Derek Noyes Jr., 25, of Bel Air, a Republican, and Hunter Baker, 31 of Aberdeen, a Democrat, have filed as 2026 candidates to represent District E on the Harford County Council.
Incumbent Jessica Boyle-Tsottles, a Republican, has yet to announce whether she’s running for reelection. Boyle-Tsottles has served on the council for one term, starting in 2022 becoming the first woman elected to county council since 2010. Currently, there are two other women on the council, Nolanda Robert representing District A and Alison Imhoff for District B. Robert and Imhoff have both announced re-election bids.
Noyes said he’s concerned with the state of politics and quality of life within Harford County. He adds that the county he grew up in is not what he is currently experiencing.
“I’m looking to make some positive change in my community and give my constituents fair and honest representation,” he said. “It’s due time that we start stepping up and trying to make a difference because local elections matter.”
His campaign will focus on three things: keeping property taxes low, prioritizing public safety, and minimizing excessive development to preserve farmland.
“I want to take a balanced and moderate approach to development, and make sure that we are prioritizing development that is conducive to the agricultural character and the growth of our county, as well as family-friendly,” Noyes said.
Noyes is self-employed, and a common question he receives is why he decided to run for council at a young age.
“I think it’s a duty for young people to try and have civic duty in this country. That’s what I want to restore,” he said. “I think it’s an obligation to give back to the elders, the generation who raised us.”
]He said he’s eager to speak with residents on the campaign trail to build connections and deepen the bond between leadership and the community.
“I want to make human connections up front,” he said. “I just want people to be able to know that somebody is there, a representative is present and to be present at all times, when needed. I think it restores hope and trust between our leaders and the constituency.”
Baker, a special education social studies teacher, says his priorities are providing proper funding for Harford County Public Schools and supporting teachers and staff; expanding transportation options for residents, such as the expansion of bus routes and longer hours; and creating more affordable housing.
“I have ideas for things that could be done to help make my community a better place,” he said. “I finally hit that place in my life where I feel like I have the time and the energy to make that step into politics and try to bring these ideas into reality.”
Baker has lived in the county since a young age, later continuing his education at Harford Community College, and wants residents to see him as a neighbor and someone who’s easily approachable.
“I want to make Harford County a better place,” he said. “I think it’s a fine place to live right now, but I think there’s a lot of things that we can do as a part of our community to improve things, make things more efficient, make things more affordable, make things more inclusive … and we’re not seeing that right now.”
Have a news tip? Contact Shaela Foster at sfoster@baltsun.com or 443-826-5894.
Leave A Comment