{{Short description|American politician (born 1961)}} {{Infobox officeholder | name = Steuart Pittman | image = Steuart Pittman (54210919088) (cropped).jpg | caption = Pittman in 2024 | office = Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party | term_start = June 27, 2025 | term_end = | predecessor = Charlene Dukes (acting) | successor = | office1 = 11th County Executive of Anne Arundel County | term_start1 = December 3, 2018 | term_end1 = | predecessor1 = Steve Schuh | successor1 = | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1961|9|11}} | birth_place = Davidsonville, Maryland, U.S. | death_date = | death_place = | party = Democratic | spouse = {{marriage|Karen Cunnyngham||2008|end=div}}<br>{{marriage|Erin|2008}} | children = 3 | relatives = Steuart family | education = University of Chicago (BA) }} '''Steuart L. Pittman Jr.''' (born September 11, 1961) is an American politician and farmer who has served as county executive of Anne Arundel County, Maryland, since 2018. A member of the Democratic Party, Pittman has served as the chair of the Maryland Democratic Party since June 2025.
== Early life and education == Pittman was born on his family's farm in Davidsonville, Maryland,<ref name="2023power"/> on September 11, 1961.<ref name="msa" /> He was one of three children<ref name="Farmer">{{cite news |last1=Lumpkin |first1=Lauren |title=Steuart Pittman: Farmer to politician, Democrat hopes to change direction of Anne Arundel County |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/10/14/steuart-pittman-farmer-to-politician-democrat-hopes-to-change-direction-of-anne-arundel-county/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 14, 2018}}</ref> born to Steuart Pittman, a Marine veteran and former assistant secretary of defense under President John F. Kennedy, and Barbara Pittman.<ref>{{cite news |last1=III |first1=E. B. Furgurson |title=Steuart L. Pittman, champion of environment, dies at 93 |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2013/02/14/steuart-l-pittman-champion-of-environment-dies-at-93/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=February 14, 2013}}</ref> Pittman's ancestor, George Hume Steuart, emigrated to Maryland from Scotland in 1721, made a career as a tobacco planter and slave owner, and served as the mayor of Annapolis from 1759 to 1763.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Anne Arundel's Steuart Pittman acknowledges slave owner ancestry in remarks at Gov. Wes Moore's inauguration |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/01/18/anne-arundels-steuart-pittman-acknowledges-slave-owner-ancestry-in-remarks-at-gov-wes-moores-inauguration/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=January 18, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Sjoberg |first1=Leif |title=American Swedish '73 |date=2008 |publisher=American Swedish History Museum |isbn=1422365468 |page=69 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=a-J6j1uBiOoC&pg=PA69#v=onepage&q&f=false}}</ref>
Pittman grew up in Washington, D.C., where he attended St. Albans School.<ref name="Farmer"/> He also spent summers at his family's farm, Dodon, in Davidsonville.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hillman |first1=Lisa |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman Reflects on the Past, Present & Future |url=https://whatsupmag.com/culture/anne-arundel-county-executive-steuart-pittman-reflects/ |access-date=September 19, 2025 |work=What's Up? Media |date=September 12, 2024 |language=en-us}}</ref> Pittman attended the University of Chicago and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and Latin American studies in 1985.<ref name="msa">{{cite web |title=Steuart L. Pittman, Jr., County Executive, Anne Arundel County, Maryland |url=https://msa.maryland.gov/msa/mdmanual/36loc/an/html/msa17927.html |website=Maryland Manual On-Line |publisher=Maryland State Archives |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref>
== Career == === Early career === Pittman first became involved with politics as a community organizer in Chicago and Des Moines, Iowa.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Ulman to step down in June as Maryland Democratic Party chair |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/05/21/ulman-to-step-down-in-june-as-maryland-democratic-party-chair/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=May 21, 2025}}</ref> Afterwards, he returned to Maryland<ref name="2023power">{{cite news |date=February 28, 2023 |title=The Power List: Steuart Pittman Jr. |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2023/02/28/steuart-pittman-jr/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=Maryland Daily Record}}</ref> to work as a field director for the National Low Income Housing Coalition from 1990 to 1992, and the director for national campaigns for the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now from 1992 to 1994.<ref name="msa"/> He became involved in politics again following the election of Donald Trump as president in 2016, first exploring a run for the Anne Arundel County Council in District 7 before Sarah Elfreth, a candidate for the Maryland Senate, asked if he considered running for county executive instead.<ref name="Future">{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Steuart Pittman: Democrat wants a second term to protect Anne Arundel County's future |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/10/06/steuart-pittman-democrat-wants-a-second-term-to-protect-anne-arundel-countys-future/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 6, 2022}}</ref>
Pittman started riding horses at a very young age, when his parents bought him a pony. He joined the St. Margaret's Pony Club in Annapolis, Maryland. His passion for horses eventually led him to became a trainer, instructor, and competitor at the Advanced level of three day eventing.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hutzell |first1=Rick |title=Horses at the Olympics — is it animal cruelty or beautiful sport? |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/charlotte-dujardin-equestrian-maryland-HXKFZWYAZFF53OBFBMBNF4LTCA/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=July 30, 2024 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Pittman |first=Steuart |title=Dodon Farm - Steuart Pittman |url=http://www.dodonfarm.com/about-us/the-people/20-steuart |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190220234939/http://www.dodonfarm.com/about-us/the-people/20-steuart |archive-date=2019-02-20 |access-date=2025-09-11 |website=www.dodonfarm.com |language=en-GB}}</ref> Pittman left the organizing world to become a professional horse trainer and farmer at Dodon Farm in 1994. He was the president of the Maryland House Council from 2009 to 2013, and founded the Retired Racehorse Project in 2010.<ref name="msa"/> He also wrote a blog about how to train horses, titled "Listen To The Horse".<ref>{{cite web |title=The Politics Hour |url=https://thekojonnamdishow.org/shows/2021-03-05/the-politics-hour-march-5-2021/ |website=The Kojo Nnamdi Show |access-date=May 21, 2025 |date=March 5, 2021}}</ref>
=== Anne Arundel County Executive === thumb|Pittman signing legislation in January 2019 On November 16, 2017, Pittman announced that he would run for Anne Arundel County executive in 2018, challenging incumbent Republican county executive Steve Schuh. During his campaign, he ran on a platform of supporting local businesses, redevelopment and land preservation, and increasing developer impact fees to pay for infrastructure. He also criticized Schuh for supporting policies that Pittman claimed would lead to population growth and denser developments in the county.<ref name="FirstDem">{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=The first Democrat enters the 2018 Anne Arundel County executive race |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2017/11/16/the-first-democrat-enters-the-2018-anne-arundel-county-executive-race/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 16, 2017}}</ref> During the election, Pittman received endorsements from county police and firefighter unions<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh promises to lobby for state police tax credit, seeks endorsement |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/09/09/anne-arundel-county-executive-steve-schuh-promises-to-lobby-for-state-police-tax-credit-seeks-endorsement/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=September 9, 2018}}</ref> and received more individual contributions than Schuh,<ref name="Slightly"/> but was heavily outspent by Schuh throughout the campaign.<ref name="2018election">{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Election 2018: Anne Arundel County Executive's race between Pittman and Schuh |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/02/28/election-2018-anne-arundel-county-executives-race-between-pittman-and-schuh/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=February 28, 2018}}</ref><ref name="Slightly">{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel County Executive race: Schuh slightly ahead of Pittman in recent fundraising |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/08/29/anne-arundel-county-executive-race-schuh-slightly-ahead-of-pittman-in-recent-fundraising/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=August 29, 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Schuh burns through almost $1 million in final weeks of Anne Arundel county executive campaign |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/10/30/schuh-burns-through-almost-1-million-in-final-weeks-of-anne-arundel-county-executive-campaign/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 30, 2018}}</ref> On November 6, 2018, Pittman defeated Schuh in an upset, receiving 52.3% of the vote to Schuh's 47.6%.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |last2=Pacella |first2=Rachael |title=Pittman pulls off upset, beats Schuh for Anne Arundel executive |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/11/06/pittman-pulls-off-upset-beats-schuh-for-anne-arundel-executive/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 6, 2018}}</ref> He was sworn in on December 3, 2018,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Pittman sworn in as 10th Anne Arundel County executive, lays out 'ambitious' agenda |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/12/03/pittman-sworn-in-as-10th-anne-arundel-county-executive-lays-out-ambitious-agenda/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 3, 2018}}</ref> becoming Anne Arundel County's first Democratic county executive since Janet S. Owens, who served as county executive from 1998 to 2006.<ref name="FirstDem"/>
