Election 2026: Meet 2nd District Council Candidate Catelyn Middlebrooks

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD — Ahead of the 2026 general election in November, Patch has invited candidates running to represent Anne Arundel County to complete a questionnaire touching on a variety of key issues.

Candidate responses will be published verbatim in the run-up to Election Day on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Related:

• Maryland Voter Guide: Governor, Congress And Redistricting On The Ballot
• Moore And Cox Bring Heat To Debate, But Will It Alter The Race?
• Voter Guide For Anne Arundel County: What's On The Ballot, Voting & More

Questionnaire responses for Catelyn Middlebrooks, who is running to represent the 2nd District, can be found below:

Name: Catelyn Middlebrooks

Age: 27

Hometown: Severn

Political Affiliation: Democrat

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please explain how it will influence your time in office if elected. How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

No answer provided.

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

My experience in public policy, legislative research, and health advocacy has prepared me to approach county government with an analytical, solutions-oriented mindset. Working with the Maryland General Assembly gave me firsthand experience with the legislative process, while my work at AARP exposed me to the challenges facing older adults, caregivers, and families.

These experiences taught me how to evaluate policy, identify gaps in existing systems, and work toward practical solutions. I would bring that same approach to the County Council, focusing on responsible spending, government transparency, affordability, and policies that improve residents’ everyday lives.

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?

The most important issue facing District 2 is affordability, especially the cost of housing. Too many families, older adults, and working people are feeling squeezed by rising rents, home prices, and everyday expenses, and they’re worried about being able to stay in the community they call home.

On the county council, I will work to expand housing options at a range of price points, make smart use of the county budget to support residents who are struggling, and bring together local government, nonprofits, and employers to find practical solutions. I’ll also be transparent about our progress, so residents can see what’s working and hold me accountable.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current officeholder, and how will you improve on it?

I appreciate the work the current county council has done, and I think they’ve done a good job for our community. I’m focused on the future and on the impact I can make for District 2. I’m ready to look ahead and put my energy into listening to residents, finding practical solutions, and working with colleagues and community partners to deliver real results. I’m running to be a council member who is accessible and accountable, and who sees every decision as a chance to make life better for the people of our district.

How do you believe Anne Arundel County should address data centers? What type of legislation — moratorium or temporary pause — should be put in place? Explain.

I believe we must prioritize our communities, environmental protection, and affordability. I support a temporary moratorium on new data center development while the County evaluates impacts on energy costs, water resources, and local infrastructure.

We need clear regulations and meaningful public input to ensure development serves residents rather than placing additional burdens on working families.

What steps would you take to offset data center impacts to residents’ standard of living, such as rising energy prices?

I would advocate for strong regulations requiring data centers to cover the costs of the infrastructure and energy demands they create, rather than passing those costs on to residents. I would also support greater transparency, energy efficiency requirements, and protections for working families struggling with rising utility bills.

Economic development should never come at the expense of residents’ affordability and quality of life.

How would you distinguish between a good vs. bad data center?

A good data center minimizes its impact on residents and the environment, uses energy and water responsibly, protects natural resources, pays its fair share of infrastructure costs, and provides meaningful local economic benefits.

A bad data center shifts costs onto taxpayers and ratepayers, strains local resources, and fails to address environmental concerns.

Development should be measured by whether it benefits Anne Arundel County residents without compromising their quality of life or our environment.

Gov. Wes Moore signed bills banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials in February.

What is your opinion of the legislation? What steps would you take to support or readjust that initiative?

I support banning agreements between local police and federal immigration officials to protect community trust and ensure local law enforcement can focus on public safety. I would support strong enforcement of this legislation and work to ensure all residents feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with local police, regardless of immigration status.

What is your stance on the establishment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers in the county and/or your district? What actionable plans would you undertake to address illegal immigration?

I strongly oppose ICE detention centers in Anne Arundel County and believe America should be a place where everyone is welcomed and treated with dignity. I oppose policies that target immigrant communities and separate families.

I would focus on protecting residents’ rights, supporting immigrant families, and ensuring local resources are used to build safer, more inclusive communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Education: What is the biggest issue facing Anne Arundel County Public Schools? How would you address it?

One of the biggest challenges facing Anne Arundel County Public Schools is ensuring every student has access to a high-quality learning environment, regardless of their ZIP code.

I would advocate for equitable school funding, modernized facilities, and investments in teachers and support staff. As a Glen Burnie High School graduate, I believe every student deserves the resources and opportunities to succeed.

A student brings a gun/weapon to campus without setting off any red flags.

What security measures would you advocate for to prevent such an incident? Do you believe schools need stricter security measures? Metal detectors? Explain.

Student safety has to come first. I support a prevention-focused approach, with more counselors to spot warning signs early and strong security measures to keep our schools safe.

I believe school leaders, parents, and safety experts should work together to decide what’s right for each school. As a council member, I’ll work alongside our schools and community to make sure every child has a safe place to learn.

Anne Arundel County is experiencing a housing shortage. What steps would you take to address the crisis? What will you do to encourage affordable/public housing?

I would work to expand workforce and affordable housing by streamlining approvals for responsible development, supporting public-private partnerships, and investing in affordable and public housing.

New housing must be matched with adequate transportation and infrastructure. I believe anyone who wants to build a life in Anne Arundel County should have the opportunity to afford to stay, including young adults, working families, and seniors on fixed incomes.

How will you address crime in the county/your district?

I would take a comprehensive approach to public safety by supporting our law enforcement officers, investing in community-based violence prevention, and expanding access to mental health resources.

I would also prioritize addressing the root causes of crime through youth programs, economic opportunities, and stronger community partnerships. Safe communities require both accountability and prevention.