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Clerk of the Circuit Court · Garrett County · 2026 Primary
The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the chief record-keeper for the county, managing all court documents for civil and criminal cases as well as property deeds and land records. This official is also responsible for issuing marriage and business licenses and swearing in various public officials. By overseeing these administrative functions, the Clerk ensures that legal records are accurately maintained and that essential government services are accessible to the public.
View all candidates in this raceBill Bittinger is the incumbent Garrett County Clerk of the Circuit Court and is running for reelection in 2026 as a Republican. Maryland election records show him as an active candidate, and he appears unopposed on the June 23, 2026 Republican primary ballot. Bittinger currently serves as clerk of court in Garrett County, where the office handles court records, land records, licenses, and other official filings.
Court Operations
Bittinger emphasizes his extensive experience in office operations across all aspects from licensing to court operations will help position him to lead the office effectively going forward.
“"Our office handles many, many different types of court cases," Bittinger said. "Also, we are responsible for the issuance of business licenses, marriage licenses, recording of land records, the issuance of notary commissions and a large number of other public services."”
Leadership Standards
Bittinger notes that previous leaders have set high standards for what the public can expect from the office.
“"The leaders that I have had the privilege to work for — the late David K. Martin, Sondra Buckel, Tim Miller and Kerry Gibson — have set the bar very high when it comes to what the public can expect from us."”
According to WV News staff reports from July 7, 2022, Bittinger announced his candidacy for the position in Oakland. His campaign team is led by treasurer Jason Rush with other members including Jay Ferguson, Shawn Nesselrodt, Alex Mellot, Bruce and Carm Swift, Eric Guthrie and Scott Lohr. Bittinger emphasizes that while the office is not one the public crosses paths with often, it provides essential services including business licenses, marriage licenses, recording of land records, issuance of notary commissions, and other public services.
“Bittinger has been a Garrett County resident for 47 years and lives in Oakland with his wife Nichole. They are the parents of two adult children and they have one granddaughter. Bittinger and his family attend Crossroads Church. He has worked in the Circuit Court Clerk's Office for over 20 years and currently serves as a supervisor and criminal clerk.”
Source“"The leaders that I have had the privilege to work for — the late David K. Martin, Sondra Buckel, Tim Miller and Kerry Gibson — have set the bar very high when it comes to what the public can expect from us."”
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