2026 Primary Election Results Certified, New Countywide Leadership Changes

July 15, 2026

Maryland's 2026 primary elections have been certified, showing a significant drop in statewide voter turnout to approximately 17% compared to 27% in 2024, though Prince George's County saw only a modest decline. Governor Wes Moore won decisively with over 88% of the vote and will face Republican Dan Cox in a rematch of their 2022 race. Adrian Boafo secured the Democratic nomination to replace longtime Representative Steny Hoyer, while most incumbent Prince George's County Council members retained their seats.

Who is affected

Maryland voters statewide and specifically in Prince George's County
Governor Wes Moore (D)
Former Republican Del. Dan Cox
Del. Adrian Boafo (D-District 23)
Retiring Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.)
All non-term-limited incumbent Prince George's County Council members (Tim Adams, Danielle Hunter, and Sydney Harrison)
Newly elected council members: Michelle Garcia, Victor Ramirez, and Tamara Davis Brown
Jocelyn Route (elected register of wills)
Kayla Bryant (defeated candidate for register of wills)
Qiana Johnson (elected clerk of court)
Incumbent clerk Mahasin El Amin (defeated)
Board of Education candidates in Districts 2, 3, 6, and 9
Prince George's County residents who will be served by these officials

What action is being taken

No explicit ongoing actions are described in the article beyond the certification of election results.

Why it matters

This election matters because it determines leadership for Maryland's state government and Prince George's County's local government for the coming term. The significantly lower voter turnout (17% statewide versus 27% in 2024) raises concerns about civic engagement in primary elections. The victory of Qiana Johnson, a nonprofit leader focused on re-entry services following her own criminal conviction, represents a significant shift toward reforming the clerk of court office with emphasis on transparency and accessibility. The upcoming Board of Education races will be the only competitive local elections in the deep-blue county, making educational leadership decisions particularly important for the community's future.

What's next

Governor Wes Moore will face former Republican Del. Dan Cox in the general election (rematch of 2022)
Board of Education races will be held: Terrence Clegg vs. Caroline Decaire-Goldin (District 2), Ericka K. Bennett vs. Chandrai Jackson-Saunders (District 9), Juan Arango-Millan vs. Jamie McGonnigal (District 3), and Ashley Kearney vs. Tyra Bennett (District 6)
Jocelyn Route plans to bring the register of wills office to the community through a mobile unit to address transportation issues
Qiana Johnson plans to modernize the clerk of court operations, strengthen customer service, invest in employees, and ensure dignity and respect for all residents

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer