WEST FRIENDSHIP, MD — Ryan O’Connor today announced his candidacy for Howard County Council, District 5, pledging to protect the quality of life that makes western Howard County special.
“I’m running because this is home—and District 5 deserves a council member who understands why families chose to live here,” said O’Connor. “We moved to Howard County for the excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, and room to raise our families. I’m running to protect all of it.”
O’Connor, a 1996 graduate of Glenelg High School, was born and raised in Ellicott City and now lives in West Friendship with his wife and three children, all of whom attend Howard County public schools. He holds an MBA in Finance from Loyola University Maryland and has spent two decades in the energy sector specializing in project finance and risk management. He currently serves as a Relationship Manager at Farmer Mac, where he supports investment in rural infrastructure.
His campaign will focus on three priorities:
“For too long, Howard County’s budget has grown faster than families can keep up—while development pressures threaten the rural character and school quality that drew us here,” O’Connor said. “District 5 needs a voice on the Council who will push back. I’ll be that voice.”
O’Connor has a long record of community involvement, including serving as President of the Howard’s Ridge Homeowners Association and currently as Director of Howard County Boys Club Lacrosse.
He will succeed Councilman David Yungmann, who is retiring after two terms representing District 5.
The general election will be held on November 3, 2026.
###
Media Contact: info@ryanforhoco.com