After the Election, the Real Work Begins – And Local Leaders Are Key

Elections are over, but the work of building a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community is never finished.

There has been a tremendous amount of attention on national politics, and rightfully so. But much of what happens is up to local leaders where the rubber literally meets the road. That is especially true in Anne Arundel County, Maryland where I live. Thus, I’m also delighted that I will have the opportunity to work with Allison M. Pickard, Anne Arundel County’s newly elected County Executive, and all seven newly elected members of the County Council. Together, we can help make Maryland a place where everyone can live, worship, work, and participate in community life safely and without discrimination.

But congratulations are only the beginning. What matters now is turning commitments into action.

Making antisemitism and hate an election issue

This election season, the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake created its first 2026 Nonpartisan Voter Guide, inviting candidates for Anne Arundel County Executive and County Council to address issues important to Jewish residents and the broader community: combating antisemitism and other forms of hate, security funding for houses of worship and nonprofits, and the appropriate role of local government in addressing international events that affect residents at home.

Why does this matter? Because antisemitism is real, here and dangerous. Moreover, antisemitism is not simply a Jewish problem. It threatens the safety and dignity of our entire community. When people are intimidated or discriminated against because of their religion, ethnicity, or identity, our shared democratic values are at stake.

It is particularly encouraging that several winning candidates who participated in the questionnaire articulated strong commitments to protecting Jewish residents and people of all backgrounds.

Here are some examples:

Allison M. Pickard, County Executive-elect, stated that “Antisemitism has no place” in Anne Arundel County. She pledged to protect residents through education, community partnerships, and enforcement of civil rights protections. Having voted for the County’s pilot security grant program, she also expressed support for continuing and expanding grants for faith-based and nonprofit institutions.

Kelly M. Smith, elected to Council District 1, outlined a coordinated approach to combating hate, including law enforcement training, stronger school policies, sustainable funding for the Hate Crimes Prevention Program, and improved reporting systems. She emphasized that every resident deserves to worship, work, and live “without fear.”

Nathan Volke, reelected in Council District 3, voted to create our county’s security grant program. He highlighted the County Council’s work to establish and fund security grants for houses of worship. He said the Council had taken steps to “protect the rights of everyone” to live freely in the County and expressed his hope to expand his relationship with the Jewish Federation.

Julie Hummer, reelected in Council District 4 and Chair of the County Council, voted to create our county’s security grant program. She described her support for the County’s Hate Crimes Prevention programs and her advocacy for security grants for houses of worship. She pledged to continue these investments and work to make Anne Arundel County an even more “inclusive and welcoming” community.

Amanda Fiedler, reelected in Council District 5, voted to create our county’s security grant program. She described her responsiveness to the Federation’s requests for security funding and her support for police presence when safety concerns arise. She affirmed that everyone should be able to “live, work, and worship safely” and pledged to continue supporting protections for people of all faiths.

Gavin Buckley, elected in Council District 6, discussed his record as Mayor of Annapolis, including working with Jewish leaders following the Tree of Life synagogue massacre in Pittsburgh. He recalled the City’s decision to illuminate City Hall with a Star of David for 11 days in memory of the 11 victims. He pledged to bring that same commitment to the County Council to “combat hate and violence” and advance inclusion, equality, and dignity for all.

The Federation also congratulates Catelyn Middlebrooks, elected in District 2, and Dawn Pulliam, elected in District 7. Neither submitted a questionnaire response, and their positions on these issues should not be presumed. The opportunity ahead is to get to know both leaders and build constructive relationships.

Security and inclusion require action

For Jewish communities across America, security is no longer theoretical. Synagogues, Jewish community centers, schools, and other institutions must increasingly prepare for threats. Churches, mosques, nonprofits, and other community organizations face similar challenges.

Security grants for houses of worship and nonprofits are an important investment in public safety. No one should have to choose between practicing their faith and protecting their family.

Anne Arundel County took an important step by establishing its pilot security grant program. Continuing and expanding this effort should be a priority for the new administration and County Council.

But security measures alone cannot solve the problem. Combating antisemitism and other forms of hate also requires education, strong civil rights enforcement, effective reporting systems, responsible leadership, and elected officials willing to speak clearly when hate occurs, regardless of who is targeted.

Nonpartisan does not mean silent

A nonpartisan Jewish organization should not be silent about issues affecting the safety, freedom, and dignity of its community.

The Federation does not endorse candidates, rate candidates, or financially support political campaigns. Its voter guide provided information directly from candidates, including their original, unedited responses, so voters could make their own informed decisions. In the future we hope to expand our guide to include more counties and offices.

Every candidate who took the time to meet with Federation leadership or respond to the questionnaire deserves appreciation. These conversations help build understanding and trust.

Read the 2026 Nonpartisan Voter Guide, which includes candidates’ responses on antisemitism, hate, public safety, religious freedom, and community relations.

The real work begins now

Jody Goldsmith, president of the Jewish Federation of Annapolis & the Chesapeake, put it well:

“Elections are an important part of democracy, but the work of building a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community happens every day through strong, committed relationships.”

I couldn’t agree more.

As Federation co-founder, I look forward to helping make the Jewish community a constructive partner in addressing antisemitism, protecting houses of worship and nonprofits, strengthening public safety, and ensuring that people of every background are treated with dignity and respect.

The Jewish community has a long history of standing up not only for our own safety and freedom, but also for the rights and dignity of others. That commitment remains essential today.

The real test of this election will not simply be who won. It will be whether our elected leaders – with our partnership – help build a community where our children and grandchildren can live without fear, houses of worship are safe, and differences are treated with respect rather than hostility.

Congratulations to Maryland’s newly elected leaders. Together, we can turn commitments into action and build a Maryland where everyone belongs, everyone is safe, and everyone has the opportunity to thrive.