Five things to watch in the Baltimore County primary elections

In the Tuesday election, Baltimore County voters are choosing their primary nominees in races that include state’s attorney, the County Council and county executive.

Here are five things to watch.

Will a message of change resonate in the Democratic state’s attorney’s race?

State’s Attorney Scott Shellenberger faces his first primary competition in 16 years. Progressive challenger Robbie Leonard says the county needs a new approach to criminal justice and has criticized the four-term incumbent on a range of issues.

Shellenberger is emphasizing his experience prosecuting crime. He and his supporters say the county doesn’t need to change course.

The race has seen heavy outside spending. The Maryland Justice & Public Safety PAC has accrued bills totaling nearly $784,000 as of its latest disclosure report July 14.

Billionaire philanthropist George Soros is listed as the sole contributor to the PAC in the latest state campaign finance report, donating $884,000. Soros has funded campaigns around the country to elect progressive local prosecutors.

How will Black council candidates fare across the county?

Last year, residents and civil rights groups sued the county over its redistricting process, saying officials had unlawfully diluted Black residents’ votes. A federal judge blocked the county from using its first map, but later approved a revised version.

In this year’s primary, Black candidates are running in five of the seven council districts, which is unprecedented.

Throughout the county’s history, a majority-white district has never elected a candidate who is not white.

Who wins primaries for open council seats?

Two veteran Democratic council members are stepping down this year, leading to competitive primary races in their districts — District 1 in the county’s southwest corner, and District 6, which includes Overlea, Parkville, Rosedale and Towson.

The elections take place under new political boundaries, after last year’s redistricting.

Will any women advance to the general election?

Few women have ever served on the County Council. In this year’s primary, women are running in most of the districts.

The current council’s only woman, Democrat Cathy Bevins of Middle River, is stepping down this year, leaving the possibility that the council could become all-male.

Who will emerge from the crowded Republican race for county executive?

While County Executive Johnny Olszewski Jr. has faced little competition in the Democratic primary, six candidates are vying to win the Republican nomination.

The GOP race has gotten heated, with allegations that former state delegate Pat McDonough stole a campaign sign of rival Darren Badillo.

Others competing in the race are Henry Ciezkowski, Thilo August Albert Gluck, A. Scott Pappas and Kimberley Stansbury.