What’s the job: The legislative branch of Maryland’s county governments. Responsible for introducing and voting on legislation, approving county spending and providing oversight of county operations. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Linfeng Chen

Linfeng Chen.
Linfeng Chen. (Chen4D4)

Age: 50

Personal: Dr. Linfeng Chen is a structural engineer with a Ph.D. in Applied Mechanics and a proud father of three—one graduate and two current students in the Howard County Public School System. He and his family have lived in Howard County for over 15 years, drawn by its diversity and strong public schools. Professionally, Dr. Chen applies data-driven problem solving to complex challenges, an approach he brings to public service. As a parent, he has been deeply engaged in his children’s education and understands firsthand the importance of safe, modern school facilities and strong academic programs. He is also an active community member, mentoring students through career day presentations and supporting youth development through scouting, sports, and educational programs. His work reflects a commitment to opportunity, fairness, and preparing the next generation for success. Dr. Chen is running to ensure Howard County remains a place where families can thrive, with high-quality schools, responsible government, and a strong sense of community.

Education: Dr. Chen is a structural engineer with a Doctorate in Applied Mechanics from the University of Virginia.

Experience: Dr. Linfeng Chen was elected at-large to the HCPSS Board of Education in 2022 and served as Vice Chair in 2025. He serves on the Board’s Policy and Legislative Committees and represented the Board on the PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC). Prior to his election, Dr. Chen contributed to several HCPSS committees, including the Operating Budget Review, Science Advisory, Social Studies Advisory, and Calendar Committees, helping guide policy and budget decisions. His community service includes leadership roles in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, serving as a Science Station Manager at Linstead Day Camp, and Treasurer for a SAC youth team. He has also volunteered extensively with Simulated Congressional Hearings and Battle of the Books programs. Dr. Chen has served on the Board of Directors of the Howard County Chinese School and was a founding member and Vice President of the Chinese American Parent Association of Howard County (CAPA-HC). Across all roles, he emphasizes transparency, data-driven decision-making, and expanding opportunities for students and families.

Questionnaire

Name: Regina Clay

Regina Clay.
Regina Clay. (Epic Media Photography)

Age: 62

Personal: I am a lifelong Howard County resident who grew up right here in District 4. My roots in this community run deep. I have watched this district grow and change over the decades, and that lived experience shapes everything I do. I am an active member of the Columbia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Columbia (MD) Chapter of The Links. Inc., Associate Jewel of Columbia (MD) Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. and I am deeply engaged in my faith community. My career in public service from Howard County government to the State of Maryland to the federal level has been driven by a commitment to making sure every resident has a voice and a seat at the table. I am the proud mother of two amazing children who are graduates of District 4 Howard County Public Schools. I am the Primary Caretaker of my 92 and 90 mother and father who continue to reside in District 4.

Education: HOWARD UNIVERSITY | WASHINGTON, D.C.

MASTER OF DIVINITY 2005 UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA | CHARLOTTESVILLE, va BACHELOR OF RTS, COMMUNICATIONS/MINOR IN MARKETING MANAGEMENT 1986

Experience: Howard County Council, District 4 (Current) — Candidate

•CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield — External Affairs Manager•Maryland Department of Human Services — Deputy Legislative Director•Office of Congressman Elijah Cummings — Howard County District Manager•Office of Governor Martin O’Malley — Deputy Chief of Staff and Community Liaison•Office of County Executive Ken Ulman, Howard County — Community Liaison•United Way of Central Maryland — Howard County — Chair, Local RUN Board•Community Foundation of Howard County — Board Member•Local Children’s Board of Howard County — Board Member

Questionnaire

Name: Janssen E. Evelyn

Janssen E. Evelyn.
Janssen E. Evelyn. (JAR Creative Group)

Age: 47

Personal: I live in Columbia with my wife, Sonya, and our two daughters, who attend Howard County Public Schools. As an immigrant and a first-generation American, I am deeply rooted in the belief that strong communities are built through opportunity and connection. My commitment to public service is personal and shaped by my lived experience. I have navigated the unique challenges of the sandwich generation by serving as a caregiver for my late parents while raising my daughters in this county. These responsibilities have reinforced my focus on accessibility and the need for a supportive community at every stage of life. Throughout my career, I have worked to bring people together across neighborhoods and institutions to solve difficult challenges. Beyond my professional work, I remain actively engaged in civic leadership. I believe local government should create communities where families can thrive and residents feel heard. I am running to ensure our growth is managed responsibly and sustainably for future generations.

Education: I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in African Diaspora Studies from St. Mary’s College of Maryland. I later earned my Juris Doctor from Washington and Lee University School of Law where I developed the legal and policy foundation that continues to inform my work in public administration, policy formulation, and local government leadership.

Experience: I currently serve as Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for Anne Arundel County where I help lead policy implementation around land use, housing and economic development. Previously served as inaugural Executive Director of the Anne Arundel County Office of Police Accountability where I built a civilian oversight entity from the ground up and established a framework for transparency coordination across departments and compliance with state law. Adjunct Professor at UMBC teaching community grassroots advocacy. My professional history in Howard County includes service as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant County Solicitor in the Office of Law. As an attorney and senior local government executive I have expertise in government operations labor relations zoning housing policy and public safety. I have navigated complex issues requiring collaboration across agencies and stakeholders to deliver results for residents. Public service includes Vice Chair of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights and Immediate Past President of the Howard County Conservancy. I serve on the board of Columbia Community Care and previously served on the boards of the Howard County NAACP Hickory Ridge Village Board and the Association of Community Services. I have also volunteered as a coach for Girls on the Run and girls rec basketball.

Questionnaire

Name: Shamieka Preston

Shamieka Preston.
Shamieka Preston. (Ezeibe Anosike)

Age: 51

Personal: I am a wife and mom of two, raising our family in Columbia, Maryland. I grew up in Brooklyn, raised by my mom in NYC public housing during the week, and spent weekends with my dad, a retired New York City Police Department chief, in the suburbs of Queens. That contrast shaped how I see opportunity, community, and what government can and should do for people.

Today I am a PTA leader, community advocate, and co-facilitator of the Stop Grace Coalition, where I work alongside my neighbors to protect our community from a toxic plastics incinerator planned near our homes. At the end of the day, I come home to my husband, our two kids, and our cavapoo.

Education: Master of Business Administration (MBA) at City University of New York, Baruch College, Bachelor of Science in Television, Radio and Film Production, Syracuse University

Experience: Professionally, I lead large-scale, high-impact technology implementations in the financial services industry. My career started in marketing and communications, where I worked with major brands across media, sports entertainment, and financial services.

As part of my community advocacy, I co-facilitate the Stop Grace Coalition, a grassroots community group fighting against a toxic plastics incinerator planned in Columbia, MD. Through that work, I advocate for environmental safety and justice, government transparency, and responsible development at the WR Grace site here in Howard County.I also serve as a PTA Council of Howard County (PTACHC) advocate, representing local schools and working to support students, families, and educators. And for over 15 years, I led a high school mentoring program, guiding students on a pathway to college.Outside of my community work, I am an angel investor who has invested in startups across the globe.

Questionnaire