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Cat Carter (Howard County Council, District 5, Maryland, candidate 2026)
Cat Carter (Democratic Party) is running for election to Howard County Council, District 5 in Maryland.[1]
Elections
2026
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Cat Carter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Carter's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Community Advocate Cat Carter’s journey began as a parent advocate, fighting for her son to get the support he needed in school. That fight grew into a mission—leading to a national memorandum requiring schools to recognize and accommodate certain vision-related disabilities, helping students across the country. She also helped pass the Atticus Act, pushed for stronger school safety laws, expanded access to healthcare, and worked with Congress to improve care for soldiers with traumatic brain injuries.
Raised by Army parents and grounded in service, Cat became a trusted community leader, small tech business owner, and PTA Council President. Now she’s running for County Council to bring that same determination and results-driven approach to the issues that matter—like school overcrowding, cost of living, emergency services, and protecting our rural way of life.
- Invest in Education Cat Carter is a public-school teacher and President of the PTA Council of Howard County. She will work to ensure every child has the resources they need to thrive.
- Health of our Community Almost 20 years ago, Cat Carter moved her family to Western Howard County for the rural life. As a grassroot advocate, she has fought to improve our community. She will work to protect our green spaces and expand health services.
- Live within our Revenue Cat Carter is a small cybersecurity business owner. She will invest in our community and public schools with current revenue - not raise our taxes.
Yes, I believe it’s beneficial for members of the County Council to have experience in government or politics. Understanding how policy is made—and how to effectively advocate for it—makes a real difference. I’ve spent over 10 years working at the grassroots level to help pass both national and state legislation. That experience has taught me how to build coalitions, navigate complex systems, and stay focused on what matters most: delivering results for the community.
The County Council is unique because it’s the part of local government that’s closest to the people. Councilmembers shape the laws, budgets, and development plans that directly impact our daily lives—like schools, roads, and public safety. What makes it so important is that it serves as both a voice for the community and a check on executive power. It’s where residents can show up, speak out, and see real change happen.
I admire the many advocates who I have met and worked with around the country.
I call myself a Blue Cat Democrat. Being a Blue Cat Democrat is more than a political label—it’s a community-driven philosophy rooted in kindness and smart spending. It’s the guiding vision of Cat Carter, a lifelong advocate, former teacher, small tech business owner, and proud Howard County resident dedicated to creating a better future for everyone.
Strong listening skills, a deep understanding of the community, and the ability to build consensus are essential. As a landowner and grassroots advocate, I bring both personal and policy experience. I know how to navigate complex systems, bring people together, and turn community concerns into real, lasting change.
I want to be a public servant who brings our community closer.
I find that when they see someone who really cares and who empathizes and wants to fix things that they want fixed, that’s what they’re looking for in an elected official.
An elected official is a representative of the community and a public servant, dedicated to helping constituents with their needs.
Cat Carter wants to invest in our community and public schools with current revenue-not raise our taxes.
I’m using the Citizen's Election Fund—no big money—because government works best when it’s truly by and for the people.
What makes Howard County Council unique is how close it is to the people—councilmembers represent neighborhoods, listen to concerns, and can make real change on issues like schools, development, traffic, and public safety.
The Howard County Council is the part of local government that decides how our tax dollars are spent, passes laws that shape our community, and makes sure county agencies are doing their jobs.
At seven years old, I did a paper route with my sisters until I turned 16.
The last song that got stuck in my head was “Get Along” by Kenny Chesney. It’s one of those songs that makes you nod, smile, and think a little deeper about how we treat each other. The message really sticks with me—especially as someone who believes in building bridges and bringing people together.
My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird because it taught me the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's unpopular. That message has stuck with me and shapes how I approach public service—by listening, speaking up, and fighting for fairness in our community.
One struggle in my life has been balancing advocacy and caregiving. It’s taught me how to prioritize, manage time under pressure, and stay grounded in what really matters. That’s the perspective I bring to public service.
Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn't chicken.
I get told I remind people of Agent Carter from Captain America.
My favorite book is To Kill a Mockingbird because it teaches the importance of standing up for what's right, even when it's unpopular or difficult. That message has stuck with me and shapes how I approach public service—by listening, speaking up, and fighting for our community.
I remember the Challenger because of the schoolteacher who was onboard.
Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.
External links
[1] ↑ Submitted to Ballotpedia's candidate survey in 2025.
