Prince George's County Council members voted unanimously Friday to appoint Danielle Hunter to fill the District 6 seat vacated on Jan. 5, 2026.

The appointment followed an informational briefing on the vacancy rules and a lengthy slate of public speakers and applicants. County Administrator David Murray reviewed the eligibility process, citing County Code Section 2-1-104(j), which requires a majority of remaining council members to appoint a qualified resident within 30 calendar days when a vacancy occurs during the final year of the term. The county attorney later reviewed County Charter section 3-09 and related provisions, noting the appointee serves only for the remainder of the term and must run in the next election cycle if they wish to continue.

Before candidates presented, several members of the public spoke in favor of another applicant, Dr. Jennifer Rios, praising her business leadership, veteran service and work with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Supporters included community leaders and school officials who described Rios’s mentorship programs and local partnerships.

A slate of applicants then addressed the council, outlining priorities such as infrastructure, fiscal oversight, affordable housing, public safety and development review. Danielle Hunter—who served as director of appointments in the County Executive’s office and described work on affordable-development initiatives and community volunteer programs—told the council she was prepared to “get to work” should she be selected.

After reconvening from an executive session on personnel and appointment matters, Councilmember Watson moved to appoint Hunter; Councilmember Begay seconded. By roll call, the motion carried 9-0. The chair and several council members offered congratulations and said they looked forward to working with Hunter.

The council also adopted the consent agenda during the meeting and recessed briefly to complete the executive-session process. The county attorney emphasized that the appointment fills only the remainder of the current term and that any appointee who wishes to remain on the council must run in the 2026 election.

“We appreciate everyone who applied and the many residents who spoke today,” the chair said after the vote. “This was a difficult decision, and we thank all the candidates for their willingness to serve.”

Hunter’s effective start date, swearing-in and schedule for a first council meeting appearance were not specified during the public record of this meeting.