As the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election approaches, Charles County, Maryland, has released its candidate list, highlighting a strong Democratic presence with no Republican filings as of July 23, 2025. The primary, set for June 23, 2026, is poised to be a pivotal moment for local governance, as Democratic candidates dominate the races for key county positions. With early voting scheduled from June 11 to June 18, 2026, residents have a critical opportunity to shape the county’s future leadership.
County Commissioner Races
The county commissioner races, crucial for shaping policies on budgets, infrastructure, and community development, feature Democratic candidates across all four districts. No candidates have filed for county commissioner president, leaving the top leadership role open. In District 1, Gilbert “BJ” Bowling stands alone, reachable at friendsofgilbertbowling@yahoo.com. District 2 presents a competitive race between Brenda Thomas, contactable at brendafordistrict2@gmail.com with a website at Voteforbrendathomas.com, and Donta Varney, available at dontavarney1@aol.com or (202) 858-9213. Courtney J. Edmonds is the sole candidate in District 3, accessible at electcourtneyedmonds@gmail.com and electcourtneyedmonds.com. Ralph E. Patterson, II, runs unopposed in District 4, with a robust online presence at www.electralphpatterson.com, including social media on Facebook, X (twitter.com/ElectRPatterson), and Instagram (electralphpatterson), and a contact number of (301) 435-9200.
Clerk of the Circuit Court
Lisa E. Yates is the only candidate for clerk of the circuit court, a role essential for managing court records and overseeing election processes. Filed on June 27, 2025, Yates can be reached at lisa.yates022@gmail.com or (301) 536-9007, with a Facebook page at facebook.com/re-electlisayates. This position ensures the smooth operation of judicial and electoral functions, making it a cornerstone of county administration.
Democratic Central Committee
The Democratic Central Committee, which guides party strategy and candidate selection, has candidates in Districts 1 and 4. In District 1, Virginia Benedict (benedict_virginia@yahoo.com, (240) 682-9037) and Elizabeth “Liz” Brown ((301) 893-1539) have filed, both female candidates adhering to the rule that no more than half of members can be of the same gender. Roderick Lewis, Jr., is the sole candidate in District 4, contactable at Roderick4ccdcc@gmail.com. Districts 2 and 3, along with the at-large position, have no filings, indicating potential gaps in party leadership.
Board of Education and Other Offices
Notably, no candidates have filed for the Board of Education across all four districts, raising concerns about the future of educational policy and funding in Charles County. Similarly, key positions such as state’s attorney, register of wills, judge of the orphans’ court, sheriff, and the Republican central committee remain uncontested. This lack of candidates could limit voter choice and impact critical areas of county governance.
Charles County, with a population of 166,617, is a vibrant community in Southern Maryland, known for its rural charm and strategic location near Washington, D.C. Local elections are vital for addressing pressing issues like housing affordability, economic development, and community services. The absence of Republican candidates as of July 23, 2025, suggests that the Democratic primary could effectively determine the winners for many positions, assuming no late filings or write-in campaigns emerge. This dynamic underscores the importance of the June 23, 2026, primary, which will select candidates for the general election on November 3, 2026.
Voter Engagement and Resources
Residents can engage directly with candidates through provided contact details to learn about their platforms and visions for Charles County. For example, Courtney J. Edmonds offers a website and social media presence for voter outreach, while Donta Varney provides a direct phone line. The Charles County Board of Elections, located at 201 East Charles Street, La Plata, MD 20646, is the primary resource for election information. Voters can contact the board at (301) 934-8972 or visit https://www.charlescountymd.gov/government/board-of-elections for updates on candidate filings, polling places, and voting procedures. Early voting from June 11 to June 18, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., provides ample opportunity for participation.
Election Significance
The 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election is a critical juncture for Charles County, as it will determine the candidates advancing to the general election. With no Republican candidates currently filed, the Democratic primary could effectively decide the leadership for county commissioner, clerk of the circuit court, and other roles. The lack of candidates for the Board of Education is particularly noteworthy, as these positions influence school funding, curriculum, and educational outcomes, which are vital for the county’s youth and future growth.
The absence of filings for state’s attorney, sheriff, and other offices highlights a potential challenge for voter choice and representation. As the filing deadline approaches, additional candidates may enter the race, potentially altering the electoral landscape. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through the Charles County Board of Elections and engage with candidates to understand their plans for addressing local priorities.
