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County Commissioner · District 3 · Charles County · 2026 Primary
County Commissioners act as both the lawmaking body and the executive branch for their county, meaning they pass local ordinances and oversee all county departments. They are responsible for setting property tax rates and adopting the annual budget, which determines funding levels for essential services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency responders. Their decisions on land use and zoning also directly influence how your community grows and what types of businesses or housing can be built.
View all candidates in this raceJames F. Wade, Sr. is a candidate running for Charles County Commissioner in District 3, drawing on over four decades of service experience including twenty-two years in the United States Army and eighteen years in federal government leadership roles at the Department of State and USAID. A long-time resident of Waldorf, Maryland, he serves as Chairman of the Baltimore War Memorial Commission and holds various positions within veteran organizations like the Maryland Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Association for Black Veterans. He emphasizes a mission rooted in service, integrity, and compassion, aiming to protect neighborhoods, support veterans and seniors, and ensure transparent government operations that reflect community voices. His educational background includes Master's and Bachelor's degrees in Management from the University of Maryland University College and a Bachelor's in Bible Studies and Theology from Calvary Christian College. He runs with a focus on sustainable growth, economic opportunity, public safety, and fiscal responsibility to improve quality of life for all residents.
Sources: Campaign website
Infrastructure & Responsible Growth
Wade is committed to ensuring Charles County grows sustainably with traffic impact assessments, phased construction approvals, and mandatory developer contributions. He advocates for structured decision-making that incorporates stakeholder input and clear public disclosure of rationale.
“"James F. Wade, Sr. is committed to ensuring that Charles County grows in a way that is sustainable, strategic, and aligned with the community's long‑term needs. Implement responsible residential development policies... Provide clear public disclosure of the rationale behind decisions made on behalf of the county."”
Ethics & Accountability
Wade prioritizes an effective internal control system to strengthen ethical culture and operational integrity across county government, ensuring all employees uphold high standards of transparency.
“"Integrity in government is essential to earning and maintaining public trust. Implement and maintain an effective internal control system that strengthens ethical culture... Ensure that all employees—including the Charles County Commissioner and members of the Board of Commissioners—uphold high standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability."”
Economic Development & Local Business
The campaign aims to strengthen District 3's economic foundation through commercial development, entrepreneurship outreach, improved transportation access, and tax incentives.
“"Strengthening the economic foundation of District 3 is essential to creating opportunity and long‑term prosperity. Promote commercial development and entrepreneurship... Measure progress through key indicators such as the number of new business permits issued and the growth of commercial investment over the next three years."”
Education & Public Safety
Wade plans to partner with the Board of Education and Sheriff's Office to align budgetary resources, prioritize safe school facilities, and ensure Fire, EMS, and law enforcement have necessary technology.
“"Partner with the Charles County Board of Education and the Charles County Sheriff's Office to ensure budgetary resources are aligned with community priorities. Prioritize funding that supports safe, well‑maintained school facilities... Ensure that Fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies have access to the technology and equipment necessary to protect residents."”
“"Implement responsible residential development policies, including traffic impact assessments... Provide clear public disclosure of the rationale behind decisions made on behalf of the county."”
Source“"Promote commercial development and entrepreneurship through targeted business outreach, improved transportation access... Measure progress through key indicators such as the number of new business permits issued."”
Source“"Integrity in government is essential to earning and maintaining public trust... Ensure that all employees—including the Charles County Commissioner and members of the Board of Commissioners—uphold high standards of ethics, transparency, and accountability."”
Source“"Ensure that Fire, EMS, and law enforcement agencies have access to the technology and equipment necessary to protect residents and respond effectively to emergencies."”
Source“"Prioritize funding that supports safe, well‑maintained school facilities and modern learning environments for students and educators."”
Source“"James has dedicated his life to elevating others, especially veterans... He currently serves as Chairman of the Baltimore War Memorial Commission. He is also a Commissioner on the Charles County Veterans Affairs Commission."”
Source“"James has dedicated his life to elevating others, especially veterans, seniors, working families, and underserved communities."”
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