County Commissioner in Commissioner District 2, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Brandon Russell — County Commissioner in Commissioner District 2, Maryland

  Brandon Russell is a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, Maryland, running as a Democratic candidate for County Commissioner in District 2. After graduating from Chopticon High School, he worked full-time to pay for his Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Maryland, University College. Russell brings over a decade of business management experience to his campaign. A dedicated leader, he serves as Vice Chair of Pride Southern Maryland and a Commissioner on the Maryland Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs. His platform emphasizes transparent government, responsible land use, community growth, and better education funding.

• Thomas F. McKay — County Commissioner in Commissioner District 2, Maryland

  Thomas F. McKay is a Republican politician and local business owner running for District 2 County Commissioner in St. Mary's County, Maryland. With a long history of public service, McKay previously served as a County Commissioner and County Commission President from 2002 to 2006. In 2022, he ran for St. Mary's County Commission President. Announcing his 2026 candidacy, McKay emphasized the need for a return to "common sense leadership and affordable fiscal policy." His campaign focuses on restoring fiscal discipline, addressing rising living costs, ensuring government transparency, and supporting local economic growth while providing essential county services.

• Tom Phelan — County Commissioner in Commissioner District 2, Maryland

  Tom Phelan is a Republican candidate running for St. Mary's County Commissioner in District 2, Maryland. A resident of the county for nearly forty years, he brings extensive military and private sector leadership experience to his campaign. He served twenty-six years in the U.S. Navy as a pilot and test pilot, ultimately retiring in 2006 as Commander of the Naval Test Wing Atlantic. Following his military service, he spent two decades at KBR as a Flight Director and program manager, supporting test evaluation programs at Patuxent River. Residing in Hollywood, Maryland, Phelan is an active community member and Leadership Southern Maryland graduate.

• John M. McClernan — County Commissioner in Commissioner District 2, Maryland

  John M. McClernan is a Democratic candidate who briefly sought election as a County Commissioner for Commissioner District 2 in Saint Mary's County, Maryland, during the 2026 election cycle. Organizing his campaign under the committee Friends of John McClernan, he filed his candidacy with the state on February 24, 2026. Operating out of Leonardtown, Maryland, he established a campaign website to connect with local voters. However, public records indicate that McClernan officially withdrew from the race two days later, on February 26, 2026. Information regarding his personal and professional history remains largely private.

• Arthur Shepherd — County Commissioner in Commissioner District 2, Maryland

  Arthur Shepherd is a lifelong resident of St. Mary's County, Maryland, and a dedicated local leader with over forty years of public service experience. He worked in the county's Department of Recreation and Parks, eventually serving as its Director before retiring in 2022. During his tenure, the department achieved national accreditation and improved inclusivity. As a Republican, Shepherd declared his candidacy for St. Mary's County Commissioner in District 2 for the 2026 election. His conservative platform emphasized responsible growth and preserving rural heritage. Ultimately, he officially withdrew from the commissioner race in February 2026.