Michelle García is the daughter of an immigrant, a first-generation college graduate, and a single mother who understands firsthand the challenges working families face. Before entering government service, she worked as a substance abuse counselor supporting incarcerated adults, youth, and families as they navigated recovery and reentry into society. Michelle has built strong relationships across Prince George’s County and earned the support of a broad coalition of community leaders, elected officials, labor organizations, and advocates who trust her leadership and commitment to public service. She is running a people-powered campaign grounded in transparency, accountability, and community-driven decision-making. Michelle is the only publicly financed candidate in the race and the first candidate in Prince George’s County to qualify for the public financing program. She has pledged not to accept contributions from developers, corporations, PACs, or special interests, ensuring her campaign remains accountable only to the people of District 1.

Policy Objectives

1. Climate Action and Environmental Protection: Climate change is an existential crisis that disproportionately impacts working families and communities of color. I will strengthen the County’s Climate Action Plan by advancing practical solutions that reduce carbon emissions, protect our waterways, expand tree canopy, and invest in renewable energy and skilled union jobs.

2. Strong Public Education: Every student deserves a safe, modern learning environment. I will prioritize long-overdue investments in school facilities, including rebuilding High Point High School, and support policies that ensure teachers have the resources they need to help students succeed.

3. Affordable Housing and Tenant Protections: I will work to expand safe, affordable housing and hold landlords accountable. My focus will include seniors and historically marginalized communities, ensuring housing stability while promoting responsible development.

4. Community-Based Public Safety: Public safety should focus on prevention and stability. I support investments in mental health services, youth programs, and community-based solutions that address the root causes of violence while strengthening trust between residents and institutions.

5. Smart Growth and Economic Opportunity: I support responsible development that prioritizes transit-oriented growth, strengthens the local economy, and creates good-paying union jobs while ensuring residents have a meaningful voice in land use decisions.

6. Transparent and Accountable Government: Transparency must be central to good governance. I will support data-driven decision-making, public accountability, and community-centered policies that ensure government works for the people it serves.

Education Background

• Bachelor of Women's Studies, University of Maryland