This is the fifth in a series of MacRo Report articles examining candidates and issues in the 2026 Frederick County election cycle.

Frederick County Council District 3 lies primarily on the western and northwestern side of the City of Frederick. It encompasses key precincts including areas around Hillcrest, Waverley, Whittier, and Monocacy Elementary/Middle Schools. As the most ethnically diverse of the five council districts, it features higher concentrations of Black/African American, Hispanic/Latino, and Asian residents alongside long-time suburban families. This urban-suburban mix makes District 3 a key battleground for issues like affordable housing, education, growth management, and equitable services.

Longtime incumbent M.C. Keegan-Ayer has served the district effectively for multiple terms as a strong advocate for residents. With her term-limited and not seeking re-election, voters will choose her successor in the June 23, 2026 primary.

The Republican Side

Tammie Baugher is running unopposed for the Republican nomination. A longtime Frederick resident and pharmacy technician, she emphasizes capping property taxes for seniors, fully funding schools, opposing further data center development, and addressing overcrowding.

The Democratic Primary: Benford vs. Valencia

The real contest is the Democratic primary between Christian Benford and Natasha Valencia.

Christian Benford brings a progressive, activist-oriented platform. Affiliated with the Frederick Democratic Socialists of America, he prioritizes economic justice, worker protections, rent stabilization, strong renter rights, wage theft ordinances, and expanded social services like affordable childcare and public transit. On data centers, he is strongly critical, pushing for heavy regulation, a business personal property tax on them, and redirecting revenue to green projects and housing. His campaign stresses equity, immigrant rights, and grassroots mobilization.

Natasha Valencia offers a more balanced, pragmatic approach rooted in her experience as a former City of Frederick Planning Commissioner, small business owner, nonprofit co-founder (Artspiration Frederick), and mother of four. She focuses on smart, holistic growth, forest conservation, supporting small businesses and nonprofits, quality education, and family resources. On data centers, she supports thoughtful regulation, environmental protections, and waiting for the state impact study while acknowledging potential tax base benefits. She emphasizes inclusive public spaces, pedestrian safety (e.g., Golden Mile bridges), and collaborative problem-solving.

Both candidates care deeply about affordability, schools, and responsible growth, but they differ in tone and emphasis.

My Recommendation

In a district that values practical results alongside equity, I recommend Natasha Valencia for the Democratic nomination. Her planning commission experience, business background, and measured approach to growth and data centers make her the more balanced and effective choice for District 3’s diverse residents. She is well-positioned to build broad coalitions and deliver tangible outcomes on the issues that matter most here.

Don’t miss any of my posts on this year’s local primary election races:  County Executive, County Council At-Large, District 1, and District 2. Council Districts 4 and 5 only have one candidate from each party; so, recommendations/endorsements will be held for the general election.

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.