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County Council Member · District 2 · Wicomico County · 2026 Primary
County Council Members serve as the legislative branch of county government, passing local laws and approving the annual budget that funds public schools, roads, and emergency services. They set local tax rates and make final decisions on land use and zoning, which determines where new homes and businesses can be built. This office is responsible for prioritizing how your tax dollars are spent and managing the long-term growth and infrastructure of your community.
View all candidates in this raceJames Winn is a lifelong resident of Maryland born in Olney who has lived in Wicomico County for 18 years, graduating Parkside High School in 2011. He co-owns Acme Ceramic Tile Co with his father after starting as a tile craftsman right out of high school and positions himself as a fiscal watchdog committed to keeping taxes low and fair while supporting infrastructure maintenance. His platform emphasizes parental choice in education, traditional subjects, and backing first responders who protect the community around the clock. He advocates for healthy growth that protects natural resources like farmlands and waterways alongside agritourism initiatives. External reporting notes he is a devout Christian whose religious remarks at a September 2025 meeting sparked controversy regarding sectarian prayer in public sessions.
Sources: Campaign website
"It's an Honor to run for County Council at Large."
Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you!
I understand the need for taxes... I will be a watchdog of our tax dollars in Wicomico County to keep our taxes low and fair.
As your next councilman, I will support local business. Small business owners are a unique group who create and have the ability to make our local economy boom.
Source: jameswinn4office.com
Tax Policy
Winn states he will be a watchdog for tax dollars to ensure they are used fairly and kept low while funding necessary infrastructure maintenance.
“"I understand the need for taxes. We need to be able to pay for the maintenance of our roads, infrastructure, and public safety... I will be a watchdog of our tax dollars in Wicomico County to keep our taxes low and fair."”
Education
He advocates for parental choice in education and backing traditional subjects like reading, writing, math, science, history and civics.
“"As your next councilman I will back the parents' role in their child's education... It is the school's role to educate the children in traditional subjects such as reading, writing, math, science, history and civics. I support trade programs equally, if not more than college preparatory curriculum. I am a strong advocate for Parent Choice and School Choice."”
Small Business
As a third-generation small business owner, he pledges to keep taxes low so local businesses can grow and make the county thrive.
“"As a 3rd generation small business owner, I understand the life that comes with it... As your councilman I will keep your taxes low so you can grow and make Wicomico a place to thrive."”
Public Safety
He pledges to always support first responders who put their lives on the line every day and night.
“"I will always support our first responders and stand behind their tough judgment."”
Environment
Winn wants to preserve unique natural resources including farmlands, woodlands, and waterways while promoting growth in Parks and Recreation.
“"The leadership in our county needs to focus on healthy growth, not just any growth. We need to protect the natural beauty of our farmlands, woodlands and waterways..."”
Agriculture
He identifies as an avid hunter and fisherman who wants to ensure farmers and watermen are respected and protected.
“"As an avid hunter and fisherman, I have gotten to know many of our local farmers and watermen. Our farmers and watermen will not be forgotten on my watch... They must be respected and protected."”
External sources report that Winn drew criticism at a September 16 council meeting for an extended religious rant where he pulled out a Bible and declared he would "pray for non-Christians" following the death of activist Charlie Kirk. Critics argued his comments blurred the line between personal faith and elected official duties, excluding non-Christian residents and showing a lack of respect for the county's religious diversity. Following these remarks and legal counsel guidance regarding federal court rulings on sectarian prayer, the County Council officially announced the discontinuation of the Lord's Prayer at meetings in January 2026.
“"As your next councilman I will back the parents' role in their child's education... I am a strong advocate for Parent Choice and School Choice."”
Source“"As a 3rd generation small business owner, I understand the life that comes with it... As your councilman I will keep your taxes low so you can grow and make Wicomico a place to thrive."”
Source“"I understand the need for taxes... I will be a watchdog of our tax dollars in Wicomico County to keep our taxes low and fair."”
Source“"I will always support our first responders and stand behind their tough judgment."”
Source“"The leadership in our county needs to focus on healthy growth, not just any growth. We need to protect the natural beauty of our farmlands, woodlands and waterways..."”
Source“"As an avid hunter and fisherman, I have gotten to know many of our local farmers and watermen. Our farmers and watermen will not be forgotten on my watch..."”
Source“"Wicomico County Councilman James Winn (R-At Large) drew criticism at the Sept. 16 council meeting because of his extended religious rant... Several attendees called the outburst inappropriate for a public governmental meeting, noting that Winn blurred the line between his own religious faith and his role as an elected official."”
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