Calvert County voters settled several important local races in Tuesday’s primary election, determining the makeup of the Board of County Commissioners, filling key row offices and electing party central committee members who will guide local Democratic and Republican operations, according to unofficial results released Wednesday.
With all 17 election day precincts reporting, the results point to a mix of experienced officeholders advancing and new voices earning nominations for the November general election. These local contests directly affect county services, budgeting, land-use decisions and party infrastructure in Calvert, one of Southern Maryland’s fastest-growing jurisdictions.
In the Democratic primary for County Commissioner at Large, voters could select up to two candidates. Antoine S. White led the field with 3,489 votes, or 46.73 percent. Judy Pedersen finished second with 2,516 votes, or 33.69 percent, securing the two nominations. Alexes N. Jones received 1,462 votes, or 19.58 percent. On the Republican side, also voting for two, Patti Stueckler topped the ticket with 4,666 votes, or 37.81 percent. Jason Scaggs took the second spot with 3,282 votes, or 26.60 percent. Earl “Buddy” Hance, Todd Ireland and Barbara J. Warner rounded out the Republican field.
The Board of County Commissioners sets the county budget, oversees zoning and development policies, and manages core services such as public safety, roads and recreation. The at-large winners will join district representatives in shaping Calvert’s response to growth pressures while balancing rural character and infrastructure needs.
District-level commissioner races also produced nominees. In District 1, Democrat Ethan Cox ran unopposed. On the Republican side, Mike Hart secured the nomination with 3,834 votes, or 58.17 percent, defeating Patrick E. Flaherty and Jennifer L. Brown. In District 2, Republican Kenneth B. Lee won with 4,392 votes, or 65.80 percent, over Mark C. Cox Sr. District 3 Democrat Michael Bennett was unopposed, while Republican Catherine M. Grasso took 58.92 percent to advance over Kelly D. McConkey.
Several row offices drew limited or no opposition in their primaries. Republican Amanda N. Dolina won the Treasurer primary with 64.02 percent over Steve Weems. Bob Harvey was unopposed for State’s Attorney on the Republican ballot. Jourdan Sturdivant ran unopposed for Clerk of the Circuit Court. On the Democratic side, Margaret H. Phipps was unopposed for Register of Wills; Republican Mark S. Lynch won that party’s nomination without opposition. Ricky Cox was unopposed for Sheriff on the Republican line.
These positions handle critical day-to-day functions: the Treasurer manages county finances, the State’s Attorney prosecutes cases, the Clerk oversees court records, the Register of Wills administers estates, and the Sheriff leads law enforcement operations. Most advancing without primary opposition will face only general-election challengers in November.
Judicial races for Judge of the Orphans’ Court also concluded. Democrats Thomas M. Pelagatti and Rick Piereck won their party’s nominations. Republicans Leslie M. Downs and Ted LeBlanc secured theirs. The Orphans’ Court handles probate, guardianship and related matters affecting Calvert families.
Party central committees, which recruit candidates, organize volunteers and shape local endorsements, saw multiple contested races. In the Democratic at-large contest (vote for up to four), Cameron T. L. Gross led with 27.70 percent, followed by Sylvia Bongers Batong at 24.49 percent, Virginia “Ginny” K. Beauchamp at 24.32 percent and Rebecca Rhodes at 23.49 percent. District-level Democratic committees also elected members: Monica Dailey and Mike Shisler in District 1, Cindy Yoe and Garrett Hill in District 2, and Jennifer R. Seidel and Greg Howard in District 3.
On the Republican side, the at-large central committee (vote for up to nine) elected a full slate including Luke O. Grover, Dennis Bowling, Elizabeth King, Catherine Tavarozzo, Joseph Wilkinson, Donna M. Zupancic, Michael G. Wilson, Cheryl L. Wilson and Greg Tavarozzo, among others who reached the threshold.
These central committee results will influence how each party builds its local infrastructure, supports candidates and engages voters through the general election and beyond.
Voter participation across Calvert reflected engagement with both local and higher-profile races on the ballot. Early voting and election day ballots formed the bulk of totals, with mail-in ballots adding smaller shares. Provisional ballots remain unreported and could produce minor adjustments before final certification on July 6, 2026.
Tuesday’s local outcomes will directly influence Calvert County government priorities and party operations for the next four years. With the Board of County Commissioners, row offices and central committees now taking clearer shape, candidates and voters can turn their attention to the November general election, where these local leaders will face any cross-party challengers and begin addressing the county’s ongoing growth, public safety and service demands.
