Judy Pedersen
Candidate for the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2026. Always verify official ballot status with the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Judy Pedersen is a 71-year-old Lusby resident, retired public information officer, and former educator running as a Democrat for Calvert County Commissioner At-Large in 2026. A graduate of the University of Maryland (B.S. in recreation) and Bowie State University (M.Ed.), she spent 20 years leading communications for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission (M-NCPPC) Department of Parks and Recreation in Prince George's County, and previously served as an educator and municipal recreation supervisor. Her campaign emphasizes centrist consensus-building, bipartisan collaboration, ending behind-closed-doors government agreements, preserving Calvert's rural heritage, and strictly evaluating every county decision through the guiding question: 'Does this make life better for Calvert families?'
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Verified Policy Stances & Platform
Public record positions, statements, and campaign positions.
Open Government and Ending Non-Disclosure Agreements
Pledges full governmental transparency, taking on behind-the-scenes decision-making, and eliminating non-disclosure agreements on county economic and development initiatives.
"Decisions made in the dark do not serve the public interest. Government business must be conducted openly with meaningful citizen input."
Strict Growth Controls & Clean Industry Focus
Opposes heavy industrial data center expansion that strains county infrastructure, water resources, or electrical grids; advocates for clean industries and supporting small local businesses.
"We must limit commercial growth to clean industries that bring sustainable jobs without sacrificing our environment, natural resources, or quality of life."
Conserving the Chesapeake Bay, Forests, and Parkland
Drawing on a 20-year career with M-NCPPC Parks and Recreation, champions safeguarding Chesapeake Bay tributaries, woodlands, open space, and expanding trail systems and nature education.
"Protecting our precious waterways, preserving our rural landscapes, and maintaining parklands are vital for current and future generations of Calvert families."
Robust School Support & Trade Apprenticeship Pathways
As a former public school educator with a master's in education, advocates for strong county investment in public education alongside expanded vocational and apprenticeship pathways for students.
"Every child deserves exceptional educational opportunities, whether preparing for higher education or acquiring technical trade skills that lead directly into rewarding careers."
Sustaining Family Farms, Watermen, and Small Businesses
Supports Calvert's traditional agricultural and maritime economy, ensuring family farms and local watermen are protected and small businesses receive reliable county support.
"Our county's heritage is rooted in agriculture and the water. Preserving our small business community and legacy occupations keeps Calvert unique and economically resilient."
Official Campaign Priorities
- Open, Transparent Governance & Ending NDAs: Ending non-disclosure agreements and backroom negotiations, ensuring all county business is conducted in public view.
- Protecting Calvert's Rural Character & Bay Ecosystem: Conserving Chesapeake Bay tributaries, woodlands, open space, and expanding trail systems and parks.
- Responsible Economic Development & Clean Industry: Prioritizing small businesses and legacy industries (farming and watermen) while limiting commercial expansion to clean industries that do not harm the local environment or power grid.
- Investing in Public Education & Trade Pathways: Supporting public school excellence and expanding vocational, technical, and apprenticeship opportunities for non-college pathways.
- Common-Ground Consensus Building: Fostering a respectful, pragmatic board dynamic that bridges political divides and puts families first.
Other Candidates in This Race:
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Live Activity Timeline
PRINCE FREDERICK, Md. — School funding, water and sewer costs, development and public trust were among the issues residents brought to Calvert County commissioner candidates during an Oct. 8 town hall at Calvert Pines Senior Center. The Calvert County Civic Literacy Coalition (3CLC) hosted the nonpa
Meet JudyWhy I am RunningIssuesNewsVolunteerContribute MeetJudy Judy hails originally from Southern California, coming east to attend college and join family members in Virginia. She worked at WINX Radio in Rockville, MD, an oldies station, where her husband-to-be first heard her
Screenshot of “Board of County Commissioners Candidate Forum Hosted by The American Legion Post 206 – Oct. 2, 2026” | Video By Calvert County Government CHESAPEAKE BEACH, Md. — Independent oversight, housing affordability and the balance between growth and rural preservation were recurring themes as
0 Meet The Candidates 2026 Democratic Candidates Learn about the candidates that Calvert Democrats can get behind in 2026! We have to turn out in big numbers to ensure that Calvert County is led by folks who have the best interests of the people front and center. Protect our scho