Barbara Ebel, a Democrat from Olney, is running for Montgomery County Register of Wills in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Republican Dolores Reyes.

Ebel said in our candidate questionnaire that she is running because "families deserve an office led with clarity, compassion, and efficiency." She added: "Every year, thousands of residents face one of the most difficult moments of their lives while managing a loved one's estate often without legal support. I want to ensure that everyone who comes to this office receives guidance that is understandable, timely, and connected to the resources they need."

The Register of Wills oversees the probate process, helping families settle estates after a death.

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Residence: "My husband, daughter, and I live in Olney, Maryland. I am the mother of a daughter with special needs, an experience that deepens my commitment to serving families with empathy, understanding, and compassion."

Education: "Bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus."

Experience and public service

Asked about her work history, Ebel said in our questionnaire: "I bring Montgomery County more than two decades of public service focused on uplifting communities and expanding opportunity. I currently serve as a Program Director for the State of Maryland, where I lead workforce development initiatives." She described herself as "a dedicated professional with more than 20 years of experience in organizational management and leadership, complemented by more than 25 years of service in state government as a public administrator."

Asked about previous elected office, Ebel said: "I currently serve on the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee, representing the County At-Large. I was elected to the committee in 2022."

Ebel also said she has served on the Montgomery County Workforce Development Board and previously worked as assistant director of a migrant program in Michigan, according to her campaign website.

On the issues

Asked how she would help families through probate, especially those without lawyers, Ebel said in our questionnaire: "Most families have never been through probate and may not even know what services the Register of Wills provides. That is why I want to make the office more accessible and easier to navigate."

She outlined specific steps: "This includes creating step-by-step guides, simplifying forms, training staff to explain procedures in plain language, expanding community education workshops, strengthening digital tools. I would also partner with community organizations so residents can access help through trusted institutions they already rely on."

Ebel also emphasized prevention: "We also need to reach families before a loss occurs. Too many people discover at the most difficult moment that there is no will or that important paperwork is incomplete."

Asked about the best advice she has received, Ebel said: "The best advice I have received is to lead with compassion and empathy … No one walks into the office on a good day. Most people arrive after losing someone they love and are then faced with paperwork, deadlines, and legal terms they may not understand."

She added: "For me, compassion must be demonstrated through action. It means explaining the process in plain language, offering assistance in the languages our residents speak, reducing wait times, and ensuring that no family is left to navigate the process alone."

Endorsements

Ebel listed the following endorsements in our questionnaire, which are claimed by the candidate:

  • Maryland House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk
  • County Council President Natali Fani-González
  • Former County Councilmember Gabe Albornoz
  • County Councilmember Laurie-Anne Sayles
  • Gaithersburg Mayor Jud Ashman
  • Delegate David Fraser-Hidalgo
  • Delegate Lesley Lopez
  • Delegate Greg Wims
  • Delegate Joe Vogel
  • Delegate Teresa Woorman
  • United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1994 MCGEO
  • Latino Democratic Club of Montgomery County
  • CASA in Action

The endorsements from MCGEO UFCW Local 1994, the Latino Democratic Club of Montgomery County and CASA in Action also appear on Blue Voter Guide, credited to the endorsing organizations.

Candidate responses were collected through the Potomac Beacon candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words.