HAGERSTOWN, Md. – Filing for 2026 primary and general elections has ended in Washington County. Following are the county races ahead of the June 22 primary. LocalNews1.org is reporting names in the various races at this point but will follow up with candidate profiles race by race before early voting starts in Maryland.
The five seats available for Washington County Board of Commissioners are in high demand with 17 candidates running to fill these spots. Democratic candidates are Dave Williams, Chris Keane, Lara Shepherd, Teri Pailen, Samuel Briskin, Jonathan Fish and Les McIntosh. Republican candidates outnumber Democratic candidates by two, with incumbents, Jeff Cline, Randy Leatherman and John Barr running for re-election. Other GOP candidates include, Dan Young, Curtis Reigh, Kaden Snyder, April Compton and Robert Breeding. Washington County also has the option to vote for an unaffiliated candidate, Taj Smith.
Running for sheriff this year are incumbent Republican Brian Albert. Also fellow Republican Chuckie Johnson, and Democrat Junior McLeod are seeking voter approval.
Candidates for Washington County treasurer are limited to two Republicans, John McElroy and Seth Wilson. Similarly, incumbent Republican Gina Cirincion and opponent Adam Greivell are running for state’s attorney with no Democratic or third party opposition.
The position of judge for the Orphans Court has six candidates, three Democratic and three Republicans. Republicans include Paul Banister, Debra Breeding and Jim Nipps. Democratic candidates are Mark Brugh, Melinda Malott and Shawn Perry.
The non-partisan race for Board of Education has seven candidates this cycle including, Alina Chester, Robin Merchant-Spickler, Linda Murray (incumbent), Mike Guessford (incumbent and current board vice president), Pieter Bickford, Darrell Evans and Ethan Loewen.
Turning to state offices, Maryland’s 6th Congressional District has 12 total candidates who will appear on the primary election ballot in June. This section is dominated by Democrats with candidates George Gluck, Ethan Wechtaluk, Alexis Goldstein, Kiambo White, Daniel Krakower, A. Mark Wilks, running against former Congressman David Trone and incumbent April McClain Delaney. Republican candidates are Chris Burnett. Robin Ficker and Mariela Roca. There is also the option of green party candidate, Moshe Landman.
State Senate District 1 extends into the northwestern regions of Washington County, including Clear Spring and parts of Williamsport. This race is between incumbent Republican Mike McKay, against Democratic candidate Ashley Emerick, meaning there will be no primary race for either.
District 1C for House of Delegates also runs into that northwestern region and has Democrat Seth Funk running against incumbent Republican Terry Baker, again meaning no primary race.
Running in the 2nd Senate District is Democrat Eric Martin Van Buren, versus incumbent Republican Paul Corderman, so there will be no primary race.
In the House of Delegates District 2A, both incumbents William Valentine and William Wivell are running for re-election against Republican Dianna Palmer and Democrats John Leonard and Brandon Thompson.
Matthew Schindler is running as the incumbent delegate for District 2B against Democrat Ocewana Baker and Republican Sean Flaherty.
The general election is on Nov. 3, with early voting from October 22-29th. Need to register to vote? Click here! https://elections.maryland.gov/voter_registration/application.html.
