Position Sought
Laurel City Council, Ward 1
Current Position
Laurel City Council, Ward 1
Party Affiliation
Independent
Location
Laurel, Maryland
Date of General Election
November 4, 2025
Race/Ethnicity
White/Caucasian
Gender Identity
Cisgender Man
Sexual Orientation
Gay
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Connect with James Kole
James will continue to bring important representation to Laurel!
Biography
James Kole was the first out LGBTQ+ person elected to office in the City of Laurel. He graduated from Penn State University in 2011. After graduation, he moved to Laurel, MD where he met his husband. James worked as a door-knocker in 2012 to help pass referendum Question 6, which allowed voters to approve Same-Sex Marriage by popular vote in the state of Maryland. James has a passion for helping others. He joined multiple volunteer organizations and committees before deciding to run for City Council. As a councilmember, James has made sure that he represents ALL of his constituents, while specifically focusing on issues that improve the environment.