Atterbeary’s win also makes her the first woman in 40 years to hold the county’s top seat
Vanessa Atterbeary officially became the first Black woman and the first woman in four decades elected as Howard County executive Tuesday.
Atterbeary, whose only opposition was a Green Party candidate, had about 82% of county votes when the Associated Press called the race for her just before midnight.
“I’m deeply honored to be elected to serve as the next county executive in Howard County, Maryland,” Atterbeary said Tuesday night at Gov. Wes Moore’s election night party in Baltimore. “I’m mindful of what my election is as the first female African American to serve as the Howard County executive.”
The result would make Atterbeary the first woman elected Howard County executive in four decades and the first Black woman ever elected to the position.