2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Jessica Ryley Hammond

BEL AIR, MD — Jessica Ryley Hammond has entered the race for Harford County Council District C. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Hammond's responses, verbatim:

Name: Jessica Ryley Hammond

Age on Election Day: 49

Hometown: Bel Air

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Email address: jrh4countycouncil@gmail.com

Campaign website: jrh4countycouncil.com/jrh4countycouncil

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.

I have some previous political experience, including helping with a family member’s campaign about 18 years ago. Through my professional work, I have also advocated before the Maryland House of Delegates on multiple occasions on issues affecting the communities I serve.

While I am not a career politician, I see that as a strength. My background is in community leadership, program management, budgeting and working directly with people to solve problems. Those experiences have taught me how to listen, build relationships, navigate complex issues and advocate effectively. If elected, I would bring that same practical, community-focused approach to the County Council with an emphasis on transparency, accountability and being accessible to residents.

What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?

I believe the single most important issue facing District C is land use and growth. The decisions we make now about development will shape Harford County for generations, affecting open space, agriculture, traffic, infrastructure, water resources and the character of our communities. This subject impacts the day to day enjoyment we each get out of life.

Residents care deeply about protecting what makes Harford County special. Across the district, I hear concerns about overdevelopment, incompatible projects like data centers and decisions being made without enough transparency or early public input. People want thoughtful planning, protection of our natural resources and confidence that growth is being managed responsibly.

I intend to address this by advocating for stronger transparency in the development process, earlier community engagement and land-use decisions that put residents first. I will continue to be a strong voice for protecting open space, agricultural land and the character of our communities, while supporting responsible planning that respects existing infrastructure.

I also believe trust is essential. That is why I am committed to not accepting donations from developers. Residents deserve to know that decisions about growth and land use are being made in the best interest of the community, not influenced by development money.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

I do not currently have an opponent in the Democratic primary. I’m focused on continuing to meet with residents across District C, listening to their concerns and discussing the issues that matter most to our community.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking?

My professional background has given me experience in leadership, crisis management, advocacy and working with people from many different backgrounds and perspectives. In my current role, I serve in a servant-leadership position focused on helping others, solving problems and managing complex situations...skills that translate directly to public service.

My background in psychology and my experience working in an emergency room taught me how to remain calm under pressure, multitask effectively and approach difficult situations with empathy and practical problem-solving skills. Through my work in the Thoroughbred industry, I have also gained experience with large sale budgeting, operations and working within industries that regularly interact with government and public policy.

At the same time, I am not a career politician and I believe that is a strength. I bring an independent perspective and a willingness to think outside the box rather than approaching problems through a purely political lens. I believe that combination of real-world experience, leadership and community involvement would serve District C well.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If that is you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished?

I believe residents deserve leadership that is transparent, accountable and focused on serving the entire community. Too often, local politics can feel divisive or overly political, when residents are looking for practical solutions, hard work and honest communication.

If elected, I would bring a more transparent and community-focused approach to the office. I believe public office should be about serving residents, not personal or political interests. My priority would be listening to the community, communicating openly about county decisions and working to bring people together around issues that affect daily life in District C. I believe trust in local government is built through transparency, accessibility and putting the community first.

How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?

Overall, I believe Harford County Public Schools is doing the best it can with the resources it has. Our educators, staff and school leaders work incredibly hard for students every day, often while managing growing demands and limited resources. The school system has also experienced some significant changes and challenges in recent years, so I am hopeful that stable leadership moving forward will help create consistency and allow schools to stay focused on student success.

The County Council plays an important role in approving the county budget, including funding for Harford County Public Schools, so while the Council does not manage the school system directly, it has a responsibility to help ensure our schools are properly supported.

I believe educators should have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively without having to spend their own money out of pocket. That includes classroom resources, support services and making sure schools are appropriately staffed so both students and teachers can succeed.

I’m proud to be endorsed by Harford County educators because they know I will advocate for them. Supporting teachers benefits students, and strong schools benefit our entire community. When we invest in education, we are investing in Harford County’s future.

How do you feel about crime in your area and what steps can be taken to reduce it?

Crime and public safety are important quality-of-life issues for residents across District C. In Bel Air, theft has been identified as one of the more common reported concerns. District C is served by both the Bel Air Police Department and the Harford County Sheriff's Office, so while the County Council does not directly oversee the Town’s police department, public safety remains an important issue across the entire district.

I believe one of the most important steps in reducing crime is making sure law enforcement officers have the support, staffing and resources they need to do their jobs effectively. I attended a Bel Air Town Commission meeting to advocate for the Bel Air Police Department when changes to officer benefits were being considered. I spoke because I believed our officers and their families deserved to keep the benefits they rely on. The Town Commission ultimately voted against maintaining those benefits, which means those benefits will effectively be reduced. I felt it was important to show up and speak on behalf of the officers who serve our community every day.

If elected, I would work to ensure the Harford County Sheriff’s Office has the staffing, resources and support deputies need to do their jobs well, and I would continue advocating for the needs of the Bel Air Police Department And Harford County Sheriff's Office, whenever those issues affect residents in District C. Public safety starts with supporting the people who protect our communities and showing them they are valued.

What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward?

Harford County has a strong local business community, and small businesses are an important part of what makes our towns and communities vibrant. At the same time, many businesses are feeling the pressure of rising costs, workforce shortages and economic uncertainty. Residents are feeling that pressure too, which affects both employers and consumers.

I believe we should focus on strengthening our local economy by supporting small businesses, encouraging thoughtful redevelopment and making it easier for businesses to succeed within our existing communities and infrastructure. That includes investing in infrastructure, maintaining strong schools, supporting workforce development and creating an environment where local businesses can grow without sacrificing the character of our communities.

I also believe economic growth and land preservation can coexist. We should prioritize smart, responsible development, reuse of existing spaces where appropriate and investment that benefits residents while protecting open space, agriculture and the quality of life that draws people to Harford County in the first place. A strong local economy depends on both economic opportunity and preserving what makes our community special.

How do you feel about transportation options in the area and what, if anything, should be improved upon?

Transportation affects quality of life, access to services and economic opportunity, so it is an important issue for our community. I support expanding the routes and availability of the Harford Transit LINK within the county. Reliable local public transportation can be especially important for seniors, people with disabilities, workers, and residents who do not drive or may not always have access to a vehicle.

Expanded local routes or shorter connector trips, such as from neighborhoods to grocery stores, medical offices, the hospital, shopping centers and other essential destinations, could make a real difference for many residents. It would also give more people the option to leave their cars at home when practical, which can help ease congestion and protect our natural environment.

I also believe we should continue improving walkability and expanding safe biking and walking routes throughout the county where possible. Better-connected sidewalks, trails and bike paths improve accessibility, promote healthier communities and help connect residents to schools, businesses, parks and town centers. Thoughtful transportation planning should create more options for how people move through Harford County safely and efficiently.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

What I would most like voters to know is that I’m approachable, I listen and I genuinely enjoy connecting with people. I’m easy to talk to, I have a good sense of humor and I believe those qualities matter in public service because people should feel comfortable bringing concerns, ideas and questions directly to their elected officials.

I’m also someone who is resilient, hard working and not afraid to tackle difficult issues. My personal and professional experiences have allowed me to meet and work with people from many different backgrounds and perspectives and that has shaped how I lead and how I listen. I care about this community because it is home, not just for me, but for my family as well, with deep roots here in Harford County.

If elected, I will work to represent people from all walks of life. I believe we have far more in common than what divides us, and I will work to help bridge that divide here in our community through transparency, respect and a willingness to listen.