Former Annapolis Mayor Buckley Runs for County Council

Gavin Buckley seeks District 6 seat after two terms as Annapolis mayor

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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Just months after leaving the Annapolis mayoral office, Gavin Buckley has announced he is running for the Anne Arundel County Council's District 6 seat. Buckley, who served two terms as Annapolis mayor, said he loves the community and wants to continue building on the work he did while in office.

Why it matters

Buckley's decision to run for the county council seat comes as the current District 6 representative, Lisa Rodvien, announced she would not seek re-election. Buckley's entry into the race adds intrigue and a high-profile candidate to the contest.

The details

Public records show Buckley filed as an active candidate for the District 6 seat on Wednesday. In an interview, Buckley said he feels there is still more he can do to serve the community. Buckley also teased his announcement on Facebook, urging followers to save the date of February 17 when he plans to make an official announcement. Two other candidates, Dominik Prokop and Joe Toolan, are also running for the District 6 seat.

  • Buckley filed as an active candidate for the District 6 seat on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.
  • Buckley plans to make an official announcement about his candidacy on February 17, 2026.
  • The deadline for candidates to enter the county election is February 24, 2026.

The players

Gavin Buckley

Former two-term mayor of Annapolis who is now running for the Anne Arundel County Council's District 6 seat.

Lisa Rodvien

The current District 6 county council member who announced she will not seek re-election.

Dominik Prokop

One of the other candidates running for the District 6 county council seat.

Joe Toolan

One of the other candidates running for the District 6 county council seat.

Jared Littmann

The current mayor of Annapolis, succeeding Gavin Buckley.

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What they’re saying

“I love where I live, and I love what we've done. I love the momentum and the direction we are heading in as a county and city, and I've been a part of a great team and feel like there is still more I could do, more I could give.”

— Gavin Buckley, Former Annapolis Mayor (The Capital Gazette)

“I'm confident voters will see a clear distinction in how we approach important issues and tackle tough problems.”

— Joe Toolan, Candidate for District 6 County Council Seat (The Capital Gazette)

What’s next

The deadline for candidates to enter the county election is February 24, 2026, a week after Buckley's planned announcement on February 17.

The takeaway

Buckley's decision to run for the county council seat adds a high-profile candidate to the race for the District 6 seat, which is being vacated by the incumbent. Buckley's experience as Annapolis mayor and his stated desire to continue serving the community will likely make him a formidable contender in the election.