In November 2020, Pittman launched Future Matters, a nonprofit education and advocacy organization to promote policies to address various economic, education, and development issues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Pittman Launching Advocacy Group to Push Statewide Progressive Agenda |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2020/11/11/pittman-launching-advocacy-group-to-push-statewide-progressive-agenda/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=November 11, 2020}}</ref> The advocacy group held monthly virtual forums to promote finding "common ground" solutions to these issues.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Advocacy Group Taking Shape, Pittman Seeks 'Common Ground' on Development Issues |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2021/01/11/pittman-takes-next-steps-with-statewide-advocacy-group/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=January 11, 2021}}</ref>
Pittman ran for re-election in 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman officially files for reelection |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/12/09/anne-arundel-county-executive-steuart-pittman-officially-files-for-reelection/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 9, 2021}}</ref> He faced Republican county councilmember Jessica Haire in the general election,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Belson |first1=Dan |title=Jessica Haire wins Republican Anne Arundel County executive nomination |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/07/29/jessica-haire-wins-republican-anne-arundel-county-executive-nomination/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=July 29, 2022}}</ref> whom he criticized for voting against his budget proposals and accepting contributions from Halle Companies, a development company that sought to build a rubble landfill in Odenton.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kasakove |first1=Sophie |title=Republicans seek to retake county executive posts in Anne Arundel, Howard counties |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/county-executive-anne-arundel-howard-EEE5RRIJ7RFJHDWVH3FK6HMMJY/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 2, 2022 |language=en}}</ref> On November 8, 2022, Pittman defeated Haire with 53.7% of the vote to Haire's 46.1%.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kasakove |first1=Sophie |title=Pittman elected to second term as Anne Arundel County executive |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/steuart-pittman-pulls-ahead-of-republican-challenger-in-anne-arundel-county-executive-race-MBEU7Q43UNEVVHKCLGV6AP2JEE/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=November 16, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
In October 2024, Pittman launched a weekly podcast titled "Pittman and Friends", which focuses on how government works.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Loock |first1=Megan |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman to launch podcast in October |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/09/13/anne-arundel-county-executive-steuart-pittman-to-launch-podcast-in-october/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 13, 2024}}</ref>
In December 2025, the Anne Arundel County Ethics Commission found that Pittman violated the county's ethics rules after writing about the results of the 2025 United States elections in the county's official newsletter. Pittman acknowledged the commission's findings and accepted responsibility for the content of the letter.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Anne Arundel executive violated ethics rules with weekly newsletter |url=https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/anne-arundel-county-steuart-pittman-ethics-violation-YN5JFHI3KZCMLKUGHNGHLV3J3A/ |access-date=December 1, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 1, 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
==== COVID-19 pandemic ==== {{main|COVID-19 pandemic in Maryland}} In March 2020, Pittman announced that Anne Arundel County had recorded its first case of COVID-19.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cohn |first1=Meredith |last2=Sanchez |first2=Olivia |last3=Wood |first3=Pamela |title=Four more cases of new coronavirus confirmed in Maryland, including first in Baltimore County |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/03/11/four-more-cases-of-new-coronavirus-confirmed-in-maryland-including-first-in-baltimore-county/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=March 11, 2020}}</ref> Soon after, he signed a series of executive orders declaring a state of emergency in Anne Arundel County<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel, Annapolis leadership declares state of emergency, County Council meeting Monday still on amid coronavirus concerns |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/03/13/anne-arundel-annapolis-leadership-declares-state-of-emergency-county-council-meeting-monday-still-on-amid-coronavirus-concerns/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=March 13, 2020}}</ref> and requiring face masks while in public,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |last2=San Felice |first2=Selene |title=Anne Arundel requires public to wear masks while shopping, working amid coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/04/14/anne-arundel-requires-public-to-wear-masks-while-shopping-working-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 14, 2020}}</ref> and established programs to help low-income individuals keep up with rent payments.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Anne Arundel announces temporary eviction prevention program using slot machine funds |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/04/15/anne-arundel-announces-temporary-eviction-prevention-program-using-slot-machine-funds/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 15, 2020}}</ref>
In May 2020, after Governor Larry Hogan announced plans to reopen state beaches and parks, Pittman signed onto a letter asking for more input on discussions involving the reopening of Maryland's economy. He further complained that Hogan provided officials with no prior warning before announcing his reopening plans, requiring him to scramble to figure out whether the county's health officer supported Hogan's orders and how to implement them on short notice.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Eight Maryland county executives call on Hogan to be more inclusive on reopening discussions |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/05/07/eight-maryland-county-executives-call-on-hogan-to-be-more-inclusive-on-reopening-discussions/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 7, 2020}}</ref> As Hogan continued to announce gradual reopening steps, Pittman consulted with local health authorities before moving forward with any reopenings, expressing concerns that Hogan was moving to reopen before central Maryland counties were ready.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=As Maryland approaches phase one of reopening, Anne Arundel executive worries Central Maryland counties aren't ready yet |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/12/as-maryland-approaches-phase-one-of-reopening-anne-arundel-executive-worries-central-maryland-counties-arent-ready-yet/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 12, 2020}}</ref> He later announced that the county would begin taking limited steps toward reopening to prevent a second wave,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Like other populous areas hit hard by coronavirus, Anne Arundel to take smaller steps toward reopening |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/14/like-other-populous-areas-hit-hard-by-coronavirus-anne-arundel-to-take-smaller-steps-toward-reopening/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 14, 2020}}</ref> though he continued to criticize Hogan for leaving the first phase of reopening up to local jurisdictions<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Gov. Larry Hogan's delegating reopening to jurisdictions 'a mistake,' says Anne Arundel County executive |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/19/gov-larry-hogans-delegating-reopening-to-jurisdictions-a-mistake-says-anne-arundel-county-executive/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 19, 2020}}</ref> and for communicating poorly with county officials.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel executive lays out changes for reopening county, criticizes Hogan for ending 'in it together' response |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/29/anne-arundel-executive-lays-out-changes-for-reopening-county-criticizes-hogan-for-ending-in-it-together-response/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 29, 2020}}</ref> Anne Arundel County's later reopening steps gradually started mirroring statewide reopening guidelines, though officials remained cautious of a potential second wave.<ref>{{cite news |title=Baltimore and Anne Arundel counties to adopt statewide guidelines for lifting coronavirus restrictions |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/06/04/baltimore-and-anne-arundel-counties-to-adopt-statewide-guidelines-for-lifting-coronavirus-restrictions/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 4, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=As Hogan lays out Friday reopening steps, Anne Arundel remains cautious |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/06/10/as-hogan-lays-out-friday-reopening-steps-anne-arundel-remains-cautious/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel aligns reopening with Maryland, indoor dining starts at 5 p.m. Friday |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/06/11/anne-arundel-aligns-reopening-with-maryland-indoor-dining-starts-at-5-pm-friday/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 11, 2020}}</ref> Pittman also supported a county bill that would prohibit any landlord from raising rent by more than 3% during Maryland's state of emergency,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County Council to debate bill limiting rent increases to 3% during the coronavirus pandemic |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/26/anne-arundel-county-council-to-debate-bill-limiting-rent-increases-to-3-during-the-coronavirus-pandemic/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 26, 2020}}</ref> which failed to pass.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County Council passes controversial workforce housing bill, defeats bill preventing substantial rent increases |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/26/anne-arundel-county-council-passes-controversial-workforce-housing-bill-defeats-bill-preventing-substantial-rent-increases/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 26, 2020}}</ref>
