Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Clyde E. Boatwright — Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland

  Clyde E. Boatwright is a Democratic candidate for Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland. With over two decades of experience in law enforcement, he has a long-standing career with the Baltimore City School Police. Boatwright currently holds the position of president for both the Maryland Fraternal Order of Police and the Baltimore City School Police Union. His campaign is focused on his commitment to reducing crime and violence within the county, aiming to be more active in the community. He has pledged to increase the visibility and accessibility of the sheriff's office to better serve the residents of Baltimore County.

• William Merrill, 3rd — Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland

  William Merrill, a Democrat running for Sheriff of Baltimore County, is a veteran of the office with over 23 years of experience. His career in law enforcement began in 1992 with the DC Department of Corrections, followed by service with the Maryland Division of Corrections and the Baltimore County Department of Corrections. A graduate of the Baltimore Police Academy's 116th Recruit Class, he has served as a Deputy First Class in the Baltimore County Sheriff's Office since 2003. Merrill is also a U.S. Army Reserves veteran, having served as a 57F Mortuary Affairs Specialist. He is running on a platform of leading with integrity and ensuring the Sheriff's Office operates with accountability and professionalism.

• Adam Schuster — Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland

  Adam Schuster is a Democratic candidate running for Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland. He is one of three candidates competing for the Democratic nomination in the upcoming primary election. As he seeks to lead the law enforcement agency, his campaign is part of a notable election cycle in Baltimore County which features a number of open seats and competitive races. Schuster is vying for the position following the decision of the long-serving incumbent, Sheriff Jay Fisher, not to seek reelection.

• Michael F. Burke — Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland

  Michael F. Burke, a Republican candidate for Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland, is a veteran with 21 years of military service. His extensive law enforcement background includes experience at the county, state, and federal levels. Burke is an expert in Maryland and federal firearms laws and the law of self-defense. He is a Maryland State Police certified handgun instructor for both the Maryland Wear and Carry Permit and the Handgun Qualification License, in addition to being a certified NRA instructor and Chief Range Safety Officer. He has also served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for over 25 years.

• Dana R. Robinson — Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland

  Dana R. Robinson is an unaffiliated candidate running for the office of Sheriff in Baltimore County, Maryland.