Meet Vanessa

About Vanessa Atterbeary

Vanessa Atterbeary has always believed that leadership begins with giving back. Growing up, she watched her parents dedicate their lives to serving Howard County. Her father’s dedication to civic engagement and her mother’s career as a public school teacher laid a foundation of community responsibility and commitment that has guided her whole life. Vanessa is known in Annapolis for her insistence on being a voice for the voiceless. She has repeatedly proven that she will fight against the status quo, take bold action, and fiercely protect vulnerable populations. In Annapolis, that meant passing laws that protect survivors of abuse, improve gun safety, strengthen the prosecution of sexual predators, fortify public education, and expand access to justice. Here in Howard County, it means making sure everyone’s needs are met and rights are protected.  

She believes public trust is earned through action, and service is measured by results. That is why she led Maryland’s first-in-the-nation police accountability reforms and fought for bold education and economic initiatives for Maryland families. As one of Maryland’s most effective legislators and Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Vanessa hasn’t had the time nor the inclination to participate in performative politics. She has demonstrated real leadership as a Maryland Delegate by rolling up her sleeves to solve complex problems. In part, her success can be attributed to her commitment to consensus building and bringing people together. Vanessa’s unique ability to be cooperative while remaining firm has earned her the respect of lawmakers across the nation. 

Now Vanessa is ready to bring that same spirit of service home to Howard County. Her campaign is about honoring the people who live and work here, those who make the community home. It is about making sure families can afford to live here, that children thrive in great schools, that every resident’s human and civil rights are protected, and that no voice is too small to be heard. Vanessa is ready to lead. She is ready to get it done for Howard County.