In July 2020, following an increase in cases in the county, Pittman reimposed restrictions on restaurants and social gatherings to prevent further spread of the virus.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County announces new restrictions to mitigate coronavirus spread; Annapolis will adopt same measures |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/07/23/anne-arundel-county-announces-new-restrictions-to-mitigate-coronavirus-spread-annapolis-will-adopt-same-measures/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=July 23, 2020}}</ref> In September 2020, Pittman said that Anne Arundel County would not immediately follow Hogan in moving into phase three of reopening, citing a slowly rising seven-day positivity rate in the county, but rejected advice from Anne Arundel County Health Officer Nilesh Kalyanaraman to impose further closures.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel will lag behind coronavirus reopenings, citing an increase in local metrics |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/09/03/anne-arundel-will-lag-behind-coronavirus-reopenings-citing-an-increase-in-local-metrics/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=September 3, 2020}}</ref> The county would later expand its pop-up community testing sites to help contain the spread of the virus<ref>{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=Anne Arundel County expands pop-up testing to five days a week; 111 new coronavirus cases confirmed |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/09/15/anne-arundel-county-expands-pop-up-testing-to-five-days-a-week-111-new-coronavirus-cases-confirmed/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=September 15, 2020}}</ref> and announce additional homeowner and small business relief programs funded by CARES Act stimulus funding.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel executive announces $2.3 million CARES Act funding for homeowner water bill relief, grief support and coronavirus case management |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/10/22/anne-arundel-executive-announces-23-million-cares-act-funding-for-homeowner-water-bill-relief-grief-support-and-coronavirus-case-management/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 22, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel announces $550,000 in CARES Act funds to help residents at risk of losing utilities |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/10/30/anne-arundel-announces-550000-in-cares-act-funds-to-help-residents-at-risk-of-losing-utilities/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 30, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel announces $5 million relief program for restaurants, food-service businesses; county extends expedited permits for outdoor dining |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/10/27/anne-arundel-announces-5-million-relief-program-for-restaurants-food-service-businesses-county-extends-expedited-permits-for-outdoor-dining/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 27, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Lilly |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman announces $1 million grant fund for local nonprofits using CARES Act |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/11/09/anne-arundel-county-executive-steuart-pittman-announces-1-million-grant-fund-for-local-nonprofits-using-cares-act/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 9, 2020}}</ref> In November 2020, as cases rapidly increased across the state, Pittman signed onto a letter with other county executives calling on Hogan to work with them to contain the spread of COVID-19, saying that it had been five months since the governor last reached out to them and hasn't given officials an advance notice when making reopening announcements.<ref>{{cite news |title=Local leaders say Gov. Hogan hasn't held pandemic call for five months, ask to work together amid coronavirus surge |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/11/09/local-leaders-say-gov-hogan-hasnt-held-pandemic-call-for-five-months-ask-to-work-together-amid-coronavirus-surge/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 9, 2020}}</ref> He also announced new restrictions on social gatherings<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |last2=Sanchez |first2=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel executive says gatherings likely to be 'significantly' restricted at end of the week as coronavirus cases spike |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/11/09/anne-arundel-executive-says-gatherings-likely-to-be-significantly-restricted-at-end-of-the-week-as-coronavirus-cases-spike/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 9, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Fominykh |first1=Katherine |title=Anne Arundel to suspend organized sports, close ice rinks and bowling alleys starting Wednesday |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/12/10/anne-arundel-to-suspend-organized-sports-close-ice-rinks-and-bowling-alleys-starting-wednesday/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 10, 2020}}</ref> and restaurant capacities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title='In a war with this virus': Anne Arundel sets coronavirus social gathering limits, reduces restaurant capacity and cancels rec league sports |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/11/12/in-a-war-with-this-virus-anne-arundel-sets-coronavirus-social-gathering-limits-reduces-restaurant-capacity-and-cancels-rec-league-sports/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 12, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Lilly |title=Anne Arundel County executive shuts down indoor, outdoor dining starting Wednesday to stave off coronavirus spread |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/12/10/anne-arundel-county-executive-shuts-down-indoor-outdoor-dining-starting-wednesday-to-stave-off-coronavirus-spread/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 10, 2020}}</ref>
[[File:Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium Vaccination Site - 51119942351.jpg|thumb|Pittman tours the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium mass vaccination site with Governor Larry Hogan and Annapolis mayor Gavin Buckley, April 2021]] The first COVID-19 vaccines in Anne Arundel County were given to medical staff in risky positions in late December 2024,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=First Anne Arundel workers receive Moderna vaccine against COVID-19, county prioritizing first responders and health care employees |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/12/24/first-anne-arundel-workers-receive-moderna-vaccine-against-covid-19-county-prioritizing-first-responders-and-health-care-employees/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 24, 2020}}</ref> with the county soon announcing a vaccinations schedule prioritizing health department employees and public safety workers<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |title=Anne Arundel updates COVID-19 vaccine schedule to include essential workers, thousands more vaccines on the way |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/01/05/anne-arundel-updates-covid-19-vaccine-schedule-to-include-essential-workers-thousands-more-vaccines-on-the-way/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 5, 2021}}</ref> before adopting the statewide vaccination schedule.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |title=Anne Arundel moving to Phase 1B; Hogan announces accelerated state vaccine rollout, cautions supply is needed |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/01/14/anne-arundel-moving-to-phase-1b-hogan-announces-accelerated-state-vaccine-rollout-cautions-supply-is-needed/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 14, 2021}}</ref> In January 2021, he called on Hogan to provide better vaccine coordination with county officials so that local health departments could be aware of which private sector pharmacies were receiving doses and how many they were getting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel executive urges Gov. Larry Hogan to provide better vaccine coordination |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/01/28/anne-arundel-executive-urges-gov-larry-hogan-to-provide-better-vaccine-coordination/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 28, 2021}}</ref> In March 2021, Pittman announced that the Navy–Marine Corps Memorial Stadium would be used as a mass vaccination site, with vaccinations soft-launching as soon as April 15.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mongilio |first1=Heather |title=Soft launch planned for COVID vaccination site in Annapolis at Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium in mid-April |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/03/30/soft-launch-planned-for-covid-vaccination-site-in-annapolis-at-navy-marine-corps-memorial-stadium-in-mid-april/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=March 30, 2021}}</ref>
Pittman began lifting restrictions on social gatherings, mask mandates, and restaurant capacities as COVID-19 case rates continued to decline in April 2021,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |title=Anne Arundel lifts social gathering limits as COVID rate falls, fewer people signing up for vaccines |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/04/27/anne-arundel-lifts-social-gathering-limits-as-covid-rate-falls-fewer-people-signing-up-for-vaccines/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 27, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel rescinds mask mandate, unvaccinated still encouraged to wear masks in most settings |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/04/29/anne-arundel-rescinds-mask-mandate-unvaccinated-still-encouraged-to-wear-masks-in-most-settings/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 29, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Pittman, Hogan lift restrictions on indoor dining; Anne Arundel will vaccinate 12 and older |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/05/12/pittman-hogan-lift-restrictions-on-indoor-dining-anne-arundel-will-vaccinate-12-and-older/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 12, 2021}}</ref> In June 2021, the Anne Arundel County Council voted unanimously to pass a bill ending the county's COVID-19 state of emergency while allowing restaurants to continue providing outdoor dining,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Romano |first1=Ada |title=Anne Arundel council votes to end COVID emergency order while keeping restaurant privileges outdoors; Pittman to sign bill Wednesday |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/06/07/anne-arundel-council-votes-to-end-covid-emergency-order-while-keeping-restaurant-privileges-outdoors-pittman-to-sign-bill-wednesday/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 7, 2021}}</ref> which Pittman signed into law later that month.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Annapolis will end COVID-19 state of emergency on July 31, also ending planned vaccination check for council meetings |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/06/15/annapolis-will-end-covid-19-state-of-emergency-on-july-31-also-ending-planned-vaccination-check-for-council-meetings/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 15, 2021}}</ref>
