The WCTA Government Relations Committee, on behalf of the local Endorsement Council, announces the following recommended candidates for the June 23, 2026, primary elections in Washington County, Maryland.
For the Washington County Board of Education, the following candidates earned the educators’ endorsement:
- Linda Murray
- Pieter Bickford
- Robin Spickler
These three candidates made a compelling argument for their slate during their interview process, noting that together, they have the experience, dedication, and knowledge necessary to serve on the Washington County Board of Education. In addition to these three candidates, Alina Chester and Ethan Loewen participated in the endorsement process.
Questionnaires and invitations to participate in the process were sent to all candidates. Candidates (and incumbents) Darrell Evans and Michael Guessford did not participate in the educators endorsement process.
For the Washington County Board of Commissioners, the following candidates earned the educators’ endorsement for the June primary for the Democratic Party:
- Dave Williams
- Les McIntosh
- Lara Shepherd
- Jonathan Fish
In addition, the council has endorsed Taj Smith, an unaffiliated candidate, in her bid for a seat on the Commission in November’s General Election. Although three Republican candidates, John Barr (incumbent), Randy Leatherman (incumbent), and Curtis Reigh participated in the process, none earned the educators’ endorsement at this time.
Questionnaires and invitations to participate in the process were sent to all candidates. The following candidates did not participate in the educators endorsement process: Samuel Briskins, Chris Keane, Patrick Kirby, Robert Matthew Breeding, Charles, Burkett, Jeffrey Cline (incumbent), April Compton, Kaden Snyder, and Dan Young.
To be considered for WCTA endorsement, local candidates were required to complete and submit a questionnaire and then come to an interview with the WCTA-WCESP Endorsement Council organized by the WCTA Government Relations (GR) Committee. Click here to review the submitted questionnaires of candidates who participated in the process.
The Endorsement Committee members held interviews with all of the candidates who submitted questionnaires on March 28 and April 11. After the interviews were completed, the members of the committee came to consensus and then voted to recommend the candidates to the WCTA Board of Directors and the WCESP Board of Directors. To ensure larger participation in the recommendations for endorsement, the WCTA Board of Directors approved the recommendation at a special meeting held on Wednesday, April 15, and also put the slate of recommended candidates to the entire WCTA Membership to affirm the recommended candidates on an up or down vote. The membership vote concluded on Monday, April 27, with over 90% indicating their support of the recommended candidates.