Maryland House of Delegates District 17

What’s the job: One of 188 members of Maryland’s General Assembly, split between the House of Delegates and the Senate. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving state spending and providing oversight of Maryland government operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Julie Palakovich Carr

Age: 43

Personal: Married with one child.

Education: Master’s degree, biology, University of Minnesota; bachelor’s degree, biology, Boston University.

Experience: State Delegate (2019-present); chair of the Montgomery County House Delegation (2022-present); chair of Revenues Subcommittee (2026-present); chair of Early Childhood Subcommittee (2023-2025); Rockville City Councilmember (2013-2019); substitute teacher with MCPS (2023-present).

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Name: Christopher S. Reed

Age: 29

Personal: I’m a sixth-generation Rockville resident.

Education: Rockville High School; associate’s degree, general studies, Montgomery College.

Experience: Substitute teacher, Montgomery County Public Schools; operations assistant, Bertin Corp; legal aid, HR assistant, etc. - Randstad USA Temp Agency;

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Name: Ryan Spiegel

Age: 48

Personal: Married with two children.

Education: Pikesville High School; bachelor’s degree, journalism, University of Maryland, College Park; Juris Doctor, Stanford Law School; fellow, University of Maryland Academy for Excellence in Local Governance.

Experience: Maryland State Delegate, 2023-present; chair, Montgomery County House Delegation Committee on Land Use, Transportation, and Public Safety; Statewide Interoperability Executive Council; Gaithersburg City Council Member; Montgomery County Victim Services Advisory Board;. Gaithersburg Education Committee; partner, Thompson Hine LLP; partner, Paley Rothman; attorney, Winston & Strawn LLP.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: What do you consider the three most pressing issues facing Maryland?

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted?

Q: Besides an election, how do you want constituents to review your job performance?

Name: Joe Vogel

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.