In August 2021, Pittman reinstated the county's indoor mask mandate following an increase in COVID-19 cases from the Delta variant<ref>{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Lilly |title=Anne Arundel, Annapolis reinstate mask mandates for government buildings, will require tests for unvaccinated workers |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/08/02/anne-arundel-annapolis-reinstate-mask-mandates-for-government-buildings-will-require-tests-for-unvaccinated-workers/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=August 2, 2021}}</ref> and imposed a COVID-19 vaccine mandate on county employees.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Price |first1=Lilly |title=Anne Arundel County considered a high transmission area as delta variant of COVID-19 spreads |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/08/24/anne-arundel-county-considered-a-high-transmission-area-as-delta-variant-of-covid-19-spreads/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=August 24, 2021}}</ref> In December 2021, he again reinstated the county's indoor mask mandate amid the rapid rise of the omicron variant.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Amid rising COVID cases, Anne Arundel County Executive Pittman reinstitutes mask mandate starting Friday |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/12/30/amid-rising-covid-cases-anne-arundel-county-executive-pittman-reinstitutes-mask-mandate-starting-friday/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 30, 2021}}</ref> In January 2022, after the Anne Arundel County Council voted against allowing Pittman to extend the county's mask mandate through the end of the month, Pittman supported the Anne Arundel County Department of Health's issuance of a public safety order to extend the mask mandate until January 31.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County Health Department reinstitutes mask mandate after council voted to not continue it |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/01/07/anne-arundel-county-health-department-reinstitutes-mask-mandate-after-council-voted-to-not-continue-it/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 7, 2022}}</ref>
====Environment==== During his 2018 county executive campaign, Pittman supported increasing fees to deter the deforestation in Anne Arundel County and said that he hoped to work with the county council to pass a no net loss forest conservation bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Anne Arundel election: 3 topics that separate Schuh and Pittman on environmental policy |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/10/01/anne-arundel-election-3-topics-that-separate-schuh-and-pittman-on-environmental-policy/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 1, 2018}}</ref> In October 2019, he introduced a bill that would double the county's reforestation ratio and increase fees and conservation thresholds for developments. After the bill was weakened by the Anne Arundel County Council, Pittman said that he would still sign the bill into law,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel weakens forest conservation bill but county executive says he will sign it |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/10/22/anne-arundel-weakens-forest-conservation-bill-but-county-executive-says-he-will-sign-it/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 22, 2019}}</ref> after which the county council passed amendments increasing impact fees<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=After weakening forest bill, Anne Arundel County Council passes amendments increasing fees, other changes |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/11/05/after-weakening-forest-bill-anne-arundel-county-council-passes-amendments-increasing-fees-other-changes/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 5, 2019}}</ref> and unanimously passed the bill.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County Council unanimously passes law strengthening local forest conservation |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/11/18/anne-arundel-county-council-unanimously-passes-law-strengthening-local-forest-conservation/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 18, 2019}}</ref> Pittman signed the forest conservation bill into law in November 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Anne Arundel County executive signs forest conservation bill, adds 150 acres to Crownsville natural area |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/11/25/anne-arundel-county-executive-signs-forest-conservation-bill-adds-150-acres-to-crownsville-natural-area/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 25, 2019}}</ref> In May 2021, after a bill that would've required anyone clearing 5,000 square feet or more of trees to have a grading permit was defeated by the Anne Arundel County Council, Pittman said that he would work with county councilmembers to address their concerns.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel executive will try again to close forest clearing loophole after council votes down a fix |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/05/04/anne-arundel-executive-will-try-again-to-close-forest-clearing-loophole-after-council-votes-down-a-fix-2/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 4, 2021}}</ref>
In February 2020, Pittman supported the Climate Solutions Act, which would increase Maryland's greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal from 40% to 60% by 2030, with a goal of net-zero emissions by 2045.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=Maryland environmental advocates seek more aggressive greenhouse gas reduction goals |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/02/19/maryland-environmental-advocates-seek-more-aggressive-greenhouse-gas-reduction-goals/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 19, 2020}}</ref>
In August 2021, Pittman supported the Polluters Pay Climate Fund Act, a federal bill introduced by Senator Chris Van Hollen that would require the United States's largest polluters to pay $500 billion into a climate fund over 10 years, saying that it would, if passed, provide the county with additional revenue to spend toward infrastructure projects to respond to climate change.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Annapolis, Anne Arundel officials, Sen. Chris Van Hollen discuss climate change at City Dock |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/08/17/annapolis-anne-arundel-officials-sen-chris-van-hollen-discuss-climate-change-at-city-dock-2/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 17, 2021}}</ref>
In August 2022, Pittman proposed to the U.S. Navy that Greenbury Point, a 150-acre wetland forest, be turned over to Anne Arundel County on a long-term lease for use as a conservation area instead of being transformed into a 18-hole golf course.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Azhar |first1=Aman |title=Anne Arundel County wants the Navy's Greenbury Point to remain a wetland, not become an 18-hole golf course |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/climate-environment/anne-arundel-county-wants-the-navys-greenbury-point-to-remain-a-wetland-not-become-an-18-hole-golf-course-TLPFAQSQG5DZNLES6UYGMHVBWE/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 11, 2022 |language=en}}</ref>
====Gun safety==== During his 2018 county executive campaign, Pittman supported an expansion of the state's red flag laws and said that the Capital Gazette shooting should open the eyes of Anne Arundel County residents to the glorification of guns.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Schuh and Pittman clash in contentious debate for Anne Arundel County Executive |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/10/18/schuh-and-pittman-clash-in-contentious-debate-for-anne-arundel-county-executive/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 18, 2018}}</ref> In April 2019, Pittman signed an executive order creating a task force to develop recommendations on how to reduce gun violence in the county.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel executive announces gun violence task force |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/04/05/anne-arundel-executive-announces-gun-violence-task-force/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 5, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=With all sides watching, Anne Arundel gun violence task force begins work |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/05/16/with-all-sides-watching-anne-arundel-gun-violence-task-force-begins-work/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 16, 2019}}</ref> After the task force published its preliminary report in December 2019, Pittman introduced a resolution declaring gun violence a public health crisis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Anne Arundel County executive, council to declare gun violence a public health crisis after task force recommendations |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/12/20/anne-arundel-county-executive-council-to-declare-gun-violence-a-public-health-crisis-after-task-force-recommendations/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 20, 2019}}</ref> The task force published a report with 55 recommendations on how to lower gun deaths through targeted social and public health solutions in June 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County Gun Violence Prevention Task Force releases its final report. Here's what you need to know. |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/06/05/anne-arundel-county-gun-violence-prevention-task-force-releases-its-final-report-heres-what-you-need-to-know/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 5, 2020}}</ref>
In January 2022, Pittman signed into law a bill requiring gun sellers to offer pamphlets to customers detailing suicide prevention resources, and another gun store owners to install video surveillance, exterior bollards, and concrete barriers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County Council votes two gun safety bills into law |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/01/04/anne-arundel-county-council-votes-two-gun-safety-bills-into-law/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 4, 2022}}</ref> The suicide prevention bill was subject of a lawsuit by Maryland Shall Issue, which ended in the U.S. Supreme Court denying a hearing on an appeal of a ruling upholding the law as constitutional.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Maucione |first1=Scott |title=Anne Arundel County gun law survives final legal challenge |url=https://www.wypr.org/wypr-news/2024-10-09/anne-arundel-county-gun-law-survives-final-legal-challenge |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=WYPR |date=October 9, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
