Marilyn Praiser

Running as a self-described “centrist,” information technology developer Thomas Hardman (R-Rockville) hopes to earn a seat on the Montgomery County Council. Hardman is one of four Republican candidates seeking the GOP nomination in the race to fill the vacant District 4 council seat left vacant by the death of Marilyn Praisner (D). A special primary election has been scheduled for April 15, while the general election will take place May 13.

“I’m not really a part of the established political community,” Hardman told PolitickerMD.com.

In 2006, Hardman made an unsuccessful run at a state delegate position in District 19. Today, the IT developer said issues like combating gang violence and improving education standards are some of his top priorities.

Nancy Navarro (D-Silver Spring), the President of the Montgomery County Board of Education, officially launched her candidacy to fill the open District 4 seat on the Montgomery County Council vacated by the death of Marilyn Praisner, yesterday.

“Today, District 4 residents are calling for real solutions to pressing needs like increasing job opportunities, reducing traffic congestion, preserving green space, finding affordable housing, and securing the best education for our children,” Navarro said in a statement.

“District 4 deserves a representative who will find balanced, thoughtful solutions, not offer false choices between one set of interests or another,” she added. “District 4 needs a representative who is not afraid to bring everyone to the table and who does not take any of our residents for granted.”