2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Juliet Agocha

GLENN DALE, MD — Juliet Agocha, has entered the race for Prince George's County Council District 4. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Agocha's responses, verbatim:

Name: Juliet Agocha, PhD

Age on Election Day: 36

Hometown: Glenn Dale

Political Affiliation: Democratic Party

Email address: Info@julietagocha.com

Campaign website/Facebook page: julietagocha.com and www.facebook.com/DrJulietagocha

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

Service has been part of my life since childhood, long before running for County Council. I am deeply rooted in community service, advocacy, and leadership—from hosting autism awareness initiatives and delivering monthly groceries to seniors, to advocating for teachers, children, and standing with families impacted by ICE enforcement at the State House in Annapolis. I have remained consistently present and active in the community.

While this is my first time running for political office, I am not new to service, leadership, policy, or governance. I bring over 10 years of governance and leadership experience, a PhD in Leadership, and lived experience that keeps me grounded in the real challenges families face. I am not a career politician — I am a mother, servant leader, and a neighbor who understands the day-to-day realities of our community.I currently serve as Vice Chair of the Policy Council, where I help shape educational policy, advocate for parents and children with special needs, and support early childhood education programs and funding.My professional experience, education, and lived experience have prepared me to lead from day one with clarity, accountability, and a deep commitment to Prince George’s County.

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?

One of the biggest concerns many Prince George’s County District 4 residents have shared with me is the rising cost of living, high taxes, and a growing disconnect from local government. Many homeowners—especially long-term residents—continue to feel the pressure of increasing housing and tax costs, particularly as everyday expenses continue to rise. Families are working hard, yet still face challenges with housing affordability, public safety, and access to opportunity.

For example, many long-term residents—particularly seniors on fixed incomes—have shared concerns about the difficulty of maintaining their homes as property taxes continue to rise over time. When elected, I will prioritize policies that provide tax incentives for long-term residents and expand grant opportunities for first-time homebuyers. I will also work to expand eligibility based on net income so more low-income families can access quality early learning programs and essential support services for their children.

Public safety will remain a consistent priority, with a focus on improving roads, street lighting, traffic calming measures such as speed bumps, and broader community safety infrastructure across District 4.My focus will remain on practical, measurable solutions that improve the daily quality of life for working families across the community. Prince George’s County should work for all of us.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

What differentiates me from other candidates is that I am running as a grassroots candidate deeply connected to the community. My campaign is focused on people, not politics. I believe leadership begins with listening, showing up consistently, and treating every resident with dignity and respect.

I do not lead when it is convenient—I lead when it is hard. During the 2026 legislative session, I was at the State House in Annapolis on multiple occasions advocating for teachers, affordable housing, and relief from rising property taxes. I also stood in support of families impacted by ICE enforcement. I brought the concerns of residents in Prince George’s County directly to lawmakers, because I believe leadership must be proactive, not reactive, and should not only happen during election season, but remain consistent, visible, and rooted in service.

I also made the decision to file early in this race as part of my commitment to serious, long-term preparation and engagement with the issues facing the district. What sets me apart is a combination of lived community engagement, professional experience, and a fresh perspective focused on collaboration, innovation, and practical solutions that move District 4 forward.

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

I bring over 10 years of experience in governance, policy, leadership, and community service. This background has strengthened my ability to solve problems, manage complex initiatives, communicate effectively, and build strong partnerships across sectors. These skills prepare me to approach government with efficiency, accountability, and innovation, ensuring that policies are not only well-designed but effectively implemented.

I also hold a PhD in Leadership, which has deepened my understanding of what effective leadership requires—and what it must never become. It has reinforced my commitment to ethical decision-making, strategic planning, and service-centered governance. I understand the importance of sound policy development, fiscal responsibility, and building systems that deliver real results for residents. I will apply this experience to advance practical, people-centered solutions that improve quality of life across Prince George’s County District 4.