==== Housing and development ==== Pittman is a self-proclaimed YIMBY.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Hallie |title=The pro-housing movement is having a moment. The YIMBY crowd is cheering. |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/housing/maryland-yimby-housing-EPIYAXZ2KFAWFFGC57HFSORCIQ/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=September 10, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> During his 2018 county executive campaign, he criticized the speed of growth and development in the county<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel County executive candidates agree to debate in October |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/08/22/anne-arundel-county-executive-candidates-agree-to-debate-in-october/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=August 22, 2018}}</ref> and policies that he said subsidized development, such as the county's payment in lieu of taxes deal with Live! Casino & Hotel, and said that he would strictly focus on small area plans as county executive.<ref name="2018election"/> During his tenure as county executive, Pittman utilized a smart growth model and prioritized redevelopment over new developments, supported transit-oriented development projects, and provided payment in lieu of taxes deals to several affordable housing and senior housing developers building in the county.<ref name="Future" />
[[File:Crownsville Hospital by Webb Zahn.jpg|thumb|Pittman has pushed for the redevelopment of the Crownsville Hospital Center (pictured in 2010) during his tenure as county executive.]] During his 2018 county executive campaign, Pittman pledged to push for the county to take over the Crownsville Hospital Center from the state and entertained proposals to redevelop the land into a nature park or community solar farm.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=State study of Crownsville wrapped into broader review of public buildings |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/03/14/state-study-of-crownsville-wrapped-into-broader-review-of-public-buildings/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=March 14, 2019}}</ref> In July 2022, the Maryland Board of Public Works voted to transfer the Crownsville Hospital Center property from the state of Maryland to Anne Arundel County, after which Pittman said he planned to use the $30 million given to the county earlier that year for asbestos remediation and renovation costs at the long-abandoned hospital buildings.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Maryland Board of Public Works OKs Crownsville Hospital Center transfer to Anne Arundel County |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/07/06/maryland-board-of-public-works-oks-crownsville-hospital-center-transfer-to-anne-arundel-county/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=July 6, 2022}}</ref> Anne Arundel County finalized a multi-million dollar plan to redevelop the site to include mental health care facilities and a memorial park honoring the hospital's victims in February 2025.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Loock |first1=Megan |title=Anne Arundel finalizes multimillion dollar plan for Crownsville Hospital Memorial Park |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/02/12/anne-arundel-finalizes-multi-million-dollar-plan-for-crownsville-hospital-memorial-park/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 12, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Anne Arundel marks milestone in redevelopment of Crownsville Hospital campus |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/local-news/crownsville-hospital-anne-arundel-nonprofit-center-HEEGE2WHSREIJEGOF2JY6AG4SI/ |access-date=August 5, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=August 4, 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
In June 2019, Pittman unveiled an affordable housing plan for Anne Arundel County, which included a ban on discrimination in housing and expanding county workforce housing opportunities for developers.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Roberts |first1=Angela |title=Pittman discusses plans to bring more affordable housing to Anne Arundel |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/06/07/pittman-discusses-plans-to-bring-more-affordable-housing-to-anne-arundel/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 7, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Naomi |title=Anne Arundel County Council will hold hearings on workforce and fair housing |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/07/01/anne-arundel-county-council-will-hold-hearings-on-workforce-and-fair-housing/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=July 1, 2019}}</ref> The bills were passed by the Anne Arundel County Council in September 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Harris |first1=Naomi |title=Anne Arundel County Council passes fair housing bills, approves health officer nomination |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/09/03/anne-arundel-county-council-passes-fair-housing-bills-approves-health-officer-nomination/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=September 3, 2019}}</ref>
In August 2019, Pittman said he opposed proposals to build a new Chesapeake Bay crossing, saying that the proposals would destroy communities and suggesting the state should instead consider other options to alleviate traffic on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge, such as bus rapid transit and ferries.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Bay Bridge study narrows options to three crossings from Anne Arundel County |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/08/27/bay-bridge-study-narrows-options-to-three-crossings-from-anne-arundel-county/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=August 27, 2019}}</ref> In September 2019, he criticized state transportation officials for not implementing electronic toll collection systems at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge amid traffic delays stemming from the commencement of a two-year redecking project, saying the decision made "a bad decision worse in my mind".<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Anne Arundel executive blasts Maryland toll officials after Bay Bridge traffic delays |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/09/30/anne-arundel-executive-blasts-maryland-toll-officials-after-bay-bridge-traffic-delays/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=September 30, 2019}}</ref> The Maryland Transportation Authority began using electronic tolling systems on the westbound span of the bridge a few days later.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Maryland Transportation Authority announces cashless tolling at Bay Bridge to address traffic delays |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/10/01/maryland-transportation-authority-announces-cashless-tolling-at-bay-bridge-to-address-traffic-delays/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 1, 2019}}</ref>
In October 2023, Pittman introduced the Essential Worker Housing Access Act, a bill that would require new rental developments to designate 15% of their units for people earning 75% of the median income or below, and all new for-sale developments with more than 20 units to assign 10% of them for people earning no more than the area's median income.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Hallie |title=Anne Arundel County bill aims to bring cheaper housing for workers |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/anne-arundel-county/essential-worker-housing-act-5APGAG5SABHDFGCRCYVADERO4M/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=October 6, 2023 |language=en}}</ref> The bill failed to pass the Anne Arundel County Council after county councilmember Allison Pickard joined Republicans in voting against it, saying that she felt the bill would not have a big impact on the county residents given the county's low building rate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Affordable housing bill voted down at Anne Arundel County Council's Monday meeting |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2023/12/18/affordable-housing-bill-voted-down-at-anne-arundel-county-council-monday-meeting/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 19, 2023}}</ref> He also introduced the another bill that would provide incentives to developers to redevelop vacant properties rather than construct new ones, which failed to pass the county council in a 2–5 vote in January 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County redevelopment bill fails amid debate over affordable housing |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2024/01/03/anne-arundel-county-redevelopment-bill-fails-amid-debate-over-affordable-housing/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 3, 2024}}</ref> In September 2024, Pittman introduced the Housing Attainability Act, which would require all new housing developments with 20 or more units to designate 10% of for-sale units and 15% of rental units to be affordable,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Natalie |title=Revamped Anne Arundel County attainable housing bill looks to increase number of affordable units |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/09/23/revamped-anne-arundel-county-attainable-housing-bill-looks-to-increase-number-of-affordable-units/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=September 23, 2024}}</ref> which was passed by the Anne Arundel County Council in October 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Natalie |title=Anne Arundel County Council passes revamped housing bill in spite of environmental concerns |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/10/09/anne-arundel-county-council-passes-revamped-housing-bill-in-spite-of-environmental-concerns/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 9, 2024}}</ref>
In July 2024, Pittman issued his first veto to portions of the county's comprehensive rezoning plan that would rezone properties on Shot Town Road, a historically Black neighborhood on Broadneck Peninsula, and on Ember Road in Pasadena.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Jones |first1=Natalie |title=In first vetoes, Pittman rejects zoning changes on Broadneck Peninsula affecting historically Black neighborhood |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/07/24/in-first-vetoes-pittman-rejects-zoning-changes-in-annapolis-pasadena/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 24, 2024}}</ref>
