2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Martin Mitchell

LAUREL, MD — Martin Mitchell has entered the race for Prince George's County Council District 1. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Mitchell's responses, verbatim:

Name: Martin Mitchell

Age on Election Day: 35 – Primary Election and 36 – General Election

Hometown: Laurel, MD

Political Affiliation: Democratic Party

Email address: info@meetmartin.org

Campaign website: www.meetmartin.org

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

As a Laurel City Council Member, I spearheaded the effort to amend the City of Laurel’s Charter to allow collective bargaining rights for Department of Public Works workers, which enabled them to join UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO. I also led the successful fight to establish a county rent stabilization law, which is protecting families from unjustified rent increases. I also fought for the One Fair Wage movement to assist tipped workers by raising their wages to the levels of other workers. These efforts show the kind of proven leadership for change that I will fight for as a County Council Member.

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?

Our top issue is creating a more affordable quality of life for everyday families by reducing housing and utility costs, providing health care assistance for the uninsured, food and income assistance programs, and providing free bus transportation. I want to reign in housing costs by using inclusionary zoning to create affordable units in new development and redevelopment projects, strengthen applicability and enforcement of rent stabilization policies, and support down payment assistance programs.

Reduce health care costs by increasing funding for the Health Assures Program for uninsured residents. Create a local earned income tax credit program and increase the local supplement to the SNAP program to assist modest income residents with food, utility, and other costs. And make free county bus service permanent and encourage WMATA and MTA to do the same public services.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

Council District 1 has a very diverse and increasingly progressive population. In fact, our data shows that a majority of District 1 Democrats voting in this primary are likely to be African-American. However, District 1 has never had an elected African-American County Council Member. My candidacy will change that and I believe District 1 Democrats of all backgrounds will positively respond to my progressive message for change. I also am different because my track record has been one of being on the frontlines fighting for positive change, not just talking about it.

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

My work experience reflects the progressive fights and values of standing up for working families and not the powerful or establishment interests. This is why I will be a Council Member that responds and advocates for holding utility companies accountable for rising costs, push for policies that strengthen rent stabilization and housing affordability, and support community-supported, high quality, sustainable development that does not sacrifice our environment.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If that is you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished?

Council Member Tom Dernoga has been a good Council Member in a number of areas, including community engagement and protecting the environment. I will work to accelerate improvements that have been slow to develop, but are planned for the future, such as a new High Point High School and Northern Area High School. I will also pursue attracting more high-quality employment growth, better retail amenities to District 1, and work to improve general access to transit in our area.

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

I believe we can improve public education in Prince George’s County through full funding of the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future and fully implementing teacher collaborative time. I also support a local teacher National Board Certified teacher pay bonus for designated low performing schools to supplement the state’s incentive. And I will work with the Board of Education to reduce class sizes and expand tutoring assistance in the public schools for modest income families.

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

Public safety has improved recently but remains a leading concern for District 1 residents. I will work to improve public safety through a well-rounded approach, including giving our public safety officers the resources and culturally competent training they need, creating more economic opportunities for returning citizens to reduce recidivism, and incorporate more mental health and substance abuse interventions for justice involved individuals.

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

The business sector and economic climate in District 1 is resilient, but it can be better. We should encourage mixed-use development in our Plan 2035 growth centers and favor responsible, sustainable development that increases jobs, walkability, and is affordable. And suburban developments like Konterra should incorporate transit access as much as possible.

I will also be a champion for incentivizing 21st Century signature cutting-edge industries to grow and thrive in Prince George’s County, leveraging great innovation partners like the University of Maryland-College Park and the Discovery District. And I support very robust efforts, such as dedicated loan funding, procurement carve-outs, and technical assistance, to grow our small business community, especially locally owned and operated businesses.

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

Transit options are too limited in District 1 and our communities are far too automobile oriented. I will work hard to establish dedicated bus lanes in District 1, make free county bus service permanent (and push WMATA and MTA to do the same), and be an advocate for microtransit.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I have heard the voices of the talented and diverse residents of Council District 1 calling for change. To meet this moment, we need a movement that speaks directly to the challenges and opportunities we face. My campaign will be such a movement, focusing on (i) building state of the art schools with higher teacher pay and smaller class sizes, (ii) lowering costs for our families in housing, health care, and food, (iii) attracting more good paying jobs with good benefits and better retail, (iv) improving public safety staffing and resources, and (v) fostering more connected and sustainable communities.