by Kate Shunney
The year’s midterm election cycle is underway in Maryland as candidates have come to the fore in races for a variety of county, district and national offices on the ballot in 2026.
Candidate filing ended last Tuesday, February 24 for Maryland residents to be placed on the June 23 primary election ballot.
Washington County voters will select all five members of the Board of County Commissioners in the 2026 election. Members serve four-year terms.
According to the Board of Elections, the following incumbents have declared re-election campaigns to retain their Commission seats: Republicans John Barr, Jeffrey Cline and Randy Leatherman.
Republicans Robert Breeding, April Compton, Curtis Reigh, Charles Burkett, Dan Young and Kaden Snyder are also running for their party’s nominations to the general election ballot in the race.
Democrats Samuel Briskin, Jonathan Fish, Chris Keane, Patrick Kirby, Les McIntosh Sr., Teri Pailen, Lara Shepherd and Dave Williams have also filed as Commission candidates. Taj Smith has filed as an unaffiliated candidate in the commission race.
On February 25, Commissioner Derek Harvey resigned from his seat on the county board. The Washington County Republican Central Committee will recommend an appointee to fill out Harvey’s term until a new member is elected.
Republicans John McElroy and Seth Wilson have filed as a candidate for County Treasurer.
Republicans Gina Cirincion and Adam Greivell are seeking the post of State’s Attorney.
Republican Kevin Tucker is running a re-election campaign as Clerk of the Circuit Court and Republican Lacy Flook is seeking the Register of Wills post in this year’s election.
Republicans Brain Albert and Chuckie Johnsons are seeking the Washington County Sheriff’s position. Junior McLeod, Democrat, is seeking the post as well.
Candidates who filed to run for seats on the Washington County Board of Education are Robin Merchant-Spickler, Pieter Bickford, Alina Chester, Darrell Evans, Miek Guessford, Ethan Loewen and Linda Murray. Early filer Dr. Aitza Haddad Nunez withdrew from the race on February 24.
Republican Terry Baker is seeking another term in the Maryland House of Delegates representing district 1C. At press time there were no other candidates for that office.
Republican Mike McKay is seeking another term as State Senator representing the first legislative district.
County voters will also choose a member of the U.S. House of Representatives to represent the 6th Congressional District. Candidates at press time included incumbent Democrat April McClain Delaney with Democrat challengers George Gluck, Daniel Krakower, Ethan Wechtaluk, David Trone, Alexis Goldstein, Kiambo White and Altimont Wilks. In the Republican primary, candidates seeking the GOP nomination for the 6th district seat are Chris Burnett and Robin Flicker. Seeking the nomination for the Green Party ballot is Moshe Landman.
