Charles County voters decided several important local races in Tuesday’s primary, determining the next County Commissioner President, filling district commissioner seats and selecting nominees for key row offices and party central committees, according to unofficial results released Wednesday.
With all 34 election day precincts reporting, the outcomes will directly shape county government leadership, public safety, court operations and party organization in one of Southern Maryland’s largest and fastest-growing counties.
In the Democratic primary for County Commissioner President, Amanda Stewart secured a strong plurality with 7,499 votes, or 50.53 percent. Dyotha R. Sweat finished second with 5,459 votes, or 36.79 percent. Vontasha Romechia Simms received 1,882 votes, or 12.68 percent. On the Republican side, Joe Crawford ran unopposed.
The County Commissioner President serves as the top elected official on the board, presiding over meetings and playing a key role in setting the county’s policy direction on growth, budget and services. Stewart’s solid margin positions her as the likely Democratic nominee heading into November.
District commissioner races also produced nominees who will join the president on the five-member board. In District 1, Democrat Gilbert “BJ” Bowling narrowly defeated Dezmond A. Rosier 50.53 percent to 49.47 percent. Republican Walton “Walt” Merchant was unopposed. District 2 saw a crowded Democratic field, with Brandon A. Paulin leading at 22.37 percent, followed by Cheryl D. Butler-Walker at 20.79 percent. Republican Alorah D. Vantassell ran unopposed. In District 3, McKayla Wilkes won the Democratic nomination with 65.06 percent over James F. Wade Sr. Republican Julian D. Clark was unopposed. District 4 Democrat Ralph E. Patterson II ran unopposed.
These district representatives join the president in making decisions on zoning, public safety funding, infrastructure and quality-of-life issues that directly affect Charles County residents amid ongoing population growth near military installations and the Washington metro area.
Several row offices produced nominees with varying levels of competition. Democratic State’s Attorney Anthony “Tony” Covington ran unopposed. In the Clerk of the Circuit Court Democratic primary, Lisa E. Yates defeated Tonya Henderson 70.01 percent to 29.99 percent. The Register of Wills Democratic primary was more fragmented, with Loraine Davies Hennessy leading at 49.69 percent, followed by Gregory D. Proctor at 21.51 percent and Diane Crews at 24.68 percent. Republican Latisha Shorter was unopposed for that office. Sheriff Troy Berry ran unopposed on the Democratic side.
These positions manage critical county functions: the State’s Attorney prosecutes criminal cases, the Clerk maintains court and land records, the Register of Wills handles estates and probate, and the Sheriff oversees law enforcement and the detention center. Their outcomes will influence how these services operate in the coming term.
The Judge of the Orphans’ Court Democratic primary (vote for up to three) produced Tisha R. Tyler, Darlene M. Breck and Russell Yates as the top vote-getters. Republican Angela Parker was unopposed.
Democratic Central Committee races also concluded, electing members who will guide local party operations, candidate recruitment and endorsements. In the at-large contest (vote for up to two), Alvin Stewart led with 34.80 percent, followed by Kimberly Ann Hay, Dora Myles and Vontasha Romechia Simms. District-level committees in Districts 1 through 4 also elected full slates of members.
On the Republican side, the at-large central committee (vote for up to nine) elected a slate that includes Michelle Talkington, Jim Crawford, Joe Crawford, Daniel P. Creighton and others.
These central committee results will shape how each party organizes at the grassroots level in Charles County through the general election and beyond.
Voter participation across Charles County showed solid engagement with local contests alongside higher-profile races on the ballot. Early voting and election day ballots made up the large majority of totals, while mail-in and provisional ballots remain unreported and could produce minor shifts before certification on July 6, 2026.
Tuesday’s local results will have immediate and lasting effects on Charles County government. The new Board of County Commissioners, row office holders and central committee members will begin addressing priorities such as managing growth, supporting public safety and strengthening party infrastructure. With many of these positions now clarified, attention can turn to the November general election, where these local leaders will face any opposing-party challengers.
