Barbara Ebel seeks Montgomery County register of wills

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

Asked in the Bethesda Beacon's candidate questionnaire why she is running, Ebel said: "At this crucial time, Montgomery County needs seasoned leadership that reflects our evolving community and addresses its unique challenges. I am running for Register of Wills because families deserve an office led with clarity, compassion, and efficiency."

She continued: "My vision is to equip the office to help residents plan ahead and navigate loss with dignity. By breaking down barriers, simplifying processes, and proactively reaching out to the community, we can normalize future planning and ensure that no one faces these difficult decisions alone."

Candidate information

Party: Democratic

Residence: Ebel said in our questionnaire: "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: Ebel said in our questionnaire: "Bachelor's degree in Social Science from the University of Maryland Global Campus."

Experience and public service

Ebel said in our questionnaire that she brings "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."

Ebel said she was elected to the Montgomery County Democratic Central Committee as an at-large member in 2022.

Asked about accomplishments that prepared her for the role, Ebel said: "I have connected residents to essential services, ensured regulatory compliance, managed teams, and supported families navigating government systems. For nearly two decades, I have also served on nonprofit boards advocating for people with disabilities, underserved communities, and Montgomery County residents."

According to her campaign website, Ebel said her leadership has earned her honors including the Daily Record's 2018 Top 100 Women in Maryland, the Latina Power Award and recognition as a Top 100 Latino Leader by El Tiempo Latino.

On the issues

Helping families through probate: Asked how she would help families through probate, especially those without lawyers, Ebel said: "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."

Best advice received: Ebel said: "The best advice I have received is to lead with compassion and empathy. Everyone comes from a different culture, background, and life experience, and we never know what someone else may be carrying." She connected this to the office: "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."