The Baltimore County Council will decide who will become the county’s new leader at 3 p.m. Tuesday.

The candidate chosen for the position is expected to start right away, filling the remaining two years of Johnny Olszewski Jr.’s term after the Miller’s Island Democrat won a seat in Congress last year. Olszewski, who was sworn in Friday to represent the region in Congress, had the job for six years.

The five finalists include state Sen. Katherine A. Klausmeier; former state Sen. Jim Brochin; former county parks director Barry F. Williams; former county environmental protection head George G. Perdikakis Sr.; and civic activist and entrepreneur Yara Cheikh. Each has pledged they would not seek a full term after the two years. That is, in part, because three current councilmen have announced plans to mount their own races for the county executive job.

Baltimore County’s new leader faces myriad challenges, including population loss, aging infrastructure and likely looming budget shortfalls. There are also a large number of federal workers whose employment may be threatened by incoming President Donald Trump’s efforts to downsize the government.

Olszewski made significant investments in parks and recreation, new schools and better roads, but that progress likely can’t continue without some way to finance it. In the past, many county residents have not embraced tax increases.

“I’ve been clear with the council and the public that if the county is going to continue the level of investment on the capital side, they’re going to have to find ways to pay for it,” Olszewski said in an interview a few days prior to vacating the office.