Government
Open, accountable county government
Reinstate public comment at commissioner meetings and make budgeting, grantmaking, development, and county decisions easier for residents to follow.
Democratic candidate · 2026
TeriPailen
County Commissioner
Washington County, Maryland
Experienced leadership.
Accountable county government.
Why Teri
Public service that answers to you.
Teri Pailen is a 2026 Democratic candidate for the Washington County Board of County Commissioners, bringing more than three decades of grants-management experience and a long career in federal public service to the work.
A retired NIH grant supervisor and past president of SRAI’s Northeast Section, she is running to bring transparent decisions, responsible stewardship, and responsive leadership to Washington County.
30+ Years of grants-management
experience
experience
The Platform
Priorities for Washington County.
Health & Safety
Mental health, recovery, and public safety
Expand mental-health facilities, crisis hotlines, and rehabilitation services available 24/7 while supporting strong career and volunteer fire and EMS services.
Education
Schools and educators
Fully fund the Board of Education and increase teacher salaries.
Infrastructure
Infrastructure and household costs
Invest in infrastructure, require utility providers to be transparent about costs, and work to lower household utility bills.
Development
Responsible development and community protection
Oppose data centers and ICE detention centers in Washington County.
Gun Safety
Gun violence prevention
Support background checks on all gun sales, Red Flag laws, secure firearm storage, and action on assault weapons.
Experience
Ready to do the work.
30+Years in grants management
Federal serviceRetired NIH grant supervisor
Professional leadershipPast president, Northeast Section of the Society of Research Administrators International
EducationB.S. in Business Management, University of Maryland University College
Press & Recognition
Read more about Teri.
Fiscal responsibility and community engagement
Teri discusses county grants, public comment, utility costs, education funding, and the kind of commissioner she wants to be.
Read the interview → The Baltimore Banner · June 16, 2026Former federal workers bring their experience to Maryland races
The Banner profiles Teri among public servants running to bring government expertise and accountability to elected office.
Read the coverage →
Moms Demand Action · 2026
Gun Sense Candidate
A candidate distinction based on Teri’s responses to Moms Demand Action’s gun-safety questionnaire.
View the 2026 candidate directory →Get Involved
Put your name next to hers.
Fuel the campaign
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Get in touchfriendsforteripailen@gmail.com→ Stay connectedFollow Teri on Facebook→ Wear your supportShop the supporter shirt→
Wear the yellow → Election Resources
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How this race works
Washington County elects five county commissioners countywide, not by district, to four-year terms. Voters may vote for up to five candidates.
About the Board →