FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 15, 2026
West Friendship, MD — Ryan O’Connor, Republican candidate for Howard County Council District 5, today announced he has received the endorsement of the Howard County Fraternal Order of Police (FOP). The endorsement comes days after O’Connor secured the backing of the Howard County Association of REALTORS®, signaling growing momentum for his campaign.
“I’m proud to have the endorsement of the men and women who put on the badge every day to keep our community safe,” said O’Connor. “Our law enforcement officers deserve a Council member who will support them—not just in words, but in resources, staffing, and policies that let them do their jobs effectively.”
“Ryan O’Connor understands what it takes to keep Howard County safe,” said Jamie Flynn, President of the Howard County Fraternal Order of Police. “He’s committed to giving our officers the resources and support we need to protect this community. The men and women of the FOP are proud to endorse him.”
O’Connor has made public safety a cornerstone of his campaign, emphasizing the need for increased patrol presence in western Howard County, adequate staffing to ensure timely emergency response, proactive policing in areas experiencing rising crime concerns, and strong security measures in schools.
“When you live in Woodbine or Glenwood or out toward West Friendship, you’re no54t five minutes from everything,” O’Connor said. “And families along the Route 40 corridor are dealing with real concerns about crime and safety in their neighborhoods. District 5 is diverse—rural communities that need faster response times and more patrol coverage, and areas closer to the county’s edge that need proactive policing and visible presence. They all deserve a Council member who understands that one-size-fits-all doesn’t work for public safety.”
The Howard County Fraternal Order of Police represents the sworn law enforcement officers who serve and protect Howard County residents.
O’Connor, a lifelong Howard County resident and Glenelg High School graduate, is running to succeed retiring Councilman David Yungmann in District 5. A finance professional and father of three children in Howard County Public Schools, O’Connor has centered his campaign on strong schools, lower taxes, and safe communities. He has also been endorsed by Councilman Yungmann and former County Executive Allan Kittleman.
The general election is November 3, 2026.
Contact: Friends of Ryan O’Connor Ryan@RyanForHoCo.com RyanForHoCo.com