top of page
Website Artwork.png

Support My Campaign

F8504292-E863-4530-BE7A-4564ED26BFD7 (1).png

MEET DEBBIE SPIELBERG

Why I'm Running for County Council

You deserve a councilmember who will tirelessly represent you on the complex issues facing Montgomery County and give voice to the values that make Montgomery County a place we cherish. 

 

I’m that person. I have the experience, commitment, and enthusiasm for the work. I have devoted my professional life to championing and implementing policies that serve the public interest, taking on complex  issues like health care access, internet service, and housing affordability. I learned to fight for the vulnerable from my mother, a refugee from Nazi Germany who was among the thousands of Jewish children rescued by the British via the Kindertransport. Early in my career, I was honored to serve as Legislative Director for Representative John Lewis (D, GA), the creator of the idea of “good trouble.” Since then, I’ve spent more than 15 years as a senior staffer in county government. I’ve dealt with virtually every issue that comes to a council office and the county executive’s office, from the minimum wage to land use, from economic development to environmental protection. As a progressive Democrat, I bring compassion for those who need extra help to thrive. As a government employee, I know the importance of transparency and accountability. As someone who has regularly dealt with constituents, I listen with respect and care.

 

Today, many feel unsettled and our county faces multiple challenges.  Some are national in origin — because of Trump's indefensible actions that are wreaking havoc on the county, the region, and people's lives and livelihoods.  Here in Montgomery County, we face challenges and opportunities as a mature urban/suburban community.  We are fortunate to have a talented, accomplished, and diverse population. We are well-equipped to build on our strengths to support economic development, protect our environment, and make sure our schools prepare all of our students for an increasingly complex world. We also need thoughtful policies that support affordable housing and our beautiful neighborhoods. And we need to make sure that our residents are heard and represented. I have direct experience with each one of these important issues, which is why I won't need on-the-job training and will get to work for District 1 residents on day 1. 

 

I hope to meet as many of you as possible in the coming months as I listen to you, tell you why I'm the best candidate to represent you, and ask for your vote in the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary.

About Debbie Spielberg

​​​

  • Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia

  • BA, Swarthmore College

  • Managing editor of small weekly newspaper in Queens, where she  fought a proposed incinerator and tangled with then-Mayor Ed Koch

  • Staffer for Congressman John Lewis 1991-1998, serving as his Legislative Director for five years

  • Resident of Montgomery County for 25+ years

  • Parent of two children who attended Montgomery County Public Schools graduates K-12 

  • PTA President and cluster coordinator

  • Campaign Chair for State Senator Jamie Raskin, 2008-2016

  • Campaign Chair for Marc Elrich for County Executive, 2018

  • Volunteer on multiple local and national campaigns

  • Senior Legislative analyst, Councilmember (at-large) Marc Elrich, 2009-2018

  • Special Assistant to the County Executive, 2018 to present 

  • Member, Advisory Board for The Good Trouble Archives: The Life, Work and Legacy of John R. Lewis.

  • Member, Board of Advisors, Universities at Shady Grove

unnamed (5)_edited.jpg
Screenshot 2025-09-04 at 10.38.52 AM.png

Debbie's Work for the County

unnamed (6).jpg
unnamed (9)_edited.png
  • Providing input on Operating and Capital budgets (FY19-FY26), including support for the Kid Museum, increased tree planting, and efforts to increase recycling and reduce waste

  • Reviewing land use policies and practices, including the Bethesda Minor Master Plan amendment, the Growth and Infrastructure Policy, and the More Housing NOW package

  • Implementing, writing, and editing newsletter for the County Executive

  • Assisting businesses with permitting issues

  • Working to preserve green space and recreation in Norwood Park

  • Working with DOT staff to craft a commonsense approach to sidewalks that preserves as many trees as possible

  • Advancing the ban on the use of gas powered leaf blowers

  • Partnering with advocacy groups on the successful ban of the use of pesticides on lawns 

  • Staffing County Council’s 2010 Tenant Work Group, convened by then-County Executive Ike Leggett

  • Representing then-Councilmember Elrich at Western Montgomery Citizen Advisory Board meetings

CONNECT WITH DEBBIE ON SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Bluesky
  • Email
Subscribe

DEBBIE SPIELBERG FOR

County Council District 1

This is a publicly financed campaign.  Your contribution is matched and will make a difference!

Join my campaign.
Let's work together to make residents' voices heard! 

bottom of page