From The Banner · Ginny Bixby · · 2m
Immigrant mom runs for Montgomery County executive
Immigrant single mom Esther Wells challenges Democratic hold on Montgomery County government.
In brief
Immigrant single mom Esther Wells challenges Democratic hold on Montgomery County government. Esther Wells, a 39-year-old Republican immigrant from Trinidad, wants to run for Montgomery County executive to restore bipartisan government and address tax, school, and police issues. Originally reported by The Banner.
Esther Wells runs for county executive
Esther Wells, a 39-year-old Republican immigrant from Trinidad, is running for Montgomery County executive against Democrat Will Jawando.
“I’ll be able to restore a bipartisan government”
Wells switched parties in 2018
Wells, a certified public accountant and president of the County Taxpayers League, switched from Democrat to Republican in 2018 after disenchanted with Democratic overtaxing.
Wells credits schools for her success
Wells credits Montgomery County Public Schools for her success after immigrating from Trinidad in 1995, helping her move from poverty to middle class.
Wells criticizes Democratic policies
Wells says Democratic policies have led to financial bankruptcy, demoralized police, and failed students in Montgomery County.
Wells is single mother of two boys
Wells is a single mother of two boys, one with special needs, who attended Montgomery County schools.
Wells targets tax, school, and police issues
Wells plans to lower taxes, improve school outcomes, and restore the police department with 180 vacancies.
Wells ran for school board in 2022
Wells ran for the Board of Education in 2022 after her son’s struggles with school during the pandemic.
Wells wants to be first Black woman executive
Wells aims to be the first Black woman to hold the county executive job in Montgomery County.
Jawando calls Wells’ campaign unviable
Jawando, a County Council member, called Wells’ campaign unviable and refused to debate her before November’s election.
“It’s not a viable campaign”
Wells focuses on budget and tax issues
Wells says the county executive should propose budgets that don’t require tax hikes to address structural deficits.
Wells wants better school representation
Wells ran for school board in 2022 after seeing lack of representation for families with children in elementary school.
Wells plans to restore bipartisan government
Wells says she will restore a bipartisan government by balancing fiscal responsibility and community needs.
“I’ll be able to restore a bipartisan government”
What matters most
Esther Wells, a 39-year-old Republican immigrant from Trinidad, wants to run for Montgomery County executive to restore bipartisan government and address tax, school, and police issues.
