Anne Arundel County Executive John R. Leopold filed his candidacy for re-election Friday, formalizing his bid for a second term at the county's top post.
Leopold, a Republican, faces a challenge from Democrat Joanna Conti, a business executive. Former county executive Janet S. Owens, a Democrat who has said she's considering running, has not yet announced her plans.
In a brief interview, Leopold, 67, who lives in Pasadena, said he should be re-elected to continue his policies of "fiscal discipline, economic development and environmental protection."
Before becoming executive in 2006, Leopold served in the House of Delegates for 20 years.
Leopold, who has more than $546,000 in campaign cash on hand, has planned a campaign kickoff event and fundraiser Saturday at a Davidsonville home.