====Public safety==== During his 2018 county executive campaign, Pittman supported ending the county's 287(g) program, saying that it stoked fears within immigrant communities.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |title=Pittman denounces Anne Arundel agreement with ICE ahead of jail protest |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/06/22/pittman-denounces-anne-arundel-agreement-with-ice-ahead-of-jail-protest/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 22, 2018}}</ref><ref name="FactCheck2018" /> In December 2018, Pittman announced that he would end the county's 287(g) program. At the same time, he allowed the county's U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainee contract to continue, but began using some of the revenue earned from the contract to pay for legal aid.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Pittman says Anne Arundel will end immigration screening program, provide legal help for detainees |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/12/27/pittman-says-anne-arundel-will-end-immigration-screening-program-provide-legal-help-for-detainees/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 27, 2018}}</ref> In January 2019, ICE ended its detainee contract with Anne Arundel County in retaliation against Pittman's decision to end the county's 287(g) program.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=ICE withdraws from detainee agreement with Anne Arundel |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/01/16/ice-withdraws-from-detainee-agreement-with-anne-arundel/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 16, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Pacella |first1=Rachael |title=ICE yanked Anne Arundel's jail contract in retaliation for ending immigration screening |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/01/21/ice-yanked-anne-arundels-jail-contract-in-retaliation-for-ending-immigration-screening/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 21, 2019}}</ref>
In November 2018, after ''The Baltimore Sun'' reported on racist acts targeting African-American students at Chesapeake High School and Chesapeake Bay Middle School, Pittman called for increased support for students impacted by acts of hate.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Lumpkin |first1=Lauren |title=Pasadena politicians respond to racism in Anne Arundel County schools |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/11/11/pasadena-politicians-respond-to-racism-in-anne-arundel-county-schools-2/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 11, 2018}}</ref> He also supported efforts to expand school curriculum on diversity and create more inclusive county boards and committees.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Rentz |first1=Catherine |last2=Wood |first2=Pamela |title=Anne Arundel leaders scramble to battle rise of hate incidents |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/11/13/anne-arundel-leaders-scramble-to-battle-rise-of-hate-incidents/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=November 13, 2018}}</ref> In November 2019, ''The Capital'' reported that Pittman's next budget would include provisions declaring racism a public health issue and provide funding for police body cameras to address hate crimes and hate bias incidents in Anne Arundel County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel county executive to treat racism as public health issue, plans to fund police body cameras next year |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/11/01/anne-arundel-county-executive-to-treat-racism-as-public-health-issue-plans-to-fund-police-body-cameras-next-year/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 1, 2019}}</ref>
In May 2020, Pittman condemned the murder of George Floyd, likening his death to lynchings against African-Americans in Anne Arundel County during the late 19th century.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Anne Arundel police chief, executive and African American leaders condemn killing of George Floyd by officers in Minneapolis |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/05/29/anne-arundel-police-chief-executive-and-african-american-leaders-condemn-killing-of-george-floyd-by-officers-in-minneapolis/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 29, 2020}}</ref> He later added a supplemental amendment to his budget proposal to fund police body cameras<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Body cameras expected to make late entry into Anne Arundel's proposed budget following protests after George Floyd's death |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/06/01/body-cameras-expected-to-make-late-entry-into-anne-arundels-proposed-budget-following-protests-after-george-floyds-death/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 1, 2020}}</ref> and promised additional police reforms during a meeting of the Caucus of African American Leaders in June 2020.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Anne Arundel executive promises police reforms at Caucus of African American Leaders meeting |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/06/09/anne-arundel-executive-promises-police-reforms-at-caucus-of-african-american-leaders-meeting/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 9, 2020}}</ref>
In January 2026, Pittman condemned what he called "unprecedented levels of ICE activity" in Anne Arundel County that led to the arrests of at least seven people in the Annapolis area, saying that ICE enforcement makes "communities less safe" and that agents are detaining "people who make our communities better". He also thanked volunteers who monitor ICE activity and alert people when officers are nearby and who are helping connect families affected by immigration enforcement with resources and support, encouraging county residents to "step up and support your neighbors" in response to ICE activity.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Boteler |first1=Cody |last2=Mann |first2=Alex |title=Annapolis sees 'unprecedented' ICE activity on Tuesday |url=https://www.thebanner.com/politics-power/national-politics/annapolis-ice-arrests-immigrants-steuart-pittman-7QCUEYI3CVHE5BFQT5NCZYEFRE/ |access-date=January 23, 2026 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=January 14, 2026 |language=en}}</ref>
====Taxes==== During his tenure as county executive, Pittman repeatedly proposed increases to Anne Arundel County's income and property taxes to pay for funding increases toward education, transportation, and public safety,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Pittman's first budget includes back raises for teachers, tax increases |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/05/01/pittmans-first-budget-includes-back-raises-for-teachers-tax-increases/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 1, 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel residents advocate for higher salaries for teachers, school nurses, library staff at budget hearings |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/05/19/anne-arundel-residents-advocate-for-higher-salaries-for-teachers-school-nurses-library-staff-at-budget-hearings-2/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Steuart Pittman's $2.3 billion Anne Arundel budget plan includes tax increases, police pay bump |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/05/01/pittman-budget-tax-increase/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 1, 2024}}</ref> though he did propose property tax cuts in his fiscal year 2022 and 2026 budgets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Ohl |first1=Danielle |title=Anne Arundel executive Steuart Pittman unveils $1.87B budget, small tax reduction and no income tax increase |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/04/30/anne-arundel-executive-steuart-pittman-unveils-187b-budget-small-tax-reduction-and-no-income-tax-increase/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 30, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Proposed Anne Arundel budget shields residents from Trump fallout |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/economy/anne-arundel-budget-proposal-trump-property-taxes-IMWG5EGGVNADJHBCLA6Q3ZQEJM/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=May 1, 2025 |language=en}}</ref>
During the 2020 legislative session, he supported a bill that would allow counties to set progressive income tax brackets.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=With days left in coronavirus-shortened General Assembly session, Pittman's progressive tax bill in limbo |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/03/15/with-days-left-in-coronavirus-shortened-general-assembly-session-pittmans-progressive-tax-bill-in-limbo/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 15, 2020}}</ref> He again supported the bill during the 2021 legislative session,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman lobbies for progressive tax legislation |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/01/21/anne-arundel-county-executive-steuart-pittman-lobbies-for-progressive-tax-legislation/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 21, 2021}}</ref> during which it passed but was vetoed by Governor Larry Hogan in May 2021; afterwards, Pittman said he supported overriding Hogan's veto on the bill and as well as his veto of a bill allowing Anne Arundel County to raise its taxes on property sales above $1 million.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel executive Steuart Pittman says he will push for veto overrides on tax bills vetoed by Hogan |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2021/05/28/anne-arundel-executive-steuart-pittman-says-he-will-push-for-veto-overrides-on-tax-bills-vetoed-by-hogan/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 28, 2021}}</ref> State legislators overrode Hogan's veto on the bill in December 2021,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel Democrats win big at General Assembly special session last week |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2021/12/14/anne-arundel-democrats-win-big-at-general-assembly-special-session-last-week/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=December 14, 2021}}</ref> after which Pittman proposed a progressive income tax in Anne Arundel County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Pittman unveils $2.16 billion budget proposal to Anne Arundel County Council |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/04/29/pittman-unveils-216-billion-budget-proposal-to-anne-arundel-county-council/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 29, 2022}}</ref> The Anne Arundel County Council approved the county's fiscal year 2023 budget, which included Pittman's progressive income tax proposal, in June 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County's $2.16 billion fiscal 2023 budget passes with bipartisan council support |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/06/14/anne-arundel-countys-216-billion-fiscal-2023-budget-passes-with-bipartisan-council-support/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 14, 2022}}</ref>
During the 2024 legislative session, Pittman supported the Fair Share for Maryland Act, a state bill that would increase state income taxes for wealthy individuals, close corporate loopholes, and implement combined reporting.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Hutzell |first1=Rick |title=Direct, raw, unconventional: The story Steuart Pittman wants to tell |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/opinion/column/anne-arundel-steuart-pittman-O3VJAXF7CZCVHMBSUJZ5DTYXYQ/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=March 12, 2024 |language=en}}</ref>
=== Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party === On May 21, 2025, Maryland Democratic Party chair Kenneth Ulman announced that he would step down as party chair on June 13, 2025. Afterwards, Ulman and Governor Wes Moore endorsed Pittman to replace Ulman.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Maryland Democratic Party leader Ulman steps down |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/ken-ulman-maryland-democrats-RDBJWWBSTJBU5KZZFXI222GFDU/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=May 21, 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Conrad |first1=Brooke |last2=Janesch |first2=Sam |last3=Gaskill |first3=Hannah |title=Maryland Dems energized by new party leader. GOP says Dems have tough job ahead. |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/05/23/maryland-dems-energized-by-new-party-leader-gop-says-dems-have-tough-job-ahead/ |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 23, 2025}}</ref> During his campaign, Pittman said that he would seek to expand the party's financial and grassroots capabilities and work with county parties to recruit and support candidates in the 2026 elections.<ref name="Chairing" />
Pittman was the only candidate on the ballot when the members of the Maryland Democratic Party elected its new chair on June 21, 2025.<ref name="Chairing">{{cite news |last1=Wood |first1=Pamela |title=Steuart Pittman on chairing the Maryland Democratic party |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/state-government/steuart-pittman-maryland-democratic-party-5VSPE23UGJEKTALFHG4FNNAPVE/ |access-date=June 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=June 21, 2025 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Swick |first1=Carson |title=Anne Arundel's Steuart Pittman elected new chair of Maryland Democratic Party |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/06/21/steuart-pittman-elected-chair-maryland-democratic-party/ |access-date=June 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=June 21, 2025}}</ref> However, he was prohibited from fully taking office by state law, which first requires him to close the campaign finance accounts he used during his campaigns for county executive. A spokesperson for the Maryland Democratic Party told ''Maryland Matters'' that the closure of Pittman's accounts "is underway and should be complete before the end of June", and that vice chair Charlene Dukes will continue acting as the party chair until the accounts are closed out.<ref name="CampaignFinance">{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=Pittman's rise to Democratic Party chair could be delayed by campaign finances |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/06/20/pittmans-rise-to-democratic-party-chair-could-be-delayed-by-campaign-finances/ |access-date=June 20, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 20, 2025}}</ref> On June 26, the Maryland State Board of Elections levied $700 in fines connected to sloppy recordkeeping and underreported campaign expenses against Pittman, who subsequently closed his campaign account.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sears |first1=Bryan P. |title=With payment of a fine, Pittman cleared to take leadership of state Democrats |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/06/30/with-payment-of-a-fine-pittman-cleared-to-take-leadership-of-state-democrats/ |access-date=June 30, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=June 30, 2025}}</ref>
During his tenure, the Maryland Democratic Party adopted a more aggressive posture in press releases and on social media, with the party calling the One Big Beautiful Bill Act the "One Big Bullshit Bill" and referring to President Donald Trump as a "sex pest with daddy issues" in a now-deleted post criticizing Trump for suggesting that he may mobilize the National Guard to police communities in Baltimore.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Condon |first1=Christine |last2=Sears |first2=Bryan P. |last3=Brown |first3=Danielle J. |title=A debate blows into town, Democrats get feisty, and speaker of the housing, in notes from MACo |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/08/14/a-debate-blows-into-town-democrats-get-feisty-and-speaker-of-the-housing-in-notes-from-maco/ |access-date=August 14, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=August 14, 2025}}</ref> He was also involved in efforts to recruit candidates for every state- and county-level election, which led to Democratic candidates filing to run for every legislative seat for the first time since 1974.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Gaskill |first1=Hannah |title=Democrats running for every MD legislative seat for first time in 52 years |url=https://thedailyrecord.com/2026/03/11/democrats-every-maryland-legislative-seat/ |access-date=March 11, 2026 |work=The Daily Record |date=March 11, 2026}}</ref>
==Political positions== ===Health care=== In March 2019, Pittman recorded a radio advertisement to support a state bill that would establish a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, which would be tasked with negotiating the prices of prescription drugs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kurtz |first1=Josh |title=Pugh, County Execs Take to the Airwaves to Promote Prescription Drug Affordability Board |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2019/03/06/pugh-county-execs-take-to-the-airwaves-to-promote-prescription-drug-affordability-board/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=March 6, 2019}}</ref> In July 2025, he criticized the Senate passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, saying that it would "strip away health care, shutter rural hospitals, gut food assistance, and spike costs to fund a massive tax giveaway for billionaires".<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mause |first1=Ben |title=Medicaid cuts closer to Maryland after Trump's Big Beautiful Bill passes Senate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/07/01/medicaid-cuts-closer-to-maryland-after-big-beautiful-bill-passes-senate/ |access-date=July 1, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=July 1, 2025}}</ref> In September 2025, Pittman urged members of the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to set upper payment limits on Jardiance and Farxiga, two prescription drugs used for treating Type 2 diabetes.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Danielle J. |title=County leaders urge prescription drug board to set 'upper payment limits' |url=https://marylandmatters.org/2025/09/30/county-leaders-urge-prescription-drug-board-to-set-upper-payment-limits/ |access-date=September 30, 2025 |work=Maryland Matters |date=September 30, 2025}}</ref>
===National politics=== In January 2019, Pittman called for an end to the 2018–2019 United States federal government shutdown, saying that Anne Arundel County was exploring the need to use county funds to assist furloughed federal employees and supplement federal and utility assistance programs affected by the shutdown.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Davis |first1=Phil |title=Baltimore mayor, county executives call for end to government shutdown as residents struggle |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/01/23/baltimore-mayor-county-executives-call-for-end-to-government-shutdown-as-residents-struggle/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=January 23, 2019}}</ref>
In April 2020, Pittman endorsed former Vice President Joe Biden in the 2020 United States presidential election.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Conaway |first1=Donovan |title=Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman endorses Joe Biden for president |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/04/26/anne-arundel-county-executive-steuart-pittman-endorses-joe-biden-for-president/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=April 26, 2020}}</ref> He was a delegate to the 2020 Democratic National Convention, pledged to Biden.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Sanchez |first1=Olivia |title=Anne Arundel exec drops 'Build Back Better' slogan after ethics panel says it looks like support for Joe Biden |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2020/08/25/anne-arundel-exec-drops-build-back-better-slogan-after-ethics-panel-says-it-looks-like-support-for-joe-biden/ |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=August 25, 2020}}</ref> In the 2024 presidential election, Pittman voted as an elector pledged to Kamala Harris.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bancroft |first1=Kaitlyn |title=Maryland's presidential electors cast state's Electoral College votes |url=https://www.wbal.com/marylands-presidential-electors-to-cast-states-electoral-college-votes |access-date=May 23, 2025 |work=WBAL-FM |date=December 17, 2024}}</ref>
In March 2025, Pittman participated in a protest at Wiley H. Bates Middle School against President Donald Trump's proposed cuts to the U.S. Department of Education.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Byrne |first1=Bridget |title=Anne Arundel teachers union, elected officials gather to protest cuts to federal Department of Education |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/03/19/teachers-union-elected-officials-gather-to-oppose-cuts-to-federal-department-of-education/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 19, 2025}}</ref> He also created a federal employee assistance section on the county's website and hosted federal career transition hiring events to help federal workers impacted by the Trump administration's mass layoffs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Matheson |first1=James |title=Here's what Anne Arundel County is doing for laid-off federal workers |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/03/04/heres-what-anne-arundel-county-is-doing-for-laid-off-federal-workers/?preview_id=11185792 |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 4, 2025}}</ref>
===Social issues=== Pittman supports the right to an abortion.<ref name="FactCheck2018">{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Fact check: Immigration, tax claims made during Anne Arundel County executive candidates debate |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2018/10/20/fact-check-immigration-tax-claims-made-during-anne-arundel-county-executive-candidates-debate/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=October 20, 2018}}</ref> In June 2022, following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in ''Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization'', Pittman attended and spoke at a pro-abortion rally in Annapolis.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Krista |first1=Brian |title=Annapolis abortion rights rally {{!}} PHOTOS |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/06/24/annapolis-abortion-rights-rally-photos/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=June 24, 2022}}</ref>
