Cheryl Riley

Cheryl Riley was on the pom squad at Seneca Valley High School and grew up in Montgomery County.¹ Her Maryland story includes Wheaton, Silver Spring, Kensington and Germantown, all communities where she has lived.¹ Her earlier schools included Fox Chapel Elementary and Ridgeview Middle.¹ Her father also grew up in the county.¹

After local schools, Riley continued her education at Montgomery College and the University of Maryland.¹ Her professional career has centered on public relations, including founding Cheryl Riley Public Relations in 2001.² She has continued managing her own firm while living in the district and pursuing political work.¹

Riley challenged Jamie Raskin for the House seat in 2024 and is running again in 2026.¹³ She describes herself as a Christian conservative and makes public safety a central campaign priority.⁴ She favors stronger accountability for criminals, support for police and protections for elderly residents, women and children.⁴

Her other priorities include stricter border enforcement, expanded domestic energy production, parental control over education and support for veterans.⁴ She also supports gun rights, limited government and policies she says would give American workers and businesses more opportunities.⁴ Riley argues that reducing burdens on businesses and expanding energy production would help household prosperity.⁴ She faces Democrat Jamie Raskin.³