A New Generation of Leadership Rooted in District 1 Values
PUBLIC FINANCE
James is ethical, transparent, honest, and honorable. That's what District 1 voters want.
No deception, no developer money. - W.R., Ellicott City
In an era when corruption at the top is going all but unchallenged, it is essential that Democrats support publicly funded candidates and reject special interest money.
Our campaign is participating in the Citizens' Elections Fund, Howard County's public elections system, which caps donations at $300 and provides public matching funds for eligible candidates. (Spouses may give individually.)
MEET JAMES
Now, more than ever,
Howard County needs a proven leader who will fight for us.
I’m a husband and father, raising my three children in Ellicott City with my wife Garima, a former Maryland public schools teacher and long-time public education advocate. Our eldest starts in Howard County Public Schools this fall, and we just welcomed our youngest in January.
Given the lawless Trump administration, acting with even more unchecked power than the last time, what the Democratic Party needs right now is a leader and a fighter with the proven background to stand up against this administration and champion our values right here at home.
Everyday I fight for Marylanders as an Assistant Attorney General at Maryland's Attorney General's office, defending them in consumer protection, gun violence prevention matters, and pushing back against the Trump administrations’ illegal and unethical actions. I filed the lawsuit against Trump for firing probationary Federal employees, and I will work on the local level to ensure our communities are protected from his administration's overreach.
Prior to law school and becoming a lawyer, I was a solider. To serve my country and put myself through college, I joined Army ROTC and commissioned as cavalry officer upon graduation. During my five years of active duty service, I deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan, spending nearly two years overseas. Thankfully my squadron brought home all of the soldiers that deployed with us both times.
The events we are facing today have shown us that we need fighters, and that local elections and down-ballot voting matter more than ever before. I’m ready to serve again. Howard County is a great place to raise a family. This is not some accident of history but a culmination of smart investments from our leaders in decades past. In this upcoming election, a majority of the council seats are open, and it's time for a new generation of leaders to fight for us, and continue to make Howard County a great place to live.
PRIORITIES
SERVING THE PEOPLE OF MARYLAND. ALREADY FIGHTING TRUMP.
James is a Maryland Assistant Attorney General, defending Maryland consumers from scams, going after negligent gun stores selling dangerous ghost guns, and even filing the lawsuit against Trump for illegally laying-off federal employees living in Howard County.
INVESTING IN HOWARD COUNTY’S SCHOOLS.
James is a proud Maryland public schools graduate, married to a former Maryland public schools educator. With three children who will attend Howard County public schools, he understands how important it is to fully fund the capital and operating budgets.
PUTTING RESIDENTS AND GREEN SPACES AHEAD OF DEVELOPERS.
James knows we can’t let run-away developers win. He will fight to keep land-use rights here in Howard County, safeguard our local treasures like Lawyers Hill in Elkridge and Old Ellicott City, and ensure that infrastructure keeps pace with smart, managed growth.
TACKLING THE HIGH PRICES OF HOWARD COUNTY.
James is honored to be raising his family here, and he wants our teachers, first responders, nurses, and union members to be able to afford living in the community they serve.
ENDORSEMENTS
I'm endorsing James Handley in District One because I served on the County Council for 8 years and I know he has what it takes to get things done. - Delegate Courtney Watson, Maryland District 9B
IN THE COMMUNITY
James has my vote because he understands that Elkridge shouldn't be the first to shoulder the burden of the entire county. The Route 1 corridor needs to have the same opportunites as the rest of the county. - Kirsten C., Elkridge
As a Veteran, I know what it means to serve in combat and to bring that experience back home to serve our communities, and James is the candidate I trust to lead District 1 and fight for all of us here in Howard County. - C.P., D1 Resident
I met James when a friend of Historic Ellicott City reached out to connect him with the community. He came down to meet residents, learn more about our history, explore the flood plain, and see what we continue to struggle with since the 2011 flood. He's strong, open-minded, and naturally purpose driven. - G, West End Resident, Historic Ellicott City
We currently live in challenging times, and have seen how HoCo is not immune to the shenanigans coming out of D.C. I want representatives who have proven their leadership skills and moral fortitude under difficult circumstances. Someone like James Handley. - D. Ryan, D1 Resident
As a long-time D1 resident and mom of two in HCPSS, I trust James to be our next councilmanic. He's been doing the work to defend democracy and protect our communities from gun violence. He has the leadership and legal expertise to serve District 1 and create a collective future for our children and for all of Howard County. - Cindy L., Ellicott City