During his 2018 county executive campaign, Pittman supported banning developers with applications pending before the county from giving campaign contributions to county public officials,<ref>{{cite news |last1=III |first1=E. B. Furgurson |last2=Lumpkin |first2=Lauren |title=Anne Arundel executive candidate announces plan to ban some developers from making campaign donations |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/10/11/anne-arundel-executive-candidate-announces-plan-to-ban-some-developers-from-making-campaign-donations/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=October 11, 2018}}</ref> though he himself accepted developer contributions during his campaign.<ref>{{cite news |last1=San Felice |first1=Selene |title=Despite criticism of developer money, Anne Arundel County executive candidate Pittman continues to ask for it |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2018/11/04/despite-criticism-of-developer-money-anne-arundel-county-executive-candidate-pittman-continues-to-ask-for-it/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=November 4, 2018}}</ref> In March 2019, he supported a state bill giving the Anne Arundel County Council the ability to pass campaign finance reforms,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Anne Arundel delegation supports granting council power for campaign finance reform |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2019/03/08/anne-arundel-delegation-supports-granting-council-power-for-campaign-finance-reform/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=March 8, 2019}}</ref> which was signed into law by Governor Larry Hogan in May 2019.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Cook |first1=Chase |title=Hogan signs bill allowing limits on county developer contributions, now up to County Council |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/05/13/hogan-signs-bill-allowing-limits-on-county-developer-contributions-now-up-to-county-council/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=May 13, 2019}}</ref> In February 2022, Pittman supported a county council resolution that would've placed on the 2022 ballot a referendum on whether to establish a public campaign financing program in Anne Arundel County.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County Council votes down putting public campaign finance option on fall ballot |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2022/02/08/anne-arundel-county-council-votes-down-putting-public-campaign-finance-option-on-fall-ballot/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=February 8, 2022}}</ref> After this resolution failed to pass, he introduced a bill in May 2023 to establish a public campaign financing program.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County executive pushes for public campaign finance legislation for second consecutive year |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/05/16/anne-arundel-county-executive-pushes-for-public-campaign-finance-legislation-for-second-consecutive-year/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 16, 2023}}</ref> In December 2023, after the Anne Arundel County Council failed to pass the Essential Worker Housing Access Act, Pittman introduced a bill to place campaign financing limits on donations from developers.<ref name="Pickard">{{cite news |last1=Miller |first1=Hallie |title=After Anne Arundel housing bill fails, Pittman vows counter campaign finance bill |url=https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/politics-power/local-government/anne-arundel-affordable-housing-bill-spearheaded-by-county-executive-steuart-pittmans-administration-fails-7A74WFVLAZHMBCSK7TGO6EUMZI/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Banner |date=December 19, 2023 |language=en}}</ref>
In September 2019, Pittman unveiled a marker commemorating five African-Americans lynched across Anne Arundel County between 1875 and 1911.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mann |first1=Alex |title=Injustices discussed in Annapolis as first historical lynching marker in Maryland unveiled |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2019/09/07/injustices-discussed-in-annapolis-as-first-historical-lynching-marker-in-maryland-unveiled/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=September 7, 2019}}</ref> In July 2020, he renamed the park where this marker was unveiled to "The People's Park" in honor of the predominantly Black former residents of the area who were displaced by racially exclusionary housing policies.<ref>{{cite news |last1=DuBose |first1=Brooks |title=Whitmore Park renamed 'The People's Park' to honor residents of Annapolis' old Fourth Ward |url=https://www.capitalgazette.com/2020/07/14/whitmore-park-renamed-the-peoples-park-to-honor-residents-of-annapolis-old-fourth-ward/ |access-date=May 21, 2025 |work=The Capital |date=July 14, 2020}}</ref>
In 2021, Pittman established the Anne Arundel County Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Department with the goal of ensuring that county government entities are providing the best possible services for county residents.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Two years in, Anne Arundel County Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Department tries to make county services more accessible |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2023/02/17/two-years-in-anne-arundel-county-equity-diversity-and-inclusion-department-tries-to-make-county-services-more-accessible/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=February 17, 2023}}</ref> In February 2025, he condemned President Donald Trump's efforts to roll back diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in government, writing a post in his weekly newsletter emphasizing the importance of DEI programs.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Matheson |first1=James |title=How much do Anne Arundel, Annapolis spend on DEI? 'No line item for that' |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2025/05/04/how-much-do-anne-arundel-annapolis-spend-on-dei-no-line-item-for-that/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=May 4, 2025}}</ref>
In 2024, Pittman introduced a bill to ban discrimination in private employment and at public accommodations. The bill was passed by the Anne Arundel County Council in April 2024.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Munro |first1=Dana |title=Anne Arundel County passes first-ever comprehensive anti-discrimination law |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2024/04/16/anne-arundel-anti-discrimination-law/ |access-date=May 22, 2025 |work=The Baltimore Sun |date=April 16, 2024}}</ref>
== Personal life == While in Iowa, Pittman married his first wife, Karen Cunnyngham, and had a daughter. The couple divorced in 2008. Pittman married his current wife, Erin—whom he met in 2006 when she sent him a horse that needed to be trained—in 2008.<ref name="Farmer" /><ref name="Future"/> Together, they live on the Dodon Farm and have twin boys.<ref name="Farmer" />
== Electoral history == {{Election box open primary begin no change|title=2018 Anne Arundel County Executive election<ref name="2018p">{{cite web |title=Official 2018 Gubernatorial Primary Election results for Anne Arundel County |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/primary/gen_results_2018_1_by_county_020.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2018 Gubernatorial General Election results for Anne Arundel County |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2018/results/general/gen_results_2018_2_by_county_02-1.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=May 21, 2025}}</ref> }} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Steuart Pittman | party = Maryland Democratic Party | votes = 32,243 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 32,243 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Steuart Pittman | party = Maryland Democratic Party | votes = 118,572 | percentage = 52.3 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change | candidate = Steve Schuh (incumbent) | party = Maryland Republican Party | votes = 107,905 | percentage = 47.6 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 259 | percentage = 0.1 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 226,736 | percentage= 100.0 }} {{Election box gain with party link no swing | winner = Democratic Party (United States) | loser = Republican Party (United States) }} {{Election box end}} {{Election box open primary begin no change|title=2022 Anne Arundel County Executive election<ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2022 Gubernatorial Primary Election Results for Anne Arundel County |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/primary_results/gen_results_2022_by_county_2.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=June 3, 2025 |date=August 24, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Official 2022 Gubernatorial General Election Results for Anne Arundel County |url=https://elections.maryland.gov/elections/2022/general_results/gen_results_2022_by_county_2.html |website=elections.maryland.gov |publisher=Maryland State Board of Elections |access-date=May 22, 2025}}</ref>}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change | candidate = Steuart Pittman (incumbent) | party = Maryland Democratic Party | votes = 43,130 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box total no change | votes = 43,130 | percentage = 100.0 }} {{Election box open primary general election no change}} {{Election box winning candidate with party link no change |candidate=Steuart Pittman (incumbent) |party=Maryland Democratic Party |votes=115,421 |percentage=53.7 }} {{Election box candidate with party link no change |candidate=Jessica Haire |party=Maryland Republican Party |votes=99,004 |percentage=46.1 }} {{Election box write-in with party link no change | votes = 369 | percentage = 0.2 }} {{Election box total no change |votes=214,794 |percentage=100.0 }} {{Election box hold with party link no swing | winner = Democratic Party (United States) }} {{Election box end}}
== References == {{Reflist}}
== External links == *{{cite web |title=Steuart Pittman |url=https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman |website=www.aacounty.org |publisher=Anne Arundel County Government |access-date=May 22, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250319135453/https://www.aacounty.org/county-executive/steuart-pittman |archive-date=March 19, 2025}} {{commons category}}
{{s-start}} {{s-off}} {{s-bef|before=Steve Schuh}} {{s-ttl|title=Executive of Anne Arundel County|years=2018–present}} {{s-inc}} |- {{s-ppo}} {{s-bef|before=Charlene Dukes<br>Acting}} {{s-ttl|title=Chair of the Maryland Democratic Party|years=2025–present}} {{s-inc}} {{s-end}}
{{Democratic State Chairs}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Pittman, Steuart}} Category:1961 births Category:Living people Category:20th-century American farmers Category:21st-century American farmers Category:21st-century Maryland politicians Category:American horse trainers Category:Anne Arundel County executives Category:Farmers from Maryland Category:Maryland Democratic Party chairs Category:People from Anne Arundel County, Maryland Category:St. Albans School (Washington, D.C.) alumni Category:Steuart family Category:University of Chicago alumni