Pat Young’s Failed Bid for Baltimore County Executive Received Nearly $210,000 in Taxpayer Public Funding

Who is Pat Young?

Patrick G. Young Jr. serves as a Democratic member of the Baltimore County Council, is an advocate for veterans, and a former U.S. Marine, representing District 1. In 2026, he participated in the Democratic primary for Baltimore County executive but did not secure the nomination.

Young has established a career in public service, veterans' advocacy, and Maryland politics. Since December 2022, he has been a member of the Baltimore County Council. Prior to this role, he represented District 44B in the Maryland House of Delegates from 2015 to 2022. During his tenure, he held the position of Deputy Majority Whip, chaired the Baltimore County Delegation, and led various joint committees, including those focused on public funds and cybersecurity.

Between 2010 and 2016, Young was Towson University's inaugural Director of Veterans Services, where he established initiatives to assist students coming back from military duty. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 2001 to 2005 with the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment. During this time, he completed two combat deployments in Iraq, including participation in the Second Battle of Fallujah, and took part in a humanitarian mission in Liberia. He eventually achieved the rank of sergeant.

Political and Community Connections

Young’s years in state government and veterans’ advocacy have helped him develop relationships throughout Maryland’s political community. In 2011, then-Governor Martin O’Malley appointed him to the Maryland Veterans Commission.

He also has a longstanding political relationship with Maryland State Senator Charles Sydnor. The two worked together during the 2014 Democratic primary to win their respective District 44B seats.

Through his legislative leadership roles, Young developed connections with members of the General Assembly, the Maryland Veterans Caucus, and county leaders across Maryland. Although his 2026 campaign for Baltimore County executive was unsuccessful, his record reflects a lengthy career centered on public service, veterans, and local government.

$209,544 in Public Finance Campaign Funds

Despite years of experience in public office, legislative leadership, veterans’ advocacy, and relationships throughout Maryland’s political establishment, Pat Young’s failed bid for Baltimore County executive reportedly received nearly $210,000 in taxpayer-funded public campaign financing. That raises an important question: after decades in politics and access to an extensive network of supporters and donors, why was such a substantial amount of public money still needed to fund his campaign? While the financing may have been legal, voters deserve to consider whether using taxpayer dollars for political campaigns is responsible or appropriate.