Endorsements

Apple Ballot

HCEA President Ben Schmitt said "Families move here to Howard County and choose to build their lives here for one reason: the excellent reputation of our public schools, and the educators who work tirelessly to teach and support our kids and communities. At a time when public education itself is under assault, these candidates will protect our public schools, and will work with us to increase funding so that all of our kids can achieve their potential – regardless of their zip code.”

The American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations (AFL-CIO) is the largest federation of unions in the United States, representing nearly 15 million workers. The Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO brings together union locals in Washington, DC and five counties in Maryland to advocate, educate, and organize to improve the lives of all working people in our region.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) is the nation’s largest union for public service workers. AFSCME Maryland represents over 55,000 workers across Maryland.

The Working Familiar Party (WFP) is a progressive, grassroots political party in the United States, founded in 1998, that advocates for a multiracial working-class agenda, including higher wages, universal healthcare, and racial justice.

The Columbia Democratic Club is the oldest Democratic organization in Howard County, MD. It consists of a group of concerned citizens committed to the election of Democratic candidates and advancing progressive ideas through membership and outreach.

“HPP is proud to endorse Janssen Evelyn for the Howard County Council in District 4. A lawyer, executive leader in local government, and president of the Howard County Conservancy, Janssen's career has been defined by making government work for everyday families, especially those on the edges of what our community offers. We believe he will be a tremendous asset to the Council and our community.”

The Howard Progressive Project is a grassroots community organization committed to improving the lives of Howard County residents through the promotion of progressive values. We engage in outreach, advocacy, and political activism that supports progressive policies that will lift up all our communities.

“Janssen has demonstrated a keen understanding of Howard County’s public safety needs and brings a thoughtful, common-sense approach to labor issues. His leadership will help ensure our community and its first responders are well supported. We are proud to endorse him for County Council District 4.”

-Adam Nolder, 1st Vice President

IAFF Local 2000 represents the professional firefighters and paramedics of Howard County. Originally chartered in 1970 and re-established in 1980, Local 2000 has played a critical role in advancing workplace safety, fairness, and collective bargaining rights for its members. Today, the union represents the majority of the county’s career fire and EMS personnel, serving nearly all of Howard County’s communities. Through its advocacy and service, Local 2000 not only supports its members, but also helps ensure the safety and well-being of residents across the county

Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America is the nation’s largest grassroots volunteer network fighting to end gun violence and promote public safety. Founded in 2012, it advocates for common-sense gun laws, such as universal background checks and red flag laws, and has chapters in every state

“I am also pleased to announce our endorsement of Janssen Evelyn for District 4 Councilmember. Janssen is a long-time public servant and community activist, and will bring a depth of experience and advocacy to the Howard County Council.”   

-Julio Palomo, Business Manager/President

CASA in Action, and its 190,000 members, play a powerful role in electing progressive change leaders who can produce the justice our members seek nationwide. CASA in Action endorses candidates that advance its membership’s priorities and facilitates greater engagement of Latinos and voters of color in elections.

The African American Coalition of Howard County (AACHC) was founded over 20 years ago focusing on economic, social and healthcare issues affecting minority communities with special emphasis on research and policy advancement.

AACHC is the sister organization of African Americans in Howard County (AAIHC). AAIHC endorses political candidates forleadership positions and expand the public policy debate to include racial and economic equality. The views are progressive with an arc toward improving the system for democracy, freedom and opportunity for all.

Maryland State Governor

“We have delivered enormous progress for the people of Maryland since taking office, but there is still more work to do, and Janssen Evelyn is a leader who will help us finish the job in District 4. In order to continue record drops in violent crime, keep lowering costs for Maryland families, and make our schools even stronger I need a team that will push back and push forward to build a Maryland that leaves no one behind. Together with Janssen, we will work day and night alongside one another to continue the progress we’ve seen in Howard County and throughout Maryland.”

Democrat for Howard County Executive Former Maryland State Delegate D13

“As County Executive, I need partners on the County Council who are ready to lead on day one. Janssen Evelyn brings the experience, expertise, and values needed to help move Howard County forward. His deep knowledge of government operations, housing, land use, and economic development is matched by a long record of community leadership and public service.

Janssen knows how to bring people together, solve complex problems, and deliver results. That's why I am proud to endorse him for County Council District 4, where I am also proud to call home. I look forward to working alongside Janssen to build a stronger, more affordable, and more connected Howard County for every resident."

