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County Commissioner · District 5 · Worcester 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 raceJoe Schanno is a Republican candidate seeking Worcester County Commissioner for District 5 in the 2026 Maryland primary election. He has deep roots in Worcester County and Ocean Pines, where he grew up as the son of Joseph F. Schanno and Joanna Schanno. Joe attended Stephen Decatur High School and studied Political Science at Salisbury University before becoming a community banker. His background includes serving as an Eagle Scout and Committee Chair for Scouting America Troop #261, Vice President of the Worcester County GOLD Board of Directors, member of Bearded Men Society of Ocean City, Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, and board member for the Worcester County Economic Development Board. He campaigns on making Worcester County more affordable with stronger schools, protecting local control over development decisions, addressing water and sewage infrastructure needs in Ocean Pines, ensuring public safety during summer tourism surges, preserving fiscal health of the school system, and opposing offshore wind farm projects that could harm the coastline.
Sources: Campaign website
"Worcester County has given me a solid foundation for success, and I want to make sure all members of our community can have the same opportunities I was given. I will fight for a more affordable county, with stronger schools and pathways to success for the next generation."
"Joe believes in the importance of outdoor recreation for Worcester County. He is an Eagle Scout