Judge of the Orphans' Court in Orphans' Court District 2, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Benjamin James Cullen — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Orphans' Court District 2, Maryland

  Benjamin James Cullen is a Democratic candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court in District 2 of Dorchester County, Maryland. Residing in Cambridge, he officially filed to run in the 2026 election, and his campaign is organized under the committee Citizens for Benjamin Cullen. While public information regarding his professional background is currently limited, Cullen seeks to serve his local community by taking on the judicial duties of the Orphans' Court. This court primarily oversees probate matters, the administration of estates, and the protection of minors. He aims to bring his dedication to this vital local office.

• Amy J. Sareen — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Orphans' Court District 2, Maryland

  Amy J. Sareen is a Democratic candidate running for the position of Judge of the Orphans' Court for District 2 in Dorchester County, Maryland. A resident of Cambridge, Maryland, she officially filed her candidacy for the upcoming 2026 election cycle on February 24, 2026. Sareen's campaign is organized under the committee name 'Amy Sareen for Orphans Court.' In the primary election, she is listed as unopposed for the Democratic nomination in her district. Beyond her recent campaign filing and local residence in Cambridge, there is limited public information available regarding her previous professional background, judicial experience, or formal educational history.

• Bernie Dryden — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Orphans' Court District 2, Maryland

  Bernie Dryden is a Republican candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Dorchester County, Maryland, District 2. He currently serves as an Associate Judge on the Dorchester County Orphans' Court after successfully winning his election in 2022. Before entering public service as a judge, Dryden worked as a police officer in the greater Washington, D.C. area. Later, he became a successful local entrepreneur, starting and operating Cambridge Wine & Spirits. Now retired from the private sector, Dryden is a longtime resident of the Neck District in Cambridge. He was married to his late wife, Beatrice, for 56 years, and together they have one son and three grandchildren.

• Don Murphy — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Orphans' Court District 2, Maryland

  Don Murphy is a Republican candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in District 2 in Dorchester County, Maryland. With a long history of public service, Murphy previously served as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 12A from 1995 to 2003. He has been deeply involved in conservative politics, serving as a four-time delegate to the Republican National Convention from Maryland. Professionally, Murphy earned a bachelor's degree in real estate and finance from the University of Baltimore. He spent much of his post-legislative career working as a government relations professional and a federal lobbyist.