Retiring City Councilwoman Helen Holton sees “passion and compassion” in Kristerfer Burnett, and she believes he is the best person to represent the West Baltimore communities she has served for the past 20 years.

Rep. Elijah E. Cummings prefers Reginald “Reggie” Fugett, calling him “part of a new generation of leadership for Baltimore.”

Voters will have to decide between Burnett, Fugett and five other Democrats competing in the April 26 primary. Two Republicans are also running for the 8th District seat.

Holton, 55, who is not seeking another term, said the district faces challenges similar to many parts of the city: chronic drug use, a need for reliable mass transit and an aging population.

The district is a gateway to the city from Baltimore County along the western border, partially running along Liberty Heights Avenue to the north, Hilton Street to the east and Wilkins Avenue to the south. It loops in historic areas such as Hunting Ridge and Ten Hills, and landmarks, including Leakin Park, Forest Park Golf Course and Loudon Park National Cemetery.

Burnett, 30, who lives in the Edmondson Village area, has spent his career as an organizer for groups focused on building stable communities and connecting residents to jobs with livable wages. He said he wants to help combat blight and crime, draw better investments to West Baltimore schools and offer more dynamic programs in recreation centers and more adult education classes.

“I have a strong understanding of what the community needs and what the community wants,” said Burnett, who launched his campaign last April and visited the homes of 7,000 residents.

He said he also has helped organize expungement workshops for ex-offenders and neighborhood cleanups, and launch a farmers' market.

Fugett, 28, said he decided to run for City Council after last spring's unrest. He grew up in West Hills and maintained a home there while working in government relations for a California-based seafood company. He also worked as a constituent services aide for U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.

He said he wants to help establish more community schools and better organize parents to demand investment in classrooms and pre-kindergarten programs. Fugett said he will work for stronger community policing standards, better wages and vigorous vocational training and re-entry programs for ex-offenders.

Fugett comes from a well-known family. He is the son of former Washington Redskins tight end Jean Fugett and the brother-in-law of Orioles center fielder Adam Jones, who married Fugett's sister, Audie. His uncle is the late Reginald F. Lewis, the namesake of the city's African-American museum.

Cummings said he believes Fugett would be a partner.

“Reggie has a plan to fund our public schools, reduce gun violence and raise incomes for working families,” the congressman said in a statement. “Baltimore needs leaders like Reggie Fugett.”

Smallwood, 54, of Uplands, said he has worked in the district for 30 years, including running recreation centers, advocating for the Red Line and raising children. He said that experience has allowed him to build relationships, and noted endorsements from Del. Nathaniel T. Oaks and state Sen. Lisa Gladden, both Baltimore Democrats.

Smallwood said he wants to create more job training opportunities, programs for mental health and others that would strengthen families and combat gang activity.

“I will put my advocacy work against anyone's,” he said. “I am not a Johnny-come-lately. I've been here.” This is the fourth time he has run for the seat. He lost to Holton in 2011 by about 1,000 votes.

Neverdon, 48, is running for the council because “too many families out there are not OK.”

He handles inmate grievances for the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. A former military police officer, Neverdon worked as an attorney for 17 years. He ran an unsuccessful write-in campaign for state's attorney in 2014.

He said he would “sign off on nothing” that comes before the council unless “the eighth district gets its share of the pot.” He said he wants to unite the community and police officers, engage more parents in the education system and push for city workers to better respond to the needs of people in West Baltimore.

Other Democrats competing are Benjamin Barnwell Sr., 50, of Hunting Ridge, a pastor and nonprofit consultant; Rodney “Faraj” Leach, 27, of Edmondson Village, who works in accounting; and Dwayne “Diamond K” Williams, 42, of West Forest Park, an operations manager for a nonprofit that connects residents to health insurance. He also is a radio host who has worked in the music industry.

Republicans are Joseph Brown Jr., 58, of Ten Hills, who owns a commercial cleaning business, and Nakia Washington, 37, of Dickeyville, who works in economic development for a church.

ywenger@baltsun.com

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