The Harford County Democratic Central Committee has started the process to fill the vacant District A council seat of former Councilman Dion Guthrie. Applications are due to the central committee by Dec. 6.

Potential candidates, per the central committee, must be registered Democrats and residents of District A for at least the past two years. Qualifying candidates must also meet requirements stated in section 207 of the county charter outlining restrictions of outside employment and appointments for positions in conflicting interests of the council.

“Ideal candidates will have prior experience as an elected official or as a candidate and will be familiar with the process of campaigning, fundraising and organizing. Candidates must be prepared to defend the seat in the gubernatorial election in 2026,” a news release from the committee stated.

Applicants must include a cover letter of no more than two pages detailing: why the applicant is interested in serving on the council; why they are suited for the position; a summary of their political experience as an elected official, candidate or participant in campaigns, clubs or activist organizations and how they plan to win re-election in 2026.

The cover letter, a resume outlining professional and political experience, and a statement of the applicant’s legislative priorities for District A and the county must be submitted to chair@harforddemocrats.org.

Following the Dec. 6 application deadline, the committee will interview candidates during a special meeting on Dec. 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood Recreation and Community Center, 1800 Brookside Drive. The meeting will be open to the public and live-streamed via Zoom.

Committee members must choose at least three nominees to refer to the Harford County Council for its approval.

Councilman Dion Guthrie, 86, was removed from the Harford County Council by proceeding of law on Nov. 15, following his plea of “no contest” to a felony theft charge. The 60-day deadline for the council to appoint a new representative is Jan. 13.

The 86-year-old Democrat who had been on the council since 2002, opposes his removal arguing that since the judge struck the guilty conviction and gave him probation before judgment, he should be allowed to stay in office. Guthrie said he anticipates filing a lawsuit against the county over his removal. In response, the Harford County Council has hired outside legal counsel in preparation for a legal fight with Guthrie.

If the council fails to appoint a new representative within the 60-day time period, the county executive will be obligated to make the appointment, according to the county charter.

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