2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Lolita E. Walker

ACCOKEEK, MD — Lolita E. Walker has entered the race for Prince George's County Council District 9. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Walker's responses, verbatim:

Name: Lolita E. Walker
Age on Election Day: 49 (during the general election and 48 during the primary election)
Hometown: Accokeek
Political Affiliation: Democrat

Email address: campaignforlolitawalker@gmail.com
Campaign website: https://www.votelolitawalker.com

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 previously served as the elected Prince George’s County Board of Education member for District 9 and, during that time, was elected by peers to serve as Board Chair and Vice Chair. In that role, I helped oversee one of the largest school systems in the nation, including policy governance, budget oversight, community engagement, and collaboration across local and state agencies.

That experience taught me the importance of transparency, communication, fiscal responsibility, and building partnerships to move work forward. It also reinforced that leadership is not about operating in silos but about listening, engaging residents, and balancing diverse community needs while making informed decisions. If elected to the County Council, I will bring that same collaborative and solutions-focused leadership approach while continuing to serve in District 9.

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 most significant issues facing District 9 is ensuring residents feel connected to decisions that directly impact their communities while balancing growth, infrastructure, public safety, and quality of life.

Residents want responsive government, stronger communication, reliable services, safe communities, and planning that protects current and future generations. Too often, people feel decisions are happening around them instead of with them.

My approach is grounded in my vision to connect, build, and thrive together. Let's improve communication, strengthen agency coordination, strategically invest in infrastructure and economic development, and give residents opportunities to engage before major decisions.

We strengthen our communities when residents trust that their voices matter and that leadership is focused on practical, community-centered solutions.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

Each candidate brings different experiences and perspectives to the race. What sets me apart is my public service and professional leadership experience, along with my deep connection to District 9.

I have served this community as an elected Board of Education member, Board Chair and Vice Chair, PTA leader, collegiate educator, leadership strategist, and corporate leader with nearly two decades of experience leading teams, managing budgets, and driving organizational improvement.

I believe in collaborative leadership that is accessible, transparent, and focused on bringing people together to solve problems. My approach centers on listening, community engagement, and balancing responsible growth and protecting the character and needs of our communities.

Most importantly, I am committed to leading with strategy and service while ensuring residents remain at the center of decision-making.

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 provided me with experience in leadership, strategic planning, operations, budget management, team development, and stakeholder engagement across both corporate and educational settings.

As an industrial engineer and former corporate leader, I understand the importance of systems, efficiency, accountability, and long-term planning. My experience managing teams and navigating complex organizational environments has strengthened my ability to analyze challenges, collaborate across groups, and focus on practical solutions. In addition, my experience as an educator, executive coach, and community leader has reinforced the importance of communication, relationship-building, and meeting people where they are.

These combined experiences have prepared me to approach county leadership thoughtfully and intentionally, collaboratively, and with a focus on delivering results that improve the daily lives of residents.

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?

As we know, serving in public office comes with significant responsibility, and I respect anyone willing to serve the community. At the same time, every leader brings a different approach and perspective to the role.

My focus is less on criticizing individuals and more on how we continue strengthening communication, transparency, responsiveness, and collaboration between government and residents. I believe residents want leadership that is visible, accessible, and proactive in addressing community concerns while also helping residents better understand county processes and decision-making.

If elected, I will work to build strong partnerships, improve engagement opportunities, and remain focused on practical solutions that support the long-term success and well-being of District 9 residents.

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

Prince George’s County has talented students, dedicated educators, involved families, and tremendous potential. At the same time, we know there are continued opportunities for improvement related to academic outcomes, school infrastructure, communication, workforce retention, safety, and student support services.

As a former District 9 Board of Education member, I understand the strengths and complexities of our school system. I believe continued progress requires strong partnerships between the Board of Education, county government, families, educators, our scholars, and community organizations.

While the county council does not manage school operations, the Council does play an important role through budgeting, partnerships, infrastructure support, and advocacy. I support continued investment in our school buildings, safe learning environments, mental health supports, workforce development opportunities, and programs that help prepare scholars for college, careers, entrepreneurship, and skilled trades. They deserve systems that support academic success and overall well-being.

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

Public safety is a significant concern for many residents across District 9 and Prince George’s County. Residents want to feel safe in their homes, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Addressing crime requires immediate public safety strategies and long-term community investment. I, therefore, support strong partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, schools, parents, behavioral health providers, and local government to help address prevention and response.

In addition to supporting law enforcement resources and emergency response efforts, we must also continue investing in youth engagement, crime prevention, workforce opportunities, mental health supports, neighborhood revitalization, and community-based programs that help address root causes contributing to violence and instability.
History has shown us that safety is most effective when communities feel connected, supported, and engaged in the process. I am to bring just that.

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 economic potential, but many residents also agree that we need stronger local investment, expanded business opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and a broader commercial tax base.

We deserve responsible economic development that helps create jobs, supports small businesses, strengthens local corridors, and attracts investment while remaining mindful of community impact and quality of life.

I believe we should continue exploring opportunities in areas such as healthcare, technology, logistics, hospitality, small business development, and workforce training while also supporting entrepreneurs and existing local businesses so that they are retained in the place they call home.

We know that economic growth should benefit residents directly by creating opportunities, improving services, and helping build sustainable communities where individuals and families can thrive.

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

Transportation continues to be a major concern for many District 9 residents, particularly related to traffic congestion, roadway maintenance, pedestrian safety, accessibility, and better connectivity throughout the county.

It often feels as though the southernmost part of the county is often an afterthought, particularly because discussions and transportation implementation often fall short of extending to District 9. Though true, District 9 continues to experience growth and also has a number of rural communities, so transportation solutions must consider the diverse needs of residents across the district. It is imperative that we have continued collaborations with county, state, and regional transportation partners to improve infrastructure, roadway safety, accessibility, and transit connectivity so that we can better meet the needs of our unique communities.

I also believe transportation planning should be connected to broader conversations around economic development, housing, public safety, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. District 9 residents deserve transportation systems that are safe, reliable, and responsive.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

I am proud to call District 9 home. I came to Prince George’s County as a seventh-grade scholar and graduated from both middle (Eugene Burroughs Middle) and high school (Gwynn Park High) in this community. Over the years, I have continued serving through public education leadership, community engagement, mentoring, coaching, and advocacy.

My campaign is rooted in one vision: Connect. Build. Thrive. Together.

I believe leadership should be accessible, collaborative, transparent, and focused on creating practical solutions that strengthen communities and improve residents’ daily lives.
I am committed to listening, learning, and working alongside residents to help ensure District 9 continues growing in ways that are responsible, inclusive, and community-centered.