Howard County, Maryland

Howard Sheriff

One candidate is tracked for Howard Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Marcus Harris. Candidate information follows official Howard County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Marcus Harris (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Howard Sheriff, per the State Board of Elections' certified 2026 Gubernatorial General candidate list (updated September 7, 2026).

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 Howard County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, Marcus Harris, is on the ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

Maryland › Howard County › Howard Sheriff

Marcus Harris

DemocraticIncumbent

Top priorities

Community trust and engagement with the Sheriff's Office
Modernizing operations through body-worn cameras, drone use and enhanced training
Building partnerships with police, the state's attorney's office and community organizations

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Harris has served as Howard County Sheriff since his election in 2018, becoming the first Black sheriff in county history, and is now serving his second term, per Maryland Manual. He previously worked as a detective with the Baltimore County Police Department, per campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Howard Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Howard 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 Howard 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 Howard County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

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

The rest of your Howard County ballot

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

Also on your ballot

Judge of the Circuit Court, Judicial Circuit 5 Maryland Senate District 9 Maryland Senate District 12 See all 19 Howard County races

Candidate profiles

Marcus Harris, full profile Official Maryland election office