By Michael Phillips | MDBayNews
FREDERICK, Md. — Chuck Jenkins formally launched his campaign this week for a sixth four-year term as Frederick County Sheriff, filing paperwork and announcing his re-election bid on January 15, 2026. The move cements Jenkins’ intention to continue leading the Sheriff’s Office he has headed since 2006.
A Republican and one of Maryland’s longest-serving sheriffs, Jenkins is framing his campaign around experience, continuity, and public safety—arguing that stability in law enforcement leadership matters at a time of rising political pressure on policing statewide.
A Long Tenure Rooted in Experience
Jenkins, a Frederick native born in 1956, graduated from Frederick High School before spending 16 years in the communications satellite industry. He joined the Frederick County Sheriff’s Office in 1990, serving in patrol and criminal investigations before winning election as sheriff in 2006.
With more than 35 years in law enforcement, Jenkins has built a reputation as a hands-on executive and a vocal advocate for local control of public safety policy. His campaign branding continues to emphasize his self-described role as “The People’s Sheriff,” highlighting both longevity and familiarity with the community.
Immigration Enforcement at the Center
The most defining—and controversial—element of Jenkins’ record remains Frederick County’s participation in the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained local deputies to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to identify undocumented immigrants already in county custody.
Jenkins has consistently defended the program, crediting it with removing nearly 1,900 individuals over the course of nearly two decades and arguing that it contributes to lower crime rates compared to jurisdictions that refuse cooperation with federal authorities.
He has also warned that efforts by Maryland lawmakers to restrict or ban 287(g) agreements would undermine public safety and potentially invite more aggressive federal enforcement actions. Jenkins has previously stated that, as an independently elected constitutional officer, he would challenge such restrictions in court if enacted.
Vindication After Federal Case Dismissal
Jenkins enters the 2026 race following the dismissal with prejudice of a federal indictment in late 2024 related to an alleged machine gun scheme involving a local gun shop owner. After the co-defendant was acquitted, prosecutors dropped the case against Jenkins entirely.
The sheriff has described the dismissal as full vindication, and supporters see the outcome as strengthening his argument that political and legal attacks failed to dislodge him from office.
No Challengers Yet, But a Clear Message
As of this week, no challengers have officially filed to run against Jenkins. Still, his early launch suggests an effort to define the race on his terms—focusing on law enforcement independence, cooperation with federal agencies, and resistance to what he characterizes as Annapolis-driven interference.
For Frederick County voters, the 2026 sheriff’s race may ultimately come down to a familiar question: whether long-standing continuity and a tough-on-crime approach remain the best fit for a county balancing growth, state politics, and public safety concerns.
As the campaign unfolds, Jenkins’ record—and his unapologetic stance on immigration enforcement—are likely to remain front and center.
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