This is the first of several posts that discuss the county government candidates and issues in this year’s election cycle, beginning with the race for Frederick County Executive and the contrasting visions offered by incumbent Jessica Fitzwater and the two Republican primary candidates Jeff Holtzinger and Diane Fouché on growth, fiscal management, and the future of data center development in Frederick County. Which of these two candidates will make a formidable for Fitzwater in the fall?

A Primary Contest That Will Help Define the Fall Election

Frederick County’s 2026 County Executive race is beginning to take shape as voters head toward the June 23 Republican primary. Incumbent Democrat Jessica Fitzwater is unopposed in her party’s primary and will advance directly to the general election in November. Republican voters, meanwhile, will choose between former Frederick Mayor Jeff Holtzinger and former Frederick County procurement director Diane Fouché to determine who will challenge Fitzwater this fall.

Fitzwater enters the race after a term focused heavily on education funding, infrastructure, housing affordability, and managing growth in one of Maryland’s fastest-growing counties. Her administration increased school funding substantially, accelerated school construction projects, and emphasized agricultural preservation and open space initiatives.

One of the most politically significant issues during her tenure has been the county’s approach to data center development and the creation of the CDI-OZ overlay district. Fitzwater worked extensively with stakeholders, residents, planners, business leaders, and community groups to shape what became one of the state’s most heavily regulated frameworks for data center growth. Her administration paused rezoning applications while community workgroups studied the issue, reduced the potential footprint for development, and imposed significant restrictions related to setbacks, sound, lighting, vibration, and water usage. Whether one supports or opposes the final outcome, few would argue that the process lacked public debate or community engagement.

Jeff Holtzinger: The Experienced Executive Candidate

The Republican primary, however, is where the sharpest contrasts currently exist.

Holtzinger presents himself as the experienced executive and practical problem solver in the race. A lifelong Frederick County resident, civil engineer, attorney, and former mayor of the City of Frederick, he campaigns as a “common sense” conservative focused on core government responsibilities, infrastructure, agriculture, public safety, and fiscal discipline.

During his single term as mayor, Holtzinger earned a reputation as a “roll up your sleeves and get it done” leader — someone less interested in political theater and more focused on tangible results. Supporters point to his involvement in major infrastructure initiatives, water supply planning, and efforts to balance economic growth with neighborhood preservation. His current campaign continues that theme, emphasizing predictable land-use planning, investment in roads and schools, support for the Sheriff’s Office, and slowing the growth of property taxes.

On the highly contentious data center issue, Holtzinger has taken a measured approach. He has raised concerns about infrastructure demands, water usage, and long-term fiscal sustainability, while also acknowledging the economic realities and investment opportunities tied to the industry. Rather than advocating sweeping moratoriums, he has stressed careful scrutiny, infrastructure accountability, and requiring developers to bear the burden of necessary utilities and improvements.

Diane Fouché: Reform Candidate Focused on Growth and Transparency

Fouché, by contrast, has built much of her campaign around opposition to the current pace and structure of growth — particularly data center expansion. A longtime procurement and contracting official within county government, she emphasizes transparency, budgeting discipline, and what she describes as restoring trust in county leadership.

Her candidacy also appears at least partially motivated by the circumstances surrounding her termination from county government and her subsequent wrongful termination lawsuit against Frederick County. Fouché has alleged retaliation and political misconduct tied to procurement disputes during the Fitzwater administration. Those allegations are denied by the county, and the matter remains pending in court.

Fouché has emerged as one of the strongest political voices supporting the anti-data center referendum effort. She has advocated for a moratorium on additional growth approvals and has indicated support for executive actions that could halt or delay ongoing planning efforts while further studies are conducted. Critics argue that such actions could jeopardize hundreds of millions of dollars in committed investment and create uncertainty surrounding obligations already undertaken by county government.

To be clear, both Republican candidates generally position themselves as fiscally conservative and supportive of stronger infrastructure planning and public accountability. The difference largely comes down to governing style, tone, and approach.

A Primary Endorsement

For Republican voters in the June 23^rd primary, Holtzinger brings proven executive experience and has consistently demonstrated a logical, practical approach to difficult issues. His record suggests an ability to balance growth pressures, infrastructure realities, and fiscal stewardship without moving toward extremes.

For that reason, I endorse Jeff Holtzinger in the Republican primary for Frederick County Executive.

A general election matchup between Jessica Fitzwater and Jeff Holtzinger would provide Frederick County voters with two experienced, capable, and serious candidates offering distinct visions for the county’s future.

That said, this endorsement applies only to the Republican primary election. I am withholding any endorsement for the general election until the fall.

Rocky Mackintosh is the owner of MacRo, Ltd., a commercial and industrial real estate brokerage based in Frederick, Maryland. Among many community organizational roles he has served on, he was a member of the Frederick County Charter Board from 2010 to 2012.