Baltimore County, Maryland

Baltimore County Sheriff

2 candidates are tracked for Baltimore County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Clyde E. Boatwright and Michael F. Burke. Candidate information follows official Baltimore County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Clyde E. Boatwright (Democratic), Michael F. Burke (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Baltimore County Sheriff, per the State Board of Elections' certified 2026 Gubernatorial General candidate list (updated September 7, 2026). Also filed but not printing: Dana R. Robinson (failed to submit required number of signatures), per the same list.

What this office does

Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.

This race. Every voter in Baltimore County votes on this seat.

Maryland › Baltimore County › Baltimore County Sheriff

Clyde E. Boatwright

Democratic

Top priorities

Establishing a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit to serve court orders and support victims
Partnering with organizations such as the Family Crisis Center and Women's Law Center of Maryland

Per The Baltimore Banner voter guide.

Biography

Boatwright has 25 years of law enforcement experience, primarily with Baltimore City Police and School Police, and currently serves as president of the Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police, per The Baltimore Banner voter guide. He completed leadership training at Northwestern University's School of Police Staff and Command and studied executive leadership at the University of Maryland Global Campus, per The Baltimore Banner voter guide.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Michael F. Burke

Republican

Top priorities

Commits to active, visible leadership focused on public safety, operational efficiency, and community relationships
Pledges to improve staffing and training and ensure court security and warrant service are handled effectively
Emphasizes integrity, professionalism, and a people-first approach to building community trust

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Burke is a Glyndon resident with more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement, military service, and public safety, including work in military police, counterintelligence, investigations, and emergency services, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotBaltimore County Board of Education, District 1

See your full ballot

Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Baltimore County Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Baltimore County Sheriff election in Maryland?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Maryland are on the Maryland election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Baltimore County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Baltimore County and state election office filings, last verified October 1, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Maryland election office, or see the full Baltimore County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Baltimore County ballot

42 tracked races in Baltimore County, Maryland. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Baltimore County Board of Education, District 2 Baltimore County Board of Education, District 3 Baltimore County Board of Education, District 4 See all 42 Baltimore County races

Candidate profiles

Clyde E. Boatwright, full profile Michael F. Burke, full profile Official Maryland election office