Lazo Leads Diaz In Tightly Contested Montgomery County School Board Race

Omar Lazo held a slight lead over Brenda Diaz in the at-large school board race, according to early returns posted on November 4. The contest generated high energy in Montgomery County, with both candidates targeting specific voter bases.

Lazo, a businessman and trustee for Montgomery College, secured the Apple Ballot endorsement from the local teachers union. He also drew support from several sitting local leaders and Governor Wes Moore. Diaz, a former Montgomery County Public Schools teacher, resigned from her position after violating the mask mandate during the COVID-19 pandemic. She campaigned on parental dissatisfaction and criticized the status quo.

A super PAC spent tens of thousands of dollars in opposition to Diaz, labeling her too extreme for the deep-blue county. The financial push highlighted the intensity of the campaign in a district known for its strong public schools.

Sally McCarthy maintained a decisive lead over Cassandra Sung for the District 3 seat. Early returns at 10 p.m. showed McCarthy capturing nearly 70% of the vote. The longtime PTA leader ran with a large campaign bank account and a long list of endorsements.

Grace Rivera-Oven, the board president, ran unopposed for the District 1 seat. Elma-Lorraine Diggs also faced no opponent in District 5. The winners will serve four-year terms on an eight-member board that includes a student representative.

Board members oversee Maryland’s largest school district, which serves roughly 152,000 students. The board votes on the district budget, evaluates the superintendent, and sets policy. Members receive an annual salary of $25,000.