What’s the job: Appoints representatives to administer estates and oversees the process. Serves as clerk to the Orphans’ Court. Provides safekeeping of wills and certifies domestic partnerships. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Ajile F. Brown, Esquire

Ajile F. Brown, Esquire.
Ajile F. Brown, Esquire. (Courtesy of Ajile F. Brown)

Age: 57

Personal: Divorced mother or two sons. Resident of Howard County over 20 years. Both sons went to public schools in Howard County.

Education: Juris Doctorate from University of Maryland

Bachelor’s in Political Science and Master’s in City Planning from Morgan State University

Experience: Court Administrator for the Orphans’ Court in Baltimore CityFormer Adjunct Professor at Howard Community College (13 Years)Parliamentarian of Owen Brown Village BoardPrivate Practice Attorney in Estate Planing and AdministrationElected to the Orphans’ Court of Howard County in 2022 PTA - Vice President

Name: Byron E. Macfarlane

Byron E. Macfarlane.
Byron E. Macfarlane. (Friends of Byron Macfarlane)

Age: 43

Personal: I’m a lifelong Howard County resident, proud graduate of our public schools, and the first member of my family to become a lawyer and run for public office.

Education: University of Maryland, College Park, B.A., Government & Politics

University of Baltimore, School of Law, J.D.

Experience: I’ve had the honor to serve Howard County as Register of Wills since 2010, when I challenged a longtime incumbent who had allowed this vital agency to atrophy and hadn’t kept up with the times. I replaced the old motto, “That’s how it’s always been done,” with “How can we do this better?” In the process, I rebuilt this office from the ground up to become a model for how government can and should serve people when they’re vulnerable in need – with experience, efficiency, and empathy. I’ve modernized the office, diversified the staff – hiring the first people of color, first LGBTQ+ employees, and first employees with disabilities in the office’s history – been active and engaged in the community, and been an effective advocate for reforms to make probate in Maryland faster, fairer, less expensive, and more equitable for everyone.

Previously, in 2006 I became the youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ candidate ever elected to the Howard County Democratic Central Committee. I served as Legislative Director to then-State Delegate Peter Franchot (2004-2006), and worked in other roles in government, including in the U.S. Senate, U.S. Department of Justice, Maryland State Senate, Howard County Circuit Court, and County Council.