Ellery Adams

Judge of the Orphans' Court in Caroline, Maryland

Ellery Adams is a candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Caroline, Maryland — 2026 Primary Election. Running as Republican.

Also running: Jeff Porter, Hugh Smith.

J. Ellery Adams is a Republican candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Caroline County, Maryland. Born in Trappe in 1942, Adams brings decades of civic leadership to the bench. He has served as an Orphans' Court Judge since December 2014. Before his judicial career, Adams was President of the Preston Town Commission and a member of the Goldsboro Town Council. He is an ordained minister, a licensed general contractor, and the owner of Jensenstead Senior Apartments. Deeply rooted in his community, Adams has also served as a volunteer firefighter and a chaplain for the Maryland Defense Force.