Guy Guzzone, State Senator

Gabriel Moreno, State Delegate

Pam Lanman Guzzone, State Delegate

Amy Brooks, For Delegate

Maryland State Senator

District 12

"District 4 is where I live, where I vote, and where my family calls home. That's why this election is deeply personal to me. Our community needs experienced leadership on the County Council.

Janssen Evelyn brings a rare combination of executive leadership, legal expertise, and deep community engagement. He has the experience needed to navigate the complex issues facing the incoming council, the judgment to make tough decisions, and the values to put residents first.

I trust Janssen to fight for our neighborhoods, strengthen our community, and help move Howard County forward. He has my full endorsement for County Council District 4."

Delegate, District 12A

“As a District 4 resident, legislator, and physician, I know how much effective local leadership matters in people’s daily lives, particularly given the challenges facing our families and community in the years ahead. Janssen Evelyn understands both the systems that shape outcomes and our responsibility to make them work effectively for everyone. Janssen brings the combination of experience, discipline, and commitment to our shared values that is needed to turn good ideas into sustainable results. I am proud to endorse him for Howard County Council and have no doubt that he will deliver for District 4.”

Anne Arundel County Executive

“As soon as I met Janssen, I knew he would be an important asset to our leadership team. We hired him to create our Office of Police Accountability and then promoted him to Deputy Chief Administrative Officer to help lead the effort to align our land use agencies with our greener, smarter, more equitable growth strategy. Janssen’s ability to build community and balance competing interests for the public shows the type of leader he is. Few people step up to serve who combine government, legal, and advocacy experience with the infectious enthusiasm that it takes to make progress.

In my view, residents in Howard County’s 4th Council District should enthusiastically cast their vote for Janssen. He’ll take you where you want to be."

Former Howard County Councilmember, District 2

“As the first African American elected to the Howard County Council, I know what leadership looks like. Janssen brings the integrity, judgment, and dedication to community that Howard County needs. As a seasoned leader in local government, he combines a deep understanding of government with years of hands-on community service. He listens to residents’ concerns, works collaboratively to address issues, and responds with care and urgency when people need help. His thoughtful, collaborative approach and clear vision for the future make him ready to lead at a moment of transition.

As a District 4 resident, I am proud not only to endorse Janssen but to vote for him.”

Howard County Council Chair, District 2

“It is an honor and privilege to support Janssen Evelyn for Howard County Council, District 4. Over the past 10+ years, in both professional and community settings, I have been consistently impressed by Mr. Evelyn’s leadership, integrity, and unwavering dedication to service. His ability to navigate complex challenges and drive impactful solutions is exactly the commitment needed in a Councilmember.I wholeheartedly endorse him without reservation or hesitation.”

Former Howard County Councilmember, District 4

(2006-2018)

“The County Council will face critical issues over the next few years balancing budget constraints with our evolving needs. Janssen has the vision, imagination, and experience, to meet these challenges. We in District 4 will benefit from his enthusiasm and desire to shepherd us into the future. “

Former Howard County Chief Administrative Officer

(2007- 2023)

“Over my years serving Howard County under four administrations, I worked with many dedicated public servants. Janssen is one I mentored. He provided trusted legal counsel in the Office of Law, and I later asked him to serve as Assistant Chief Administrative Officer because of his keen insight into county government, sound judgment, and integrity. Those same qualities have been further refined over the years. Janssen approaches challenges thoughtfully, works collaboratively, and gets results.

He brings unmatched institutional knowledge to a County Council facing significant turnover, and I am proud to endorse him for County Council.”

Howard County Register of Wills

“Janssen Evelyn’s record of public service and deep commitment to our community make him the right choice for this moment. He brings the experience, the values, and the steady leadership we need as our district faces real challenges, but also exciting opportunities. Janssen listens, shows up, and delivers. I trust him to move our community forward.”

Anne Arundel County Council Chair

District 4

"In my time working with Janssen in Anne Arundel County, I’ve seen him navigate some of our most difficult and contentious issues with remarkable poise. He has a unique ability to bring people together, ensuring that every perspective is considered before moving toward a solution. Janssen doesn’t just manage policy; he builds the consensus necessary to turn ideas into results. I am proud to support his candidacy for the Howard County Council because District 4 deserves a leader who listens first and leads with integrity."

Anne Arundel County Councilmember, District 2 and Democrat for Anne Arundel County Executive

“I am proud to endorse Janssen Evelyn for Howard County Council. Janssen brings a thoughtful approach to policy, a strong grasp of the issues, and a proven ability to bring people together to get results. Working together, we successfully passed key policy reforms that will have a lasting positive impact on our communities. I have appreciated our partnership and know he will serve Howard County residents well.”