Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Philip Carey Foster — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot, Maryland

  Philip Carey Foster is a Democratic candidate and the current Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot County, Maryland, having served since January 2023. Foster has a long history of public service in Talbot County, previously serving as State's Attorney from 1986 to 1989, as a member of the Maryland House of Delegates from 1989 to 1990, and as a member of the Talbot County Council from 1998 to 2010, where he spent time as both president and vice-president. Foster earned his B.A. from the College of Wooster and his J.D. from Vanderbilt University. He served as a captain in the U.S. Army Reserves and was admitted to the Maryland Bar in 1973 as an attorney.

• Michelle Ewing — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot, Maryland

  Michelle Ewing is a Republican running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot County, Maryland. Designated by the Republican Central Committee for the 2026 primary election, she is an Easton resident actively involved in local civic organizations. Ewing served as a co-director of the Mid-Shore Constitution Alliance, helping organize events for Constitution and Citizenship Week. She has also represented the Midshore League of Republican Women. In 2023, Ewing was nominated to the Talbot County Board of Elections but ultimately withdrew her name from consideration. She is now seeking judicial office in her community.

• Elizabeth A. Ferguson — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot, Maryland

  Elizabeth A. Ferguson is a Republican candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot County, Maryland, in the 2026 election. She filed for the local race earlier in the year, organizing her campaign under the committee name Elizabeth Ferguson for Judge of Orphans' Court. As a resident of Easton, Maryland, Ferguson seeks an available judicial seat on the Talbot County Orphans' Court, which handles probate, wills, and estate administration. Because public information regarding her professional career and platform remains limited, her campaign focuses heavily on securing the Republican nomination for the local court.

• Carol van Erven — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot, Maryland

  Carol van Erven is a Republican candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Talbot County, Maryland, in the 2026 election cycle. Operating her campaign under the committee "Friends of Carol van Erven," she is a resident of Easton, Maryland. The Orphans' Court in Maryland is responsible for handling probate, estate administration, and guardianship of minors. Van Erven officially filed her candidacy in February 2026 to serve on this important judicial body. While detailed public records regarding her professional background and formal education are sparse, she has positioned herself as a dedicated community member seeking to serve the residents of Talbot County.