MANSOOR SHAMS
FOR BALTIMORE COUNTY EXECUTIVE
Marine Corps Veteran
Public Speaker and Advocate
Citizen of Humanity
WHY I'M RUNNING
Honest and Sincere Leadership
Mansoor Shams is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, public servant, and community advocate running for Baltimore County Executive because he believes government must always put people first.
Raised in nearby Howard County, Mansoor chose Baltimore County as the place to build his life after returning from military service in 2004. Over the years, he has lived in Middle River, Essex, Pikesville, and now Towson. Experiencing different parts of the county firsthand has given him a deep, practical understanding of how policy decisions impact communities differently, and why opportunity should never depend on zip code.
Mansoor is running for County Executive because he believes leadership requires empathy, accessibility, and moral clarity. His campaign is grounded in a simple conviction: government has a responsibility to recognize inequality of opportunity, reduce unnecessary burdens, and help everyone rise, not just those born into privilege.
A Recognized Leader Bridging Divides
Mansoor is nationally recognized for his work bringing people together across lines of difference. He is the founder of MuslimMarine.org, a platform dedicated to countering hate, bigotry, and Islamophobia through education, conversation, and dialogue. As a Muslim and a Marine Corps Veteran, Mansoor has spent years engaging Americans in honest conversations, including walking across 25 states with a sign that read,
“I’m a Muslim and a U.S. Marine. Ask me anything.”
Why one Muslim Marine is inviting questions about his faith
Serving in the Military
Mansoor served four years in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Corporal and earning multiple honors, including a meritorious promotion, Marine of the Quarter, and a Certificate of Commendation. His service instilled in him a lifelong commitment to integrity, accountability, and service above self.
Serving Baltimore County
Today, Mansoor serves Baltimore County as the first-ever Community Engagement and Outreach Officer for the Department of Recreation and Parks, working directly with residents to ensure county programs are accessible, responsive, and rooted in real community needs. He sees every day what works in government, and where systems fall short for the people they are meant to serve.
Mansoor holds a master’s degree in government with an emphasis on national security studies, as well as an MBA from Johns Hopkins University. Earlier in his career, he worked for the federal government as an assistant to two Chairmen of the Securities and Exchange Commission and he is a former Term Member of the Council on Foreign Relations. In addition, he has both owned and operated an export company as well as two retail businesses.
Mansoor is married and a father of four. All of his children attend—or have attended—Baltimore County Public Schools. His eldest has graduated and now serves as a Police Cadet with the Baltimore County Police Department, continuing a family tradition of service. His wife works as a substitute teacher, and his sister has served as a Howard County police officer for more than two decades.
Through his family and his work in the community, Mansoor carries a deep connection to—and investment in—Baltimore County. He brings an on-the-ground perspective to the Baltimore County Public School and Law Enforcement organizations.
In the Media
Mansoor's work has been featured by PBS, NPR, BBC, The New York Times, and other major outlets, and he has appeared as a national commentator on CNN and MSNBC. He has delivered talks at institutions including the National Security Agency, the U.S. Marine Corps, law enforcement agencies, state governments, and colleges across the country.
STAY CONNECTED
Sign up to keep in touch and get our latest campaign updates.