Wicomico County voters are electing a newly expanded County Council following changes to the county’s representation structure.
Previously, the County Council consisted of five district members and two at-large members elected countywide. Under the new system, the at-large seats have been eliminated and replaced with two additional district seats, expanding the council to seven district-based members.
District 1 – Shanie Shields (D) holds a significant lead over Bernadette C. Cannady and appears poised to advance to November. No Republican primary was contested in the district.
District 2 – Jim Adkins (D) ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. On the Republican side, James Winn, former At-Large Council member, defeated Patrick Adkins and is positioned to face Jim Adkins in November. Incumbent James Merritt (R) won the seat for Republican Central Committee.
District 3 – Habacuc Petion (D) and Tony Hilligoss (R) both ran unopposed in their respective primaries and are set for a November matchup. Incumbent David Ennis (R) won the seat for Republican Central Committee.
District 4 – Erin Patterson (D) currently leads Aaron Guy in a competitive Democratic primary contest. Republican Bobby Lee Leath Jr. ran unopposed and is expected to face the Democratic nominee in November. Incumbent Josh Hastings (D) won the primary for Delegate district 38B.
District 5 – Aaron Sadberry (D) ran unopposed in the Democratic primary. Republican voters appear to have selected Joe White over Ben Jorden, seemingly setting up a general election contest between Sadberry and White. Incumbent Joe Holloway (R) did not seek reelection.
District 6 – Sarah Ashley (D) and Michael “Hooch” Houck (R) each ran unopposed in their respective primaries and are positioned for a general election matchup this fall.
District 7 – Megan Outten (D) and Ross Evans (R) each ran unopposed in their respective primaries and are positioned for a general election matchup this fall.
MACo’s election coverage and analysis rely on unofficial results published by the State Board of Elections. Official results will follow after a full accounting of pending votes. MACo advises readers that any close unofficial results are subject to realignment in the days ahead.
