YOUR VOTE. YOUR VOICE. YOUR COUNTY.
2026 Candidates & Voter Guide
Know who’s on your ballot. Know what they stand for.
Vote like it matters—because it does.
The Good Trouble Circle has researched the candidates running for office in Queen Anne's County's key races for the November 3, 2026 General Election. We present factual, researched information so that QAC residents can make their own informed decisions.
*Candidate list reflects results as of the June 23, 2026 primary; visit elections.maryland.gov for the certified general election ballot.
The General Election is November 3, 2026. For voter registration deadlines, polling locations, and the complete candidate list visit elections.maryland.gov.
2026 GENERAL ELECTION
Governor & Lt. Governor of Maryland
Why This Race Matters
The Governor is the chief executive of Maryland — responsible for the state budget, appointing judges and agency heads, signing or vetoing legislation, and setting the policy direction for the entire state. The Lt. Governor serves as a partner in governing and is first in line to assume the governorship if needed.
For Queen Anne's County, the Governor's office directly influences funding for public education, transportation infrastructure, healthcare access, environmental protection of the Chesapeake Bay, and economic development on the Eastern Shore. A governor who understands rural Maryland is essential for communities like ours.
Wes Moore and Aruna Miller are the Democratic incumbents seeking re-election in 2026.
Democratic Ticket:
Wes Moore & Aruna Miller
(Incumbents)
U.S. Congress—Maryland District 1
Why This Race Matters
The U.S. Representative for Maryland's 1st Congressional District is Queen Anne's County's voice in Washington. This seat determines who fights for federal funding for Eastern Shore infrastructure, agriculture, the Chesapeake Bay, and the communities that depend on it.
Maryland's 1st District has been represented by Republican Andy Harris for over a decade. The June 23 Democratic primary will determine who challenges him in November. GTC has hosted roundtables with several Democratic candidates in this race and encourages all voters to get informed before casting their ballot.
Democratic Candidate:
Dan Schwartz
Maryland Senate—District 36
Why This Race Matters
The Maryland State Senator for District 36 represents Queen Anne's County in Annapolis — voting on the state budget, education funding, healthcare policy, environmental protections, and legislation that shapes daily life on the Eastern Shore.
This seat is currently held by a Republican. The June 23 Democratic primary will determine who challenges the incumbent in November. A strong Democratic candidate here means Queen Anne's County has a real voice in the Maryland Senate.
Democratic Candidate:
Nivek Johnson
Maryland House of Delegates — District 36
Why This Race Matters
We are now heading to the General Election on November 3. Here are the Democratic candidates who will face the Republican incumbents:
District 36 covers all of Queen Anne's County, all of Kent County, and parts of Caroline and Cecil Counties, and elects three Delegates to the Maryland House of Delegates. Delegates vote on state legislation, the annual state budget, and local bills that directly affect QAC residents and other residents across the district: school funding, land use, and public safety.
Three seats were up for election. Nevin Crouse, Michelle Ravert, and Crystal Woodward won the June 23 Democratic primary (all three ran unopposed) and will face Republican incumbents Steve Arentz, Jeff Ghrist, and Jay Jacobs in November. Voters may vote for up to three candidates.
Democratic Candidates:
Queen Anne’s County Commissioners
Why This Race Matters
The County Commissioners are the governing body of Queen Anne's County — making decisions about local roads, public safety, land use, zoning, county budgets, and the services that QAC residents depend on every day. This is as local as government gets, and its impact is felt immediately in our neighborhoods and communities.
QAC has five Commissioner seats representing different districts plus one At Large seat that represents the entire county. All registered Democratic voters may vote for all Democratic Commissioner candidates regardless of which district they live in.
Note: In Queen Anne’s County all registered Democratic voters may vote for all County Commissioner candidates regardless of which district they live in.
Liz Filter
At Large
Andrea Alduino
District 2
Lamont D. Wright
District 3 - Independent
Judge of the Orphans’ Court
Why This Race Matters
The Orphans' Court is a probate court that oversees the administration of estates when someone passes away, ensuring that wills are carried out properly and that heirs and beneficiaries are protected under Maryland law. Three judges serve on the court and they are elected, not appointed.
This race may not get headlines but it matters deeply to families navigating some of the most personal and difficult legal moments of their lives. Your vote determines who presides over those moments in Queen Anne's County.
These judges also handle guardianship matters for minors and disabled adults, disputes among heirs, and questions about how property is divided when there is no clear will. Because the court deals with grief, family conflict, and financial stakes all at once, the temperament and fairness of the people on the bench shape how smoothly, or how painfully, families move through the process. Electing judges who bring both legal knowledge and genuine compassion to this work protects Queen Anne's County families when they are at their most vulnerable.
Queen Anne’s County Democratic Central Committee
Good news — this race is already decided! All ten candidates who ran for the QAC Democratic Central Committee were elected in the June 23 primary, so there's no Central Committee race on your November ballot.
What does the Democratic Central Committee do? It's the backbone of the local party — filling vacancies in elected Democratic offices between elections, supporting candidates, and helping coordinate organizing across the county.
A strong, active Central Committee means a stronger Democratic Party in QAC — better organized, better resourced, and better positioned to support candidates and voters across every election cycle.
Congratulations to our newly elected committee members — we look forward to four more years of strong Democratic infrastructure in QAC.
DCC Members: 2026-2030
Frank William Alduino
Christina Hynson Esters*
Joshua Cardell Freeman*
Peter Hobby
Sonseeahray “Sonnie” Kelly*
Deborah A. Collins-Krueger
Lynn Mason
Michael Morgan
Barry A. Schwartz
Crystal Woodward
*Members of The Good Trouble Circle. Your vote matters.
Stay Informed
Candidate information changes. GTC does its best to keep this voter guide current and accurate. We encourage all QAC voters to verify the complete ballot and check your voter registration before November 3, 2026.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Important Dates
General Election, November 3, 2026
Register to Vote
The deadline to register online or by mail is Tuesday, October 13, 2026. Missed it? No problem — you can still register in person and vote at the same time during early voting or on Election Day. Just bring something that shows your name and address, like a driver's license or a bill.
Vote Early
Early voting runs Thursday, October 22 through Thursday, October 29, 2026. Polls are open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day, including weekends. Go to any early voting center in Queen Anne's County — no appointment needed.
Vote on Election Day
Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM. If you're in line by 8:00 PM, you'll still get to vote.
Vote by Mail
Want to vote from home? Here's what to know:
To get your ballot by mail or fax, request it by Tuesday, October 27, 2026
To get your ballot by email link, request it by Friday, October 30, 2026
Mail your ballot back early — it must be postmarked by Election Day to count. You can also drop it in an official ballot drop box or hand-deliver it to your local board of elections by 8:00 PM on Election Day
⚠️ A Word of Caution About the Mail
The U.S. Postal Service has been facing delays, and mail-in ballots could be affected. Don't wait until the last minute. If you're voting by mail, fill out your ballot as soon as it arrives and get it back right away — by mail, drop box, or in person. When in doubt, dropping your ballot off yourself is the safest bet.
For the most current voter registration and ballot information, visit elections.maryland.gov.
YOUR RESOURCE
Your 2026 QAC Voter Guide
GTC has produced a comprehensive voter guide covering the key races on the Queen Anne’s County ballot for the November 3 General Election. Download it, share it, and bring it to the polls.