Judge of the Orphans' Court in Carroll, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Margaret Peggy Bair — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Carroll, Maryland

  Margaret "Peggy" Bair is a Republican currently serving as a Judge of the Orphans' Court for Carroll County, Maryland. Appointed to the bench in November 2017, she subsequently won election to the office, with her current term extending until December 31, 2026. Before her judicial service, Bair built a career in administration and civic leadership. She earned an associate degree in paralegal studies from Villa Julie College. Her professional background includes working as an administrative assistant at McDaniel College and T. Rowe Price, as well as owning a small business. Additionally, Bair has chaired the Westminster Planning and Zoning Commission.

• Charles M. Coles, Jr. — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Carroll, Maryland

  Charles M. Coles, Jr. is a Republican candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Carroll County, Maryland, an office he has held since 2016, serving as Chief Judge since 2019. Before his tenure in Carroll County, Coles served on the Orphans' Court in Howard County from 1990 to 2006. Outside of his extensive judicial service, Coles has been a dedicated farmer since 1977 and the owner of Coles Bus Service since 1988. He attended the University of Maryland, College Park, and Catonsville Community College. Active in his community, he serves on the Board of Directors for the Howard County Fair. He is married with three children.

• LaRue G. Lennon — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Carroll, Maryland

  LaRue G. Lennon is a Republican currently serving as a Judge of the Orphans' Court for Carroll County, Maryland. Born in 1948, Lennon was elected to the position and assumed office on December 5, 2022. An experienced attorney, Lennon was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1981 after earning a Juris Doctor from the University of Baltimore School of Law. He also holds a B.A. and an M.Ed. in history from Frostburg State College. Before serving on the court, Lennon practiced law in Westminster, Maryland, specializing in trusts, estates, and wills. Lennon attended Westminster High School, is married, and has four children.

• Tina Mawhinney — Register of Wills in Carroll, Maryland

  Tina Mawhinney is a Republican political figure in Carroll County, Maryland, currently associated with a campaign for the office of Register of Wills. Operating under the campaign committee Citizens for Christina Mawhinney, she is a longtime participant in local government elections. Mawhinney previously ran for the Carroll County Board of County Commissioners in District 1 during the 2010 and 2014 election cycles. Beyond her political endeavors in Maryland, she is a dedicated community advocate. In 2023, the Carroll County Public Library honored her with the Light of Carroll Award, recognizing her commitment to promoting literacy and education.