LEONARDTOWN, MD—On September 4, 2025, John E. O’Connor announced his candidacy for St. Mary’s County Commissioner for District 3, encompassing Charlotte Hall, Mechanicsville, Golden Beach, and the Seventh District. In a statement on his official Facebook page, O’Connor, who served as commissioner from 2014 to 2022, pledged to restore accountability, transparency, and respect for the county’s rural character. With term limits creating two vacant commissioner seats in the upcoming election, his campaign aims to address growing concerns about development and governance in St. Mary’s County.
O’Connor criticized recent county decisions, citing “backroom deals, spot zoning, and development decisions driven by big corporations” that he believes have silenced community voices, particularly in District 3’s northern end. “For the last few years, we’ve seen a troubling pattern from our county-level officials that threatens our rural identity and legacy,” he said. He also highlighted fluctuating income taxes and efforts to urbanize the county to boost revenue, arguing, “It’s bad enough this state is robbing you blind with tax increases; you shouldn’t have to worry about it at home.”
St. Mary’s County, with a population of approximately 115,000, operates under a commissioner form of government, one of six rural Maryland counties to do so. The five-member Board of Commissioners sets tax rates, oversees infrastructure like roads and parks, and designates areas for growth or preservation, but lacks legislative authority, which rests with the Maryland General Assembly. O’Connor emphasized his past record, stating, “I wasn’t afraid to call out nonsense and do the work that needed to be done.” He highlighted delivering results without excessive tax increases or borrowing during his tenure.
His platform focuses on preserving St. Mary’s rural legacy through responsible growth and transparent zoning practices. “I will continue to refrain from engaging in backroom deals on development, and I will bring complete transparency to zoning,” he said. O’Connor also pledged to support youth sports, invest taxpayer dollars in roads, public safety, and education, and curb reckless borrowing for unnecessary projects. “I will demand accountability from government officials and my colleagues so that they serve the people, not themselves, not special interests,” he added.
O’Connor, a veteran, small business owner, and former youth sports coach, draws on his deep community ties. “I’ve stood shoulder to shoulder with many of you as a County Commissioner, youth sports coach, a small business owner, neighbor, veteran, husband, father, brother, and son,” he said. He praised the county’s strengths, including its schools, first responders, law enforcement, veterans, small businesses, and volunteers, emphasizing their role in keeping St. Mary’s thriving.
The election, shaped by term limits, offers a chance for significant change. District 3, known for its rural landscapes and tight-knit communities, faces ongoing debates about balancing growth with preservation, a key issue in Southern Maryland. O’Connor’s campaign seeks to resonate with voters frustrated by development pressures and seeking transparent leadership. As the election approaches, his call to prioritize community values over special interests aims to shape the future of St. Mary’s County.
