By MDBayNews Staff
The 2026 race for Wicomico County Executive is officially underway — and for now, it’s a familiar matchup.
According to the Maryland State Board of Elections’ official 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Local Candidates List (last updated February 10, 2026), two candidates are currently filed and active:
- Julie M. Giordano (Republican) – Incumbent
- Ernest Davis (Democrat) – Former County Councilman
No other candidates are listed as active at this time.
The general election will be held November 3, 2026, following the June primary.
The Incumbent: Julie M. Giordano (R)
Julie M. Giordano
Filed: March 21, 2025
Giordano was elected County Executive in 2022 and is seeking a second term. Her administration has centered on:
- Fiscal restraint and property tax reductions (including a proposed FY 2026 budget featuring over $3 million in property tax relief)
- Public safety and support for local law enforcement
- Support for cooperation with federal immigration enforcement programs such as 287(g)
- Economic development and housing rehabilitation efforts
- Opposition to what she has described as overreach from Annapolis mandates
As the incumbent, Giordano enters the race with institutional advantages — name recognition, an existing donor network, and a stronger early fundraising position.
Campaign finance filings indicate she has raised approximately $59,807 so far in the cycle, spent roughly $41,369, and retains about $19,565 cash on hand.
Her messaging is consistent with Eastern Shore conservatism: lower taxes, local control, public safety, and resistance to state interference.
The Challenger: Ernest Davis (D)
Ernest Davis
Filed: January 20, 2026
Davis is no stranger to county politics. A former Wicomico County Council member (District 1, 2014–2022) and retired Maryland State Trooper, he was also the Democratic nominee for County Executive in 2022 — making 2026 a rematch.
So far, Davis has maintained a relatively low-profile campaign, with limited public policy rollout as of early February. Based on his past runs and background, observers expect emphasis on:
- Community-focused governance
- Local services and infrastructure
- Education support
- Broader inclusion and equity initiatives
Early fundraising reflects a slower start, though he only recently registered. Reports indicate approximately $125 raised this cycle, $1,805 spent, and roughly $2,539 cash on hand. Those numbers may change as the primary approaches.
A Rematch with Different Stakes
The 2022 race was competitive, with Giordano winning narrowly in a politically divided county that often swings with broader national trends.
Wicomico County sits at a crossroads:
- Salisbury continues to grow and evolve.
- Public safety concerns remain top-of-mind.
- Housing affordability and infrastructure needs are rising.
- State-level policies increasingly shape local government authority.
For center-right voters, this race may hinge on whether they believe Giordano has delivered measurable results on taxes, crime, and governance — or whether fatigue and economic pressure open space for a change in leadership.
For Democrats, the path forward requires stronger organization and fundraising if they intend to mount a serious challenge.
Who Is Not Running?
Earlier in 2025, Salisbury City Councilmember Michele Gregory had announced a Democratic bid but suspended her campaign in November 2025. She does not appear on the current certified candidate list.
At this time, no additional challengers — from either party — are listed as active.
What Comes Next
- Candidate filing deadlines and potential late entries could still reshape the field.
- Primary elections will take place in June 2026.
- The general election will be November 3, 2026.
- Fundraising and issue framing will intensify this spring.
For the most up-to-date candidate status, voters should consult the Maryland State Board of Elections website at elections.maryland.gov.
MDBayNews will continue covering developments as this Eastern Shore rematch unfolds.
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