Lazo Leads Diaz in Tight Montgomery County School Board Race

Sally McCarthy held a 70 percent lead in the District 3 school board race, according to early returns posted at 10 p.m. on Tuesday. The margin gave the longtime PTA leader a decisive advantage over challenger Cassandra “Cassi” Sung. McCarthy’s campaign featured substantial fundraising and a wide range of endorsements. The result suggests a clear path to the seat as of the latest data available.

The at-large race remained too close to call. Omar Lazo, a businessman and Montgomery College trustee, held a slight lead over Brenda Diaz. Diaz is a former teacher who resigned from Montgomery County Public Schools during the pandemic after breaking mask rules. Lazo received the support of the local teachers union, many sitting board members, and Governor Wes Moore. Diaz countered by focusing on parental frustration and criticizing the current board’s approach.

Outside money entered the contest heavily. A super PAC spent tens of thousands of dollars against Diaz. The group described her as too extreme for the deep-blue county. This spending added a layer of financial pressure to a campaign that already generated high local interest.

Two other seats saw candidates run unopposed. Board President Grace Rivera-Oven retained the District 1 position without a challenger. Elma-Lorraine Diggs kept the District 5 seat in a similar unopposed race. These outcomes secure three of the eight board positions before the remaining votes are fully certified.

The winning candidates will serve four-year terms on the eight-member board. This body includes a student representative and oversees Maryland’s largest school district, which serves roughly 152,000 students. Board members earn $25,000 annually. They vote on the district budget, evaluate the superintendent, and set educational policy. The position has historically served as a stepping stone for higher political office in the county.