As the 2026 Maryland election approaches, Saint Mary’s County voters are gearing up to select leaders for key local offices. The Gubernatorial Primary Election is scheduled for June 23, 2026, with the General Election following on November 3, 2026, according to the Maryland State Board of Elections. While the gubernatorial race draws statewide attention, local races in Saint Mary’s County are shaping up with a slate of Republican candidates, as no Democrats or independents have filed as of July 22, 2025. Here’s a look at the candidates, election dates, and what’s at stake in the 2026 Maryland election.
Key Election Dates
The 2026 Maryland election cycle kicks off with the Primary Election on June 23, 2026, where voters will choose party nominees for state and local offices. Early voting for the primary runs from June 11 to June 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., including weekends. The General Election on November 3, 2026, will determine the final winners. The candidate filing deadline is February 24, 2026, leaving room for additional candidates to enter the race.
Gubernatorial Race Snapshot
The 2026 Maryland election includes a high-profile gubernatorial contest. Incumbent Democratic Governor Wes Moore, elected in 2022 with 64.2% of the vote, is expected to run for a second term, though he has not yet confirmed his candidacy. Declared candidates include Ed Hale, a Baltimore businessman (Democrat), and Republicans John Myrick and Andy Ellis. Speculation surrounds former Governor Larry Hogan, whose potential candidacy could shake up the race in a state where Democrats hold all statewide offices. The outcome of the 2026 Maryland election could influence local voter turnout in Saint Mary’s County.
Saint Mary’s County Candidates
In Saint Mary’s County, the 2026 Maryland election features a Republican-dominated field for local offices, with no Democratic or independent candidates filed as of July 22, 2025. Below are the candidates and their backgrounds:
County Commissioner President
Tom Jarboe, a lifelong Saint Mary’s County resident, is running for County Commissioner President. A former District 1 Commissioner, Jarboe has a background in defense consulting and international trade, having founded Technology Security Associates, which grew to $12 million in annual revenue. Born in Leonardtown in 1969, he graduated from St. Mary’s Ryken and earned a master’s degree in international business. Jarboe announced his candidacy in February 2025, aiming to succeed term-limited Commissioner President Randy Guy.
County Commissioner District 2
Arthur Shepherd, a Republican, is seeking the District 2 seat, covering Leonardtown and Hollywood. With over 40 years as Director of Recreation & Parks, Shepherd is a well-known figure in the county. He announced his candidacy in June 2025, focusing on supporting small businesses, non-profits, and managing growth while preserving the county’s heritage.
County Commissioner District 4
Scott R. Ostrow, the incumbent District 4 Commissioner, is running for re-election. A Lexington Park resident since 2014, Ostrow has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. He emphasizes improving the Great Mills corridor and streamlining county processes. Ostrow filed for re-election in February 2025, citing his commitment to community service.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Debbie Mills Burch, the current Clerk of the Circuit Court since 2018, is seeking re-election. With 14 years in the Maryland judiciary, Burch has worked in every department of the clerk’s office. She focuses on maintaining professionalism and improving services like electronic case-filing.
Judge of the Orphans’ Court
Three Republican incumbents are running for re-election:
- Albert “Allie” Babcock, a judge since 2014, is a retired federal worker with 31 years of service. He highlights his experience in probate hearings and IT upgrades for the court.
- Bill Mattingly, a judge from 2012 to 2014 and since 2018, served as chairman of the St. Mary’s County Board of Education. He emphasizes fairness in handling estates.
- Michael R. White, chief judge since 2019, is a retired Maryland State Police detective. His law enforcement background informs his approach to protecting vulnerable citizens.
Unfilled Offices
Several offices have no candidates as of July 22, 2025, including Commissioner Districts 1 and 3, Treasurer, State’s Attorney, Register of Wills, Sheriff, Republican and Democratic Central Committees, and Board of Education Districts 1 and 3. This gap may prompt more candidates to file before the February 24, 2026, deadline.
Community Impact
The 2026 Maryland election in Saint Mary’s County is poised to be a Republican stronghold, with no opposition candidates filed yet. The absence of contenders for key roles like Sheriff and State’s Attorney raises questions about civic engagement. Voters are encouraged to research candidates’ platforms, accessible via campaign websites and social media, to make informed choices. The gubernatorial race, potentially featuring high-profile names like Wes Moore and Larry Hogan, could boost local turnout, making the 2026 Maryland election a pivotal moment for the county.
