2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet Patrick S. Vincenti

HAVRE DE GRACE, MD — Patrick Vincenti has entered the race for Harford County Executive. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Vincenti's responses, verbatim:

Name: Patrick S. Vincenti

Age on Election Day: 72

Hometown: Havre de Grace, MD

Political Affiliation: Republican

Email address: Pat@vincentidecoys.com

Campaign website: www.patrickvincenti.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.

Yes, I have proudly served twelve years on the Harford County Council. First four years as District E Representative and the last eight years as Council President. This experience has given me great insight into how County government works, through working with all government entities and community partners. As a member of the Council, we have full oversight and final approval authority over the budget, which helped to maintain Harford County’s AAA Bond Rating. I have developed a great working relationship with our business, non-profit communities, education and library partners, law enforcement, public safety and our agricultural community.

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?

In my opinion, we need to first repair the division we are experiencing within our County through communication, collaboration and transparency. This is an important component to providing and maintaining the quality of life we have all grown accustomed to. By bringing all of our partners to the table when decisions are made that impact our County, I believe I can repair this division that we continue to experience under the current administration.

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 a candidate for Harford County Executive, I bring twelve years of collaborative leadership experience to the table, working with partners across all sectors of our County. In addition to this, I also bring 50 years of experience as a small business owner and a volunteer with non-profit and tourism related entities. Running as a conservative Republican, I truly believe in smaller government, while taking care of the workforce we rely on everyday. I believe that Harford County needs a uniter, not a divider and my leadership style of collaboration, communication and transparency will help to repair the division we are experiencing in our county.

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

Our children are our greatest asset and represent our future. We need to provide them with every tool possible to prepare them for success. In my twelve years serving on the Harford County Council, I have remained a strong advocate for our students and educators, ensuring that those educators have all the tools necessary to prepare our children in the classroom, while the State of Maryland continues to push unfunded mandates onto local jurisdiction.

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

I am and continue to be a strong advocate for all aspects of public safety in Harford County. Over the past 12 years, I have worked closely with law enforcement, fire, and EMS volunteers and professionals to ensure they have the tools and support needed to keep Harford County one of Maryland’s safest communities.

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

Historically, Harford County has been blessed to have Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) within its boundaries. We recognize that APG is our County’s largest employer, providing 20,000 plus jobs for many professionals and defense contractors - but we cannot place all of our eggs in one basket. Small business is the backbone of our county and we need to ensure our support for them wherever we can. This support also should encompass our tourism and agricultural businesses throughout Harford County as both are large economic engines for our local economy.

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

Congestion on our state highways continues to be an issue and we are working with our state partners to make improvements wherever possible. In my time on the Council, I have supported and fought for projects such as Grafton Shop at Route 23 and Woodley Road Extension. If elected as County Executive, I will continue my advocacy for projects to alleviate congestion and increase safety throughout our County.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

As a lifelong resident of Harford County, I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to grow up here, raise a family and build a successful small business with my wife Jeannie over the past 51 years. The quality of life we experience here in our County needs to be protected, by preserving our rural legacy and managing growth. Throughout my time on the Council, I have supported preserving over 11,000 acres of open green spaces and farmland while saving 100 family farms. If elected as County Executive, I remain committed to ensuring that Harford County continues to be a great place to live, learn, work and raise a family for generations to come.