the community’s strong desire for change.

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“I’m deeply proud of what we built together, and I know this election is just one step in our ongoing movement for family-sustaining jobs, food security, truly affordable housing, and excellent public education,” Shaw wrote. “These aren’t just talking points; they are the driving force behind my work, both as I continue to serve District 3 on the Rockville City Council and as a Montgomery County Housing Opportunities Commissioner.”

Rockville City Councilmember Izola Shaw is pictured at a September campaign event alongside Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At-large). Credit: Ceoli Jacoby

Ashman and Shaw had powerful backers in the race to succeed Katz on the council.

Ashman won support from Katz, U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) and Gov. Wes Moore (D), among other elected officials. He also was endorsed by the Greater Capital Area Association of Realtors (GCAAR) and the county’s public safety unions, including Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 35 and the International Association of Firefighters Local 1664.

Shaw was endorsed by County Executive Marc Elrich (D), who was the top vote-getter in the Democratic primary for four council at-large seats, as well as Councilmember Will Jawando (D-At-large), the Democratic nominee for county executive. She also was on the Montgomery County Education Association’s coveted “Apple Ballot” and won endorsements from Progressive Maryland and the Metro DC Democratic Socialists of America.

In a county where Democrats outnumber Republicans 4-1, the winners of the Democratic primary typically go on to win the general election.

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The Gaithersburg city code states that when a vacancy in the office of mayor or City Council occurs, “a majority of the remaining members of the council shall elect some qualified person to fill such vacancy.”

The person elected by the City Council to take Ashman’s place as mayor would serve in the position until the next scheduled general election in 2027, unless Gaithersburg voters initiate a special election.

To initiate a special election, 20% of Gaithersburg’s registered voters would have to sign a petition. The petition would have to be submitted to the city government within 30 days of the City Council filling a vacancy.

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Originally published at Bethesdamagazine