Anne Arundel County Council District 6 Candidate Kate McDermott Releases Opinion Statement, “The Annapolis Public Housing Scandal: Why Annapolis Slept”

Anne Arundel County Council District 6 candidate Kate McDermott recently published an opinion statement discussing ongoing public housing litigation involving the City of Annapolis, including her views on a proposed $15 million civil rights settlement.

Related: City of Annapolis Reaches Tentative Settlement in Public Housing Discrimination Lawsuits

In remarks posted on social media, McDermott said the litigation stemmed from years of disputes over housing inspections, code enforcement, and civil rights protections. More than 1,400 residents were involved in the case. To read the opinion statement in full, click here.

Her account references earlier changes to inspection practices that she describes as lacking full public disclosure, followed by a 2020 settlement and consent decree, subsequent state legislation addressing inspection requirements, and a class action certified in 2023. She also points to reported legal setbacks in 2025 related to court filings and ongoing defense efforts.

McDermott, a Democrat, is one of several candidates seeking the District 6 seat. Republican George Gallagher is also among the candidates seeking election to the position. For a list of all of the candidates running, click the following link: 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election Local Candidates List

Maryland's gubernatorial primary election is scheduled for June 23, with early voting taking place June 11–18. The general election will be held Nov. 3, with early voting set for Oct. 22–29. More election information can be found here.