Baltimore County Council · District 7 (new map, 2026)

Cari Santiago for Council

A voice for every community in the new District 7 and across the County. Fighting for our schools, our neighborhoods, and our integrity.

Cari Santiago

About Cari Santiago

Neighbor, advocate, and candidate for Baltimore County Council District 7.

I am here because Baltimore County needs leadership that advocates for its residents with transparency, integrity, and cooperation. In such a diverse District, decisions need to be made based on objective data and the lived experiences of all our residents. A District boundary should not isolate our communities; instead, it should allow for all voices to be heard as we come together as one County.

I never envisioned myself running for an elected office, but I count that among my strengths for the position of County Council, District 7. I am a firm believer that choice and representation are the foundation of democracy, and that we have to be able to trust our representatives to put their own self-interests aside and advocate for us.

Priorities for the new District 7

Education

Build strong communities by supporting schools from the bottom up to improve academic performance and career outcomes for our students. That starts with listening to the staff who work directly with students and families and building on our relationship with the Board of Education to encourage questions, transparency, and productive conversations.

Community

Expand programs that offer mentoring, training, and access to job fairs so residents in every part of District 7 have clear paths to good jobs and long-term stability. Apply for Federal "Community Loneliness Act" grants—once enacted—to improve social connections like youth activities and in-person social events.

Development

Lower housing costs and strengthen infrastructure through responsible development and revitalization. New developments and projects should be held accountable for their community and infrastructure impacts.

Integrity

Advocacy for the people in District 7 will have my full-time attention. I will work to create a transparent and ethical process for how the County Council makes compensation adjustments for their own positions.

Green Spaces

Improve the access to—and experience of—the parks and green spaces we already have, while planning long-term for new places where families and neighbors can gather and enjoy the outdoors.

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Contact

Questions, ideas, or ready to help? Get in touch.

Maddy