Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Karl Bickel — Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland

  Karl Bickel is a former Democratic candidate who campaigned for the position of Sheriff in Frederick County, Maryland. His professional background includes significant experience at both the federal and local levels of law enforcement. Bickel served as a senior policy analyst for the U.S. Department of Justice and previously held a high-ranking position within the Frederick County Sheriff's Department. He challenged the incumbent Republican, Chuck Jenkins, in three consecutive general elections for the office, running in the 2014, 2018, and 2022 election cycles. In his most recent campaign in the 2022 general election, Bickel secured 48.55% of the total votes cast. His campaigns consistently highlighted his federal experience and educational background.

• Jason Cabel Ciemielewski — Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland

  Jason Cabel Ciemielewski is a Democratic candidate for Sheriff of Frederick County. By profession, he is a scientific researcher and a graduate student at Hood College. As a candidate, Ciemielewski has outlined several key policy priorities for the sheriff's office. These include the termination of the county's participation in the 287(g) program, which delegates federal immigration enforcement authority to local law enforcement. He also aims to give a higher priority to the timely processing of evidence from sexual assault cases and has called for increased civilian oversight of the department. Ciemielewski has advocated for a "compassionate civilian approach" to leadership and does not possess prior experience in law enforcement.

• Tony Lawson — Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland

  Tony Lawson is a Democratic candidate for Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland. A career law enforcement officer, Lawson has served the Frederick community in various capacities, including as a School Resource Officer at Frederick High School, his alma mater. Born and raised in Frederick, he was part of one of the first integrated classes at the school. His commitment to law enforcement has been a central focus of his professional life. Public records indicate his service with the Frederick City Police Department. He is running on a platform that emphasizes his long-standing experience and dedication to the safety and well-being of Frederick County residents. As a candidate for Sheriff, he aims to bring his extensive background to the leadership of the county's law enforcement.

• Chuck Jenkins — Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland

  Charles "Chuck" Jenkins serves as the Republican Sheriff of Frederick County, Maryland. A lifetime resident of the area, he is a graduate of Frederick High School. Before pursuing a career in law enforcement, Jenkins worked within the communications satellite industry. He joined the Frederick County Sheriff's Office in 1990, where he initially served in the patrol division before advancing to the role of a criminal investigator. Jenkins was first elected Sheriff in 2006 and has been successfully re-elected in subsequent elections, including his most recent win in 2022. His long tenure makes him the longest-serving sheriff in the county's history. As sheriff, his responsibilities include overseeing the largest law enforcement agency in the county and managing the adult detention center.

• Gary W. Morton — Sheriff in Frederick, Maryland

  Gary W. Morton, a Republican candidate for Sheriff of Frederick County, is a lifelong resident of the area, born in Frederick Memorial Hospital in 1961. He graduated from Governor Thomas Johnson High School in 1979. In 1980, Morton began his 35-year career with the Frederick County Sheriff's Office, starting as a Corrections Officer and rising to the rank of Major in the Operations Division. His service has been recognized with numerous accolades, including two Life-Saving Awards and being named Deputy of the Year. Morton is also a Life Member of the Junior Fire Company, where he has served as a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician.