Meet Harford County Council Candidate Jessica Ryley Hammond: 2026 Election Spotlight

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Jessica Ryley Hammond will be on the ballot Election Day as a candidate 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, MD

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Email address to be published: jrh4countycouncil@gmail.com

Campaign website/Facebook page: 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. These decisions directly impact our quality of life and the everyday enjoyment we get from living here.

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

My commitment to these issues did not begin when I decided to run for office or when they became popular. I have actively participated in county-level meetings concerning land use and development, worked directly with residents facing proposed projects in their communities, and advocated for their concerns. I believe effective representation means being involved, doing the research, and standing alongside residents long before an issue becomes a headline.

I intend to continue this work by advocating for greater transparency in the development process, earlier community engagement, and land-use decisions that put residents first. I will remain 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 public trust is essential. That is why I have committed to not accepting donations from developers. Residents deserve confidence that decisions about growth and land use are being made in the best interests of their communities, not influenced by development money.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

The biggest difference between my opponent and me is that I believe in proactive leadership, not reactive damage control. I do the research, ask difficult questions, involve the people affected, and work to identify problems before making decisions. Good leadership means anticipating consequences, not scrambling to address them afterward.

When my opponent voted to cut healthcare benefits for Bel Air police officers and other town employees, I spoke publicly in support of protecting those benefits. She later discussed the possibility of forming a work group to examine the issue the following year. That work should have happened before the benefits were cut, not after. Fiscal responsibility should not mean balancing the budget on the backs of law enforcement, first responders, and public works employees who serve our communities.

The Hickory Flats development is another example. My opponent voted to approve the developer agreement, yet the project's proposed use of the publicly owned parking garage subsequently became the subject of a lawsuit between Harford County and the Town of Bel Air. Questions about legal authority, public resources, and potential consequences should be addressed before agreements are approved, not after taxpayers are drawn into a legal dispute. I believe in doing the homework first.

I also bring a different perspective. My background is in mental health, social services, and nonprofit leadership, not a career in politics. I believe government needs fresh ideas, creative problem-solving, accountability, and leaders willing to challenge the status quo rather than simply continue business as usual.

Finally, I believe commitments matter. My opponent was elected to a four-year term on the Bel Air Town Commission in November 2025, yet filed to run for County Council the following month, barely beginning the term voters had entrusted her to serve. When I make a commitment, I honor it. The residents of District C deserve a representative who is fully committed to the job they were elected to do.

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 a County Council representative who is independent, transparent, accountable, and willing to stand up for the community, even when it means disagreeing with county leadership.

While the current officeholder has made some efforts to engage with constituents, I remain concerned about his independence from the County Executive and whether all perspectives are being given equal consideration. The County Council is an independent branch of government, not an extension of the County Executive's office. Its responsibility is to provide oversight, ask difficult questions, and represent residents, not simply support the administration's agenda.

If elected, I will listen to everyone, including those who disagree with me. I will make decisions based on research, facts, and what is best for District C, not political alliances or personal interests. My professional background has taught me the importance of independent thinking, collaboration, and finding practical solutions.

I will work with the County Executive when we agree and respectfully challenge the administration when we don't.My loyalty will be to the residents of District C, not to any political figure or agenda. That is how I believe trust in local government is earned.

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. I believe reducing crime begins with ensuring our law enforcement agencies have the staffing, resources, and community support necessary to do their jobs effectively.

Recruiting and retaining qualified, experienced officers is essential to public safety. That means providing competitive pay, quality healthcare, strong benefits, and meaningful representation so officers have a voice in decisions affecting their careers and families. We cannot expect to maintain effective law enforcement agencies if we are unable to attract and retain the people who serve in them.

That is why I attended a Bel Air Town Commission meeting and spoke publicly against reductions to healthcare benefits for Bel Air police officers and other town employees. I believed those officers and their families deserved to retain the benefits they relied upon. Although the Town Commission voted against maintaining those benefits, I felt it was important to stand up for the people who protect our community.

If elected, I will advocate for the Harford County Sheriff's Office to have the staffing, resources, compensation, and support deputies need. I will also continue supporting the Bel Air Police Department, recognizing that the County Council does not directly oversee the Town's police department. Beyond law enforcement, I believe prevention matters, including addressing substance abuse, mental health needs, and opportunities for young people.

Public safety requires more than responding to crime. It requires investing in the people who protect our communities and addressing the problems that contribute to crime in the first place.

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, have a good sense of humor, and believe kindness and respect are essential in public service. People should feel comfortable bringing their concerns, ideas, and questions directly to their elected representatives.

I believe in leading with kindness and collaboration, but I am also very tough, resilient, hardworking, and not afraid to tackle difficult issues or stand up for what is right. My personal and professional experiences have brought me together with people from all walks of life, teaching me to appreciate different perspectives, find common ground, and work through challenges.

I am a Democrat, but I am proud to have support from Republicans, Democrats, and Independents. I will represent everyone in District C, regardless of political affiliation, background, or beliefs. We have far more in common than what divides us, and I believe local government should be about serving people, not political parties.

My family has real roots in Harford County, and I care deeply about the future of this community because it is our home. I will lead with kindness, work with anyone willing to find solutions, and have the courage to stand firm when it matters. I believe we can disagree without being disagreeable, and that respect, transparency, and collaboration are how we move our community forward.