What is the issue?
“I will ensure that hate and bias incidents are never tolerated under my watch. I cannot remain silent. Montgomery County is already experiencing unacceptable levels of hate, bias, vandalism, and assault. In the first four months of 2026, Montgomery County hate and bias incident data showed that anti-Jewish incidents represented approximately 46 percent of reported incidents, followed by anti-Black incidents at approximately 32 percent.”
Esther Wells, CPA
For years Esther has stood against antisemitism and is an active member of the Maryland Jewish Alliance Facebook group. She testified against Bill # 23-26 which barred synagogues from defending themselves with their own registered guns and wrote a letter in support of the Silver Spring Jewish Center in their fight to defend themselves. When there was an antisemitic incident at Ben Yehuda Pizza in Silver Spring, Esther showed solidarity with the restaurant and the Jewish community.
Esther will combat the rising anti-Jewish hate in Montgomery County, not just talk about it. Whereas, her opponent, Councilmember Will Jawando, failed to provide adequate oversight and accountability with MCPS Board of Education and MCPS leaders to address the rising antisemitism in MCPS during his 4 years as the Chair of the Education and Culture Committee.
Restorative justice has been around for almost a decade, and data are showing at least $8 million has been spent on restorative justice in MCPS, which has led to stagnant or no improvement in eradicating hate and bias incidents, such as antisemitism and anti-black hate.
As an NAACP Parent Council Representative, Esther has empowered minority parents to advocate for their children’s education, ensuring equitable treatment and academic success. For twenty years, Democrats have held total control of Montgomery County, yet their leadership has been a categorical disaster for Black families. On every major metric of success, from the wealth and income gaps to disparities in health, education, homeownership, and employment, the data is either stagnant or declining.
As County Executive, Esther will tackle sensitive issues with a clear, firm standard. LGBTQ+ individuals are valued members of our community, and her administration will always treat every single resident with the utmost respect and dignity.
What it means for you
When it comes to governing and protecting our neighbors, Esther will approach sensitive issues through these foundational principles:
- Zero Tolerance for Hate: As County Executive, Esther will ensure that hate and bias incidents are never tolerated under her watch.
- Hate Has No Place Here: Esther wants to make it absolutely clear that hate has no place here in Montgomery County. As County Executive, she will ensure that all hate and bias incidents are not tolerated.
- Strict Consequences: Intimidation or acts of violence of any community member, based on their protected identities, will be met with strict consequences.
- Faith and Love: As a Christian, Esther wants to be known for love and embracing all people. She believes we are called to be our brother’s keeper, looking out for the safety and dignity of one another.
- Dignity for All: Her administration will always treat every resident with the utmost respect, while focusing on practical governance like safe neighborhoods, excellent schools, and fiscal accountability.
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Because Montgomery County residents’ right to live without discrimination is too important to lose.