Kathy Klausmeier to be new Baltimore County executive, replacing Johnny Olszewski
Brooke Conrad
The Baltimore Sun
January 7, 2025
Maryland State Senator Katherine Klausmeier, a Democrat, will soon step into the highest-ranking position in Baltimore County government, becoming the first woman to serve as Baltimore County executive.
The 74-year-old was named early Tuesday morning and the Baltimore County Council will hold a formal vote at 3 p.m. Tuesday. Klausmeier grew up in Baltimore and represents Baltimore County. She served in the General Assembly for almost 30 years, including as a delegate from 1995 to 2003 and as a senator to the present day. She previously served as president pro tempore of the senate and led the Baltimore County senate delegation.
“My colleagues and I are very pleased to announce the selection of Senator Klausmeier as the next County Executive,” said Democrat Council Chairman Izzy Patoka in a press release. “Kathy’s experience in State Government, her reputation as a problem-solver who listens to constituents, and her leadership in the General Assembly bring qualities that will be needed for Baltimore County residents for the next two years and beyond.”
Klausmeier will replace Johnny Olszewski, who was sworn into Congress Friday after resigning his position. She was selected from five candidates who presented before the council in December, laying out their vision on public safety, taxes, affordable housing, education, and other issues.
After stepping into office, Klausmeier’s most pressing responsibilities will be working out the county budget, which is submitted to the council in April, and advocating for legislative priorities at the state level.
The county executive is usually chosen through an election, but in the event of a vacancy, the county charter directs the council to take a vote. The last time a vacancy needed to be filled was in 2018, when former County Executive Kevin Kamenetz died suddenly of cardiac arrest.
Asked what the vote count was for Klausmeier, Patoka said there was no vote, but rather a “discussion” between members, ahead of the formal vote set to take place Tuesday afternoon. Klausmeier will be sworn in directly after the vote.
The county charter directs that the person filling a vacancy must be of the same political party as the person they replace — in this case, the Democratic Party. Twelve people applied for the position.
“I can attest to her long record of bipartisanship,” said Republican Councilman David Marks, in the release. “It is important that we have a County Executive who commands respect and brings together people of all backgrounds and political philosophies.”
Klausmeier previously said that as county executive, she would work with police to address aggressive driving, in addition to improving sidewalks.
“I have been instrumental in leading important policies and projects for the citizens of Baltimore County, but today, I want to focus on the future and how we continue to build Baltimore County,” she told the council in December.