A New Generation of Leadership Rooted in District 1 Values
Powered by the People, for the People
Our campaign is participating in the Citizens' Elections Fund, Howard County's public elections system, which caps donations at $300 and provides public matching funds for eligible candidates.* In an era when corruption at the top is going all but unchallenged, it is essential that Democrats support publicly funded candidates and reject special interest money.
(Spouses may give individually.)
Meet James
I’m a husband and father, raising my three children in Ellicott City with my wife, and long-time public education advocate, Garima. Our eldest starts in HCCPS this fall, and we just welcomed our youngest in January.
Given the lawless Trump administration, acting with even more unchecked power than the last time, what the Democratic Party needs right now is a leader and a fighter with the proven background to stand up against this administration and champion our values right here at home.
Everyday I fight for Marylanders as an Assistant Attorney General at Maryland's Attorney General's office, defending them in consumer protection, gun violence prevention matters, and pushing back against the Trump administrations’ illegal and unethical actions. I filed the lawsuit against Trump for firing probationary Federal employees, and I will work on the local level to ensure our communities are protected from his administration's overreach.
Prior to law school and becoming a lawyer, I was a solider. To serve my country and put myself through college, I joined Army ROTC and commissioned as cavalry officer upon graduation. During my five years of active duty service, I deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, spending nearly two years overseas. Thankfully my squadron brought home all of the soldiers that deployed with us both times. The events we are facing today have shown us that we need fighters, and that local elections and down-ballot voting matter more than ever before.
I’m ready to serve again. Howard County is a great place to raise a family. This is not some accident of history but a culmination of smart investments from our leaders in decades past. In this upcoming election, a majority of the council seats are open, and it's time for a new generation of leaders to lead, fight for us, and continue to make Howard County a great place to live.
Priorities
Our Public Schools
Fully funding our great county public schools. I’m a proud Maryland public school graduate married to a former Maryland public school educator. Every student in Howard deserves a high-quality PreK through 12 education and safe and healthy buildings in which to learn. And our Elkridge community deserves a high school. We can only make that possible by fully funding our schools.
Environment and Land Use
Protecting our green and vulnerable spaces. Development has too often won out over preservation of our green and historic spaces. Whether it is Lawyers Hill in Elkridge or Old Ellicott City, we must safeguard these local treasures, while ensuring infrastructure keeps pace with smart and managed growth.
Affordability and Local Economy
Howard County is still a great place to call home, however, that dream is increasingly out of reach for too many families. Our teachers, first responders, nurses, and union members must be able to live in the community they serve.
Endorsements
I'm endorsing James Handley in District One because I served on the County Council for 8 years and
I know he has what it takes to get things done. - Delegate Courney Watson, Maryland District 9B
In the Community
Whether it's supporting our teachers, schools, and libraries; engaging with the community; feeding our neighbors; supporting our seniors; or enjoying our local events, serving the people of District 1 and Howard County is at the core of the work we will do together.
Your Testimonies
As a long-time D1 resident, lifelong Democrat, active and community leader, and respected schools advocate, I fully support James as our next D1 council person. He's been out there, doing the work to defend democracy. He is listening to our community and shaping plans for our collective future. He has the leadership and legal expertise we need to serve not only District 1 but all of Howard County.
- C. LaFollette, District 1 Resident
We need expereneced leaders willing to fight for us, our communities, the environment, and against the downstream effects and overreach of the Trump administration. Local elections are not inconsequential and James is the one prepared to serve with democrat values in mind. - M. Lee, District 1 Resident
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