Meet the candidates running in Annapolis’ primary election Tuesday
The times they are a changin’ in Annapolis government.
The historic city of about 40,000 residents is holding its primary election Tuesday, marking the beginning of a sea change in elected city leadership. Five of the City Council’s nine seats, including the mayor, will be occupied by new faces come January.
Democratic Mayor Gavin Buckley, who is term limited, will leave office at the end of the year following eight years as the city’s top official. Three candidates — two Democrats and a Republican — are vying for his post.
Only three of eight alderpersons are running for reelection, one of them uncontested, with competitive primaries set for four wards. The race to represent Ward 1, which encompasses downtown Annapolis, may be the most competitive contest, with five Democrats running.
All Republican candidates are uncontested and will move on to November’s general election.
These are the candidates for elected office in Annapolis.
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Ward 1
Harry Huntley (D): The incumbent, Huntley has represented downtown on the council since being appointed to replace Democratic Alderwoman Elly Tierney in September 2024.
He chairs the council’s Finance Committee and recently introduced legislation to enhance the way Annapolis regulates short-term rentals, like Airbnbs, and overhaul city elections.
When he’s not doing city business, Huntley, a Baltimore native, works for the Environmental Policy Innovation Center, helping governments develop better ways to pay farmers for improving water quality.
According to his campaign website, Huntley abides by a creed instilled in him by his parents: “Leave the world better than you found it.”
Ron Gunzburger (D): Gunzburger and his husband moved to Annapolis in 2019.
An attorney since 1988, he touts his six years leading a public safety agency in Florida with thousands of employees and a billion-dollar budget. He also advised Republican Gov. Larry Hogan on his COVID-19 response.
Gunzburger said he will strive for a “better, safer, more affordable Annapolis,” according to his campaign website.
“I love Annapolis, but we are facing a lot of tough issues,” he said. “Working together as neighbors, we can change our city for the better.”
Kathleen McDermott (D): The daughter of a Navy pilot, McDermott relished trips to Annapolis growing up.
She moved to Annapolis in 1986 after graduating from law school, beginning a legal career that saw her serve as federal prosecutor in Baltimore before launching a private practice in health law, according to her campaign website. She said she’d use her skills as an advocate to represent the residents of downtown.
“In my legal career and in my community work, I have not been afraid to speak truth to power,” McDermott said. “On occasion, I have questioned City government practices when they are not transparent, ethical or sensible.”
Genevieve Torri (D): Torri balances being a designer, raising her four children and restoring her family’s 1935 Dutch colonial in downtown.
She represented Ward 1 since 2018 on the Art in Public Places Commission, a role in which she managed budgets and organized public arts events, according to her campaign website. She wants to expand her advocacy as an alderperson.
“I am an activist and strategist committed to practical solutions that strengthen neighborhoods and drive economic growth,” Torri said. “With more than 30 years of experience in project management, campaign leadership and community service, I know how to move ideas into action and build partnerships that deliver results.”
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*The candidates for the other Wards and Mayor are in this article*