Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Joseph W. Mank — Register of Wills in Charles, Maryland

  Joseph W. Mank is a 2026 Democratic candidate for Register of Wills in Charles County, Maryland. A Waldorf resident living in District 4, Mank is a highly active participant in local civic affairs. He frequently attends Board of County Commissioners meetings to advocate for transparency and discuss pressing community issues such as economic development, taxation, and the county charter. Previously, Mank sought public office when he ran in the 2022 Democratic primary for Charles County Clerk of the Circuit Court. He remains highly focused on ensuring fair representation and improving the quality of life for all county residents.

• Darlene M. Breck — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Darlene M. Breck is a Democratic candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles County, Maryland. First elected in 2014, she was appointed Chief Judge by the Governor in 2015 and won re-election in 2018 and 2022. Beyond her judicial duties, Breck is the founder and president of the Southern Maryland Business Center, which has supported local small businesses since 2003. An active community leader, she is a past president of the Charles County Chamber of Commerce and formerly chaired the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center Foundation board. Additionally, Breck has served on the Maryland Commission for Women.

• Reginald Kearney — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Reginald Kearney is a Democratic candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles County, Maryland. He brings valuable judicial experience to this race, having previously been elected to serve on the Charles County Orphans' Court during the 2018 election cycle. During his previous term on the bench, he demonstrated a commitment to public service and was a member of the Conference of Orphans' Court Judges in 2019. In addition to his important judicial work, he is a dedicated community member affiliated with the Alpha fraternity. Kearney is now seeking election to continue his public service for residents of Charles County.

• Charles "Chuck" McClam — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Charles "Chuck" McClam is a Democratic candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles County, Maryland. McClam has been involved in local public affairs for several years, participating in both elections and advisory panels. He previously ran for the Orphans' Court and County Commissioner during the 2018 Democratic primaries. McClam has held official advisory and political roles within his community. He was elected to serve as a member of the Charles County Democratic Central Committee, where his term extended through 2022. Furthermore, McClam has served as an Alternate member of the Property Tax Assessment Appeal Board for Charles County.

• Tisha R. Tyler — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Tisha R. Tyler is a Democratic candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles County, Maryland. A dedicated community leader, she has a background in public service and conflict resolution. She currently serves as a Program Specialist at the Charles County Community Mediation Center at the College of Southern Maryland, facilitating peaceful dialogue. Previously, Tyler was the Marketing and Development Manager for the Charles County Public Library, spearheading public forums to reduce local violence and foster civic engagement. Tyler is also a proud graduate of the Leadership Southern Maryland Class of 2018.

• Marie Wolfe — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Marie Wolfe is a Democratic candidate running for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles County, Maryland. She previously ran for this same judicial position during the November 2022 general election. Beyond her local political involvement, Wolfe has built a strong professional background in estate planning, which aligns with the critical responsibilities of the Orphans' Court. She is also the proud owner and operator of the Wolfe Corp Training Academy. Through this organization, she provides business development, mediation services, and professional training, highlighting her dedication to community empowerment and conflict resolution.

• Russell Yates — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Russell Yates is a Democratic candidate who was elected to serve as a Judge of the Orphans' Court for Charles County, Maryland, in 2022. As a Certified Public Accountant with over thirty years of experience in financial management and taxation, Yates brings professional expertise to the bench. Before his judicial election, he was appointed by the Maryland Governor to the Charles County Property Tax Assessments Appeals Board, later serving as its Chair. A dedicated community leader, Yates has served as Treasurer for the United Way and End Hunger in Charles County. He resides in Indian Head, Maryland, with his wife, Marion.

• Angela Parker — Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles, Maryland

  Angela Parker is a dedicated community advocate and Republican candidate for Judge of the Orphans' Court in Charles County, Maryland. A resident of Bryans Road in District 2, Parker is deeply engaged in local civic affairs. She has frequently addressed the Charles County Board of County Commissioners, advocating for government transparency, accountability in water projects, and solutions to local flooding and zoning violations. Within the community, Parker serves on the leadership board of the Republican Women of Charles County, where she holds the role of Treasurer and contributes to both the media and literacy committees. She is committed to upholding high ethical standards.