John O'Connor
Advanced as the Republican Nominee after the June 23, 2026 Primary Election with 4,833 votes (100.0%). Always verify official ballot status with the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Former two-term St. Mary's County Commissioner for District 3 (2014–2022) and Board Vice President. Decorated U.S. Army paratrooper, Sergeant, and MP combat veteran (Purple Heart recipient & Commendation Medal with Valor). Brings over 25 years of public service across military, 15 years in law enforcement (2009–2024), federal service (DOJ), and municipal administration. Holds a B.S. in Management from Johns Hopkins University and is a small-business owner, licensed private pilot, and youth sports coach residing in Mechanicsville.
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Verified Policy Stances & Platform
Public record positions, statements, and campaign positions.
Repealing the County Energy Tax, Lowering Fees, and Stopping Blank Checks & Debt
Pledges to repeal the county energy tax and end deficit-driven fee hikes, pointing to his prior two-term commissioner record of cutting taxes and opposing runaway county borrowing.
"They raised them. I lowered them before. I’ll fight to lower them again. Repeal the energy tax: Take it off the books. End it once and for all... Stop blank checks & debt: Show the full cost. Fund needs first. Stop passing debt to our children."
Stopping Unchecked Sprawl, Enforcing Designated Growth Areas, and Making Growth Pay Its Way
Advocates for halting suburban sprawl by steering development exclusively into designated growth corridors, protecting rural spaces, and making developers pay their full share of required infrastructure.
"Control growth: Stop sprawl. Use designated growth areas. Make growth pay its way. Listen to citizens."
Unwavering Backing for Sheriff's Deputies, Volunteer Fire/EMS, and First Responders
Draws upon 15 years as a police officer and Army MP combat veteran to deliver robust budget backing, competitive deputy pay, and capital equipment support for volunteer fire and rescue squads.
"John served in the U.S. Army as a paratrooper and Sergeant, with military police service in Kosovo and Iraq... Law enforcement officer from 2009–2024, serving with both large and small law enforcement agencies. Supporting our first responders and volunteer fire and rescue departments is my highest priority."
Classroom-Focused School Funding, Full-Cost Disclosure, and Accountability
Supports prioritizing classroom instruction, teacher support, and student safety while demanding full fiscal transparency and accountability in education spending.
"Voters deserve answers on state funding, operating costs, borrowing... Show the full cost. Fund needs first. Stop passing debt to our children."
Expediting Highway Improvements, Infrastructure Maintenance, and Countywide Representation
Combines 8 years as district commissioner with professional government administration and risk management expertise to accelerate critical county road projects and capital improvements.
"District 3 is home, but every commissioner is elected countywide. John’s campaign is accountable to every taxpayer and every community in St. Mary’s County... Hands-on work in public policy, municipal administration, capital planning, grant development, and strategic program management."
Official Campaign Priorities
- Lowering taxes & fees: Repealing the county energy tax and ending deficit-driven fees
- Controlling growth: Stopping sprawl, using designated growth areas, and making growth pay its way
- Stopping blank checks & debt: Demanding full-cost disclosure, funding needs first, and limiting borrowing
- Public safety & first responders: Unwavering backing for Sheriff's deputies and volunteer fire/rescue
- District 3 accountability: Countywide representation accountable to every taxpayer in St. Mary's
Other Candidates in This Race:
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Live Activity Timeline
John O'Connor outlines his public safety priorities, pledging continued capital support for volunteer fire stations in Mechanicsville and Charlotte Hall, competitive deputy pay, and vocational training expansion.