Montgomery County Council District 6

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: Natali Fani-González

Age: 46

Personal: Married with two children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, international relations and political science, Goucher College; master’s degree (in progress), international policy, George Washington University.

Experience: President, Montgomery County Council, and member for District 6; chair, Economic Development Committee; member, Montgomery County Planning Board (2014-2021), including as vice chair; owner, public relations firm (2008-2022).

Questionnaire

Q: The county is facing increased economic strain in part due to mass layoffs and budget cuts at federal agencies. What are the best ways for the county to work to bounce back from these federal changes?

Q: With increased maintenance costs, lower enrollment, and other expenses rising, what do you think is the best approach to address the growing budget needs for county schools?

Q: Do you believe the county’s rent stabilization policy has been effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: Do you believe increased development can be effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: How should the county handle potential data center development while assessing potential unintended consequences?

Q: Should the county keep the Dickerson trash incinerator open, or do you believe there is an alternative path forward for waste disposal in the county?

Q: What do you believe is the county’s role in protecting immigrants? Do you support legislation that restricts ICE’s actions in the county?

Q: Why should voters elect you for county council?

Name: Sonia A. Garcia

Age: 34

Personal: Lifelong Wheaton area resident.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, biology, Trinity Washington University; PhD, molecular medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore.

Experience: Neighborhood lead, Nextdoor (present); project manager, family-owned small business (2026-present); National Cancer Institute (NCI), NIH, program analyst (2024-2025), and scientific program manager (2023-2024).

Questionnaire

Q: The county is facing increased economic strain in part due to mass layoffs and budget cuts at federal agencies. What are the best ways for the county to work to bounce back from these federal changes?

Q: With increased maintenance costs, lower enrollment, and other expenses rising, what do you think is the best approach to address the growing budget needs for county schools?

Q: Do you believe the county’s rent stabilization policy has been effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: Do you believe increased development can be effective in addressing the local affordable housing crisis?

Q: How should the county handle potential data center development while assessing potential unintended consequences?

Q: Should the county keep the Dickerson trash incinerator open, or do you believe there is an alternative path forward for waste disposal in the county?

Q: What do you believe is the county’s role in protecting immigrants? Do you support legislation that restricts ICE’s actions in the county?

Q: Why should voters elect you for county council?

Republican

Name: Louella Tham

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