Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Michael Beard — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett, Maryland

  Michael Beard is a Republican Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett County, Maryland. He was appointed to the judicial position on September 10, 2025, in order to fill a vacancy on the court. His current term is scheduled to expire in 2026. The Orphans' Court serves as Maryland's official probate court and presides over the administration of estates for deceased individuals. In addition to his role on the bench, Judge Beard is also associated with the Law Offices of Michael Beard. This law firm specializes in legal matters related to construction litigation and other various commercial disputes for clients located in both Maryland and the District of Columbia.

• Jeffrey D. Murphy — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett, Maryland

  Jeffrey D. Murphy is the Chief Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett County, Maryland. A Republican, he was appointed to the position by Governor Larry Hogan, assuming office in March 2022. Murphy is a lifelong resident of Garrett County, bringing extensive local knowledge to his judicial responsibilities. His professional background is distinguished by 30 years of service in law enforcement, which has provided him with a comprehensive understanding of legal and procedural frameworks. In addition to his judicial role, Murphy is the owner and operator of JD & Associates Security. He was a candidate in the November 2022 general election, seeking to continue his service as a Judge of the Orphans' Court.

• John Ross Sines — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett, Maryland

  John Ross Sines is a Republican political figure with a history in Garrett County, Maryland. He previously served as a County Commissioner in the early 1970s. His tenure was marked by the 1970 Garrett County road workers' strike, during which he and another commissioner opposed the unionization of the county's road workers. This stance was a key factor in his defeat in the following election. In addition to his local service, Sines made an unsuccessful bid for the Maryland State Senate in 2006. Based on publicly available information, he is not currently a candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court or any other political office in Maryland.

• Mary Jo Wolters — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Garrett, Maryland

  Mary Jo Wolters is a distinguished public servant currently holding the position of Republican Judge of the Orphans' Court for Garrett County, Maryland. She began her tenure on the court in 2023. Judge Wolters was appointed to this significant judicial post to succeed the previous incumbent, Ernest J. Gregg, Jr. Beyond her official duties on the bench, she demonstrates a strong commitment to civic engagement and her political party's activities. She is an active and influential member of the Garrett County Republican Women's Club, contributing her leadership skills as a member of the executive committee. Judge Wolters' academic foundation was established at Allegany High School in Cumberland, Maryland.