Montgomery County Council Member Gabe Albornoz announced plans to step down on December 1, prompting the Council to begin the formal process to appoint an interim at-large member to serve through the end of the current term.
Montgomery County Council Member Gabe Albornoz announced that he will step down from the County Council effective Monday, December 1, 2025, concluding seven years of service as an at-large member and Chair of the Health and Human Services Committee.
“Public service has been the foundation of my career, and I remain deeply committed to our community,” said Council Member Albornoz.
“I am proud of the work we have accomplished during my time at the Council – advancing meaningful policies and initiatives, expanding opportunities, and strengthening the systems that support the health and well-being of all residents across Montgomery County.”
Council President Kate Stewart expressed gratitude for his service. “Montgomery County is a better place thanks to the service of Councilmember Albornoz,” said Council President Kate Stewart. “His dedication to the county he grew up in and loves so dearly is evident in the way Gabe approaches public policy issues, builds consensus, and forms lasting partnerships.
Appointment Process Underway
“The Council will engage in a deliberative process to appoint a councilmember to fulfill the rest of Councilmember Albornoz’s term,” said Council President Stewart. “As we engage in this process, I want to assure our residents that the work of the Council will continue without disruption.”
Under Section 106 of the Montgomery County Charter, when a Council seat becomes vacant, the remaining members must appoint a successor within 30 days. If the departing member belongs to a political party, the appointee must share that same affiliation. Montgomery County Code Section 16-17 adds that if a vacancy occurs on or after December 1 in the year before an election, the Council appoints a replacement instead of holding a special election.
The appointed Council Member will serve until December 1, 2026, when the next Council term begins.
Application Timeline and Requirements
Applicants must be registered Democrats residing in Montgomery County. The Council seeks individuals with experience in budgetary, policy, and legislative work who do not intend to run for office in 2026 to avoid any advantage in the upcoming election cycle.
Interested residents must submit a letter of interest and resume by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, via email to council.clerk@montgomerycountymd.gov. Application materials should include professional and civic experience, political party affiliation, and contact information.
Initial applications will remain confidential. Finalists will participate in public interviews, with proceedings televised and streamed live on the Council’s website and social media platforms. The Council plans to vote on the final appointment at its December 9 meeting, followed by updated committee assignments.
Stay tuned to Conduit Street, as MACo will monitor the appointment process and share updates as the Council moves forward with filling the vacancy.
