Board of Education in Board of Education District 9, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Erica K. Bennett — Board of Education in Board of Education District 9, Maryland

  Erica K. Bennett is a non-partisan candidate running for the Prince George's County Board of Education to represent District 9 in Maryland. A proud product of the county's public school system, Bennett has dedicated her career to serving local students as an educator, union member, and school leader. She currently serves as the principal of John H. Bayne Elementary School. Bennett's campaign focuses on modernizing school systems, fostering inclusive environments, and ensuring equitable resource distribution. Driven by her deep educational roots and commitment to social justice, she aims to bring experienced, grounded leadership to elevate academic standards for all students.

• Jennifer Hooker — Board of Education in Board of Education District 9, Maryland

  Jennifer Hooker is a nonpartisan candidate running for the Prince George's County Board of Education, seeking to represent District 9 in Maryland. With public details regarding her platform and professional background remaining sparse, her campaign operates under the committee "Citizens for Jennifer Hooker" based in Brandywine, Maryland. Hooker will appear on the June 23, 2026, nonpartisan primary ballot alongside candidates including the recently appointed incumbent Chandrai Jackson-Saunders. She is aiming to advance to the November general election as she competes against three other candidates to oversee public education in the district.

• Chandrai CJ Jackson-Saunders — Board of Education in Board of Education District 9, Maryland

  Chandrai "CJ" Jackson-Saunders is a non-partisan candidate running for re-election to the Prince George's County Board of Education representing District 9 in Maryland. Appointed to the board in 2026, she is a retired nationally certified school psychologist and educational leader who dedicated over 35 years to the District of Columbia Public Schools. In 2020, Jackson-Saunders made history as the first African American to be named National School Psychologist of the Year by the National Association of School Psychologists. She earned a B.S. from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, and an M.Ed. and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies from Howard University.

• Candice Perkins — Board of Education in Board of Education District 9, Maryland

  Candice Perkins is a nonpartisan candidate for the Prince George's County Board of Education, District 9, in Maryland. A lifelong resident of Prince George's County, a devoted wife and mother, and a proud public school graduate, she brings deep community roots to her campaign. Perkins currently serves as the District 9 representative on the Parent and Community Advisory Council, advising the Superintendent and Board of Education on academic achievement. With over 40 years of experience partnering with school administrators and advising district leadership, she is a proven advocate for school safety, equity, and student-centered policies.