Sources Indicate John Grasso Planning to Run for Anne Arundel County Executive
Former Councilman would be 4th Candidate to Officially Enter the Race
Sources tell The Duckpin that former Councilman John Grasso is planning on entering the Republican primary for Anne Arundel County Executive.
Grasso has twice before announced his candidacy for County Executive, both in 2014 and 2018. His 2018 campaign for County Executive was a wild ride: after publicly musing he might run for Governor (among other things), he announced his candidacy during a bizarre interview on Red Maryland Radio, used the Anne Arundel County seal improperly, got into bed with left-wing interest groups, and then ultimately quit the race to run for State Senate.
Despite serving two terms on the Council, Grasso was nearly upset by Maureen Bryant in the Republican primary, winning only by 73 votes. It was an ugly look into the future, as Grasso lost the General Election to Senator Pam Beidle by 33%.
It is hard to understand Grasso’s logic in entering the race if he ultimately does. Grasso shares a similar lane with former Delegate Herb McMillan, who announced his candidacy this year. The two share similar strengths, similar weakness, and similar relationships with local Republicans. Only their geographic bases are different.
In his 2021 campaign finance report, Grasso reported having only $100 cash on hand. His campaign still has outstanding loans of over over $63,000.
If Grasso runs, he would join McMillan, Chris Jahn, and County Councilwoman Jessica Haire in the race.