Baltimore County has officially named Maryland State Senator Katherine Klausmeier its new County Executive. Klausmeier will replace Congressman Johnny Olszewski and hold office until the 2026 elections. Having served nearly three decades in the Maryland General Assembly, Klausmeier has a substantial political resume, first as a Delegate and then as a Senator.
During her time in the state government, she's known to have to consistently work across party lines, a skill that seems more paramount than ever in today's climate. "Having known Senator Klausmeier for nearly three decades, I can attest to her long record of bipartisanship," Councilman David Marks stated, as per WMAR-2 News. Klausmeier's experience and knack for bridging political divides made her a standout in the eyes of the Baltimore County Council, which considered a dozen candidates for the position.
The selection of Klausmeier by the Council was unanimous, and she was considered the favorite to win the approval. According to WYPR, Klausmeier said, "Larger than my resume is my commitment to showing up every day on behalf of our constituents," emphasizing her dedication to the role beyond her qualifications. Moreover, Klausmeier has promised not to run for a full four-year term in the 2026 elections, aligning with the Council members' preference for a candidate who would not be a contender in two years.
Klausmeier will need to quickly acclimate to her new role as she will immediately face the pressures of the 2025 Maryland General Assembly session and the challenges of a difficult budget year for the county. She steps into a position left vulnerable by the depletion of COVID relief funds, threats of reduced state aid, and the burdens imposed by inflation. As WYPR notes, Klausmeier bested other candidates for the Council's approval, including former State Senator Jim Brochin, community activist Yara Cheikh, former Director of Recreation and Parks Barry Williams, and engineer George Perdikakis Senior.
The formality of her appointment was scheduled by the County Council, with a vote and her swearing-in set for today at 3 pm.