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 appreciate the service and commitment of those who have previously served the district. Public service requires dedication, and I respect anyone willing to take on that responsibility. At the same time, many residents in Prince George’s County District 4 continue to express a gap between community needs and how consistently they are engaged and represented in local decision-making. Residents also want greater clarity and confidence in how taxpayer dollars are allocated and how those investments are directly improving daily quality of life. Residents feel disconnected from government processes and only hear from leadership during election cycles or formal meetings, rather than through ongoing, transparent communication.

I believe District 4 is ready for a more accessible, responsive, and community-centered approach to leadership—one that is consistently present, listens actively, and communicates clearly throughout the year. When elected, I will prioritize stronger engagement with residents, increased transparency around decision-making and resource allocation, and consistent communication so community members feel informed, included, and represented—not just during election season, but throughout the entire term of office.

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

Our schools play a critical role in shaping the future of our community. While many dedicated teachers and students are doing great work across Prince George’s County Public Schools, more support is needed to ensure every child has what they need to learn and thrive. I would like to see stronger partnerships between schools, parents, and the community, along with more investment in student mental health services, after-school programs, and workforce readiness opportunities.

Schools should also have clean, safe facilities and ensure basic needs are met—like access to sanitary products for young girls—so no student is held back because of lack of resources. We must continue to fully support our schools and make sure education is never the first place considered for budget cuts.

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

Residents deserve to feel safe in their neighborhoods. Addressing crime requires both accountability and prevention—supporting law enforcement while also investing in the root causes of crime. When elected, I will support community-based strategies that strengthen trust between residents and public safety agencies, and ensure that law enforcement has the funding and staffing needed to effectively serve our communities.

I will also expand youth mentorship programs, increase access to mental health services, and invest in recreation opportunities that provide safe, structured spaces for young people. I will also work to expand economic opportunities for families and youth, ensuring that residents in Prince George’s County District 4 have clear pathways to stability, growth, and long-term success.

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

Prince George’s County has tremendous potential for economic growth. We have hardworking residents, entrepreneurs, and small businesses that deserve stronger support and investment. To move our economy forward, I support expanding opportunities for small and minority-owned businesses, strengthening workforce development and job training programs, and attracting responsible investment that creates local jobs.

We must also make it easier to start and grow a business by simplifying permits and licensing with DPIE, reducing wait times, and setting clear service standards (SLAs) for faster, more reliable service. In addition, expanding access to grants and small business loans will help entrepreneurs build and sustain their businesses.

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

Transportation impacts daily life, economic opportunity, and quality of life. Many residents in Prince George’s County experience long commutes, traffic congestion, and limited transportation accessibility. For example, residents along major commuter routes often face heavy rush-hour delays and limited reliable transit options for getting to work, school, and essential services.

I support improvements that increase reliability, safety, and accessibility across the district. I will prioritize better road maintenance, safer pedestrian infrastructure—especially near schools and busy intersections—improved public transit options, and infrastructure planning that supports both current residents and future growth.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am running because I genuinely care about the future of our community. My children attend Prince George’s County schools, and my family lives and invests here—so what impacts you impacts me. I believe leadership is about service, integrity, and being present for the people you represent.

Many residents feel a real gap between their daily challenges and how quickly local government responds—whether it is access to services, high taxes, transparency in how taxpayer dollars are spent, public safety concerns, or simply feeling heard. Too often, people feel overlooked in decisions that directly affect their lives.Our district is ready for fresh ideas and a new approach to leadership.

We cannot keep relying on familiar names and expect different results. Real progress requires new energy, new thinking, and a deeper connection to the community’s everyday realities.I am committed to closing that gap through consistent engagement, clear communication, and practical solutions that respond to real community needs. With over 10 years of governance and leadership experience, a PhD in Leadership, and deep lived experience in this community, I am ready to turn concerns into action.This campaign is rooted in the people of District 4 and focused on building a stronger future we create together.