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 June 23, 2026 Democratic primary. We present factual, researched information so that QAC residents can make their own informed decisions.
The primary is June 23, 2026. For voter registration deadlines, polling locations, and the complete candidate list visit elections.maryland.gov.
Governor & Lt. Governor of Maryland
The Governor and Lt. Governor run together as a ticket in Maryland. The June 23, 2026 Democratic primary will determine who appears on the November general election ballot.
Democratic Ticket:
Wes Moore & Aruna Miller (Incumbents)
U.S. Congress—Maryland District 1
This seat represents Queen Anne’s County in Maryland. The June 23, 2026 Democratic primary will determine who faces the Republic nominee in November. GTC has researched the Democratic candidates and hosted roundtable with several of them.
Democratic Primary Candidates:
Randi White
Victor Guidice
Dan Schwartz
George Walish
Terrence Rogers
Maryland Senate—District 36
This seat shapes the laws that govern everyday life in Queen Anne’s County—from education to healthcare to housing.
Democratic Primary Candidates:
Nivek Johnson
John Queen
Maryland House of Delegates — District 36
District 36 encompasses all of Queen Anne’s County. Three seats are up for election. The June 23, 2026 Democratic primary will determine who faces the Republican incumbents in November.
Democratic Primary Candidates:
Nevin Crouse
Michelle Ravert
Crystal Woodward
Queen Anne’s County Commissioners
County Commissioners make the decisions that directly affect everyday life in Queen Anne’s County — from roads and public safety to land use and local services. GTC encourages all QAC voters to research the candidates running in their district.
Democratic Primary Candidates:
Liz Filter - County Commissioner At Large
Andrea Alduino - County Commissioner District 2
Note: In Queen Anne’s County all registered Democratic voters may vote for all County Commissioner candidates regardless of which district they live in.
Judge of the Orphans’ Court
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.
In Queen Anne’s County, three judges serve on the Orphans’ Court and they are elected, not appointed. Your vote determines who oversees some of the most personal legal matters a family can face.
Democratic Primary Candidates:
Don McKeough
Barry A. Schwartz
Jeff H. Starling
Queen Anne’s County
Board of Education
The Board of Education sets policy for Queen Anne’s County Public Schools — overseeing curriculum, budgets, school facilities, and the overall direction of public education in the county. Board members are elected and serve four-year terms.
This is one of the most locally impactful races on the ballot. The people elected to this board shape the education of every child in Queen Anne’s County.
Board of Education At Large
Shelly Frank
Note: Board of Education races in Maryland are nonpartisan. All registered voters regardless of party affiliation may vote in this race.
Queen Anne’s County Democratic Central Committee
The QADCC plays a critical role in the health of the local Democratic Party—filling vacancies in elected offices, endorsing candidates and organizing party infrastructure.
GTC’s co-founder Christina Hynson “Chris” Esters and Core Team member Sonnie Kelly are among the candidates running in the June 23, 2026 primary. In keeping with our commitment to transparency, we disclose this and encourage voters to research all candidates on the ballot.
Democratic Primary Candidates:
Christina Hynson Esters
Sonseeahray “Sonnie” Kelly
Frank William Alduino
Deborah A. Collins-Krueger
Joshua Cardell Freeman
Peter Hobby
Lynn Mason
Michael Morgan
Barry A. Schwartz
Crystal Woodward
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 June 23, 2026.
Important Dates
Early Voting:
Thursday, June 11 through Thursday. June 18, 2026 — 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily including Saturday and Sunday at any early voting center in Queen Anne’s County.
Election Day:
Tuesday, June 23, 2026 — polls open 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM at your assigned polling place.
Voter Registration Deadline:
June 2, 2026 — last day to register to vote before the primary.
Mail-in Ballot Deadline:
June 2, 2026 to request — must be postmarked or in a drop box by 8:00 PM on June 23, 2026.
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 June 23, 2026 Democratic primary. Download it, share it, and bring it to the polls.