Harford County Council member Jacob Bennett, who represents District F, is running for reelection.

Bennett, 30, a teacher for Harford County Public Schools, said his reason for running is the same as four years ago — he wants to ensure that the needs of everyday residents are represented and served by the council.

“Since I came into office, I’ve really grown to appreciate and understand the full scope and scale of all that needs to be done to support our community,” he said. “I’ve worked each day to get to know those needs and get to know the people who service those needs so I can support them any way I can.”

Bennett, a Democrat, defeated incumbent council member Curtis Beulah, a Republican, in the 2022 election by 92 votes.

Bennett began his first term in office by being sued by the county in December 2022. County Executive Bob Cassilly initiated the suit, saying Bennett could not legally hold county office because he was employed by the public school system.

A Harford County Circuit Court judge ruled in February 2023 that Bennett should not be allowed to serve on the council and be employed by HCPS. The ruling prevented him from attending meetings and getting paid. The state Supreme Court overruled the lower court in April 2023, allowing Bennet to maintain both positions. 

Bennett said his first term’s biggest accomplishment has been good constituent care.

“When somebody reaches out and their local park hasn’t been mowed, or there’s a sign down on their road, or their place of occupancy is not being taken care of by their landlord, I’ve been able to jump in these types of situations and help people get what they need,” he said.

Bennett said his goal is to keep the county in a sound and stable financial position in the long term, and to keep the county government focused on local issues.

“There’s a lot right now going on federally and at a state level that is flashy and on the news, but I believe that what you touch is what you can change,” he said. “Making sure people are empowered and engaged to know what’s going on here in Harford County that impacts their everyday life.”

Additionally, Bennett is looking for more collaboration among his council colleagues.

“I’ve been very lucky to have the support of my council colleagues on many pieces of legislation, and that’s been through building relationships and working together,” he said. “I’m hoping that through this election process, we can have a council that continues in that habit and pattern into the next term.”

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