2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Eleanor Washington

UPPER MARLBORO, MD — Eleanor Washington has entered the race for Prince George's County Council District 9. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Washington's responses, verbatim:

Name: Eleanor Washington
Age on Election Day:51
Hometown: Upper Marlboro
Political Affiliation: Democrat

Email address: published:eleanorfordistrict9@gmail.com
Campaign website/Facebook page: www.eleanorfordistrict9.com and www.facebook.com/EleanorForDistrict9/

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.

I haven’t held elected office before, but I’ve spent more than 30 years serving this community in very real, hands‑on ways — in our schools, in disability advocacy, in youth sports, and through nonprofit work. I’ve also worked in IT project management and network operations, including Department of Defense–related work, so I’m used to managing complex systems and making sure things get done the right way.

And I want to be honest about something: even though I’m running for a political position, I don’t see myself as a politician. I’m a community member who has lived the same challenges as everyone else in District 9. I’m stepping up because I believe our district deserves someone who will truly fight for what people need and speak up when it counts — not just on paper.

What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?

The biggest thing I hear from people is a lack of trust — trust that development will be responsible, that schools will be stable, and that county services will actually meet the needs of families and seniors. People want to see progress, not promises.

From my perspective, rebuilding trust starts with showing up, listening, and being transparent about what’s happening and why. People want someone who will keep them informed and make sure their concerns aren’t ignored.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

What sets me apart is that my entire adult life has been rooted in service — not politics. I’ve raised a family here, worked inside our schools, supported students with disabilities, coached youth, and advocated for families who often feel overlooked.

I’m not running to build a résumé. I’m running because this is home, and I want to make sure every family in District 9 has someone who understands their day‑to‑day reality.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?

My background in IT project management helps me understand how to oversee large projects, manage budgets, and hold people accountable. My work in education and special needs advocacy gives me a real understanding of what families and students need. And my experience in youth sports keeps me connected to what our young people are facing.

All of that shapes how I look at issues like school facilities, youth programs, senior services, and responsible development.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it?

There has been some progress, but many residents still feel disconnected from the decisions being made. People want more communication, more transparency, and more follow‑through — especially on long‑promised projects.

My perspective is that we can do better by being more accessible, more consistent, and more accountable to the people who live here.

How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?

Our schools have so much potential — amazing students, dedicated educators, and strong specialty programs. But families are frustrated by sudden changes, aging buildings, and slow maintenance.

From what I see every day in the classroom, we need faster repairs, more stability in programs, better support for students with disabilities, and stronger communication with families before big decisions are made.

How do you feel about crime in your area and what steps can be taken to reduce it?

District 9 is generally safe, but people are concerned about property crime, traffic safety, and emergency response times. As our area grows, our public safety resources need to grow with it.

Community partnerships, youth programs, better lighting and sidewalks, and stronger support for first responders all play a role in keeping neighborhoods safe.

What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward?

We have so much potential here, but many small businesses struggle with permitting, visibility, and access to resources. A lot of residents still leave the district to shop or dine.

Supporting small businesses, streamlining processes, and encouraging mixed‑use development can help keep more opportunities — and more dollars — right here in District 9.

How do you feel about transportation options in the area and what, if anything, should be improved upon?

Transportation hasn’t kept up with growth. Congestion, limited transit options, and safety concerns are major issues.

Improving transit access, upgrading major corridors, and making our roads safer for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists are all important steps.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

At the end of the day, I’m a mother, an educator, an advocate, and a neighbor. I’ve experienced the same challenges as the people I’m hoping to represent — navigating the school system, supporting a child with Autism, caring for aging family members, and working hard to make ends meet.

I’m stepping up because I believe District 9 deserves leadership that listens, shows up, and truly fights for the community.