LA PLATA, Md. — The Board of Supervisors of Elections certified the results of the General Election held on May 6, 2025, announcing Jeannine E. James as the re-elected mayor of La Plata and new councilmen for Wards I, II, III, and IV. The election, which determines leadership for four-year terms, saw James secure victory with 380 votes against Ralph Wayne Winkler’s 322.
In Ward I, Paul C. Guttenberg won the council seat with 384 votes, defeating David L. Winkler, who received 305. Ward II elected Patrick McCormick, who garnered 417 votes, over Richard Gilpin’s 265. For Ward III, Gregory Sampson, Jr. claimed the seat with 384 votes, surpassing Tarinna Olley’s 263. In Ward IV, Tyjon C. Johnson ran unopposed, securing 586 votes.
The Board of Supervisors of Elections confirmed the accuracy of the results, noting that all votes were verified. La Plata’s election process, overseen by the Charles County Board of Elections and the Town Board of Elections, ensures that registered voters, including those already registered with the county, can participate in town elections. The town, with a population of approximately 10,000, operates under a mayor-council government, with the mayor and four councilmen shaping local policies on infrastructure, public safety, and community services.
Jeannine E. James, who ran unopposed in the 2021 election, faced competition this time but maintained her position as mayor. Her leadership has focused on community development and fiscal responsibility, priorities likely to continue in her new term. The newly elected councilmen—Guttenberg, McCormick, Sampson, and Johnson—will join the mayor in addressing key issues such as economic growth and public works, with Johnson’s unopposed victory reflecting strong community support in Ward IV.
The election saw competitive races in Wards I, II, and III, with McCormick and Sampson securing significant margins. Guttenberg’s win in Ward I was closer, indicating a divided voter base. The results reflect voter preferences for both continuity, with James’ re-election, and change, with new faces on the council. La Plata’s wards, each represented by one councilman in this election cycle, are designed to ensure localized representation within the town’s governance structure.
The certified results mark the conclusion of the 2025 election cycle, with the new mayor and councilmen set to begin their terms. The Board of Supervisors of Elections expressed gratitude to voters and poll workers for their participation, emphasizing the importance of civic engagement in shaping La Plata’s future. The town’s leadership will now focus on implementing campaign promises and addressing community needs over the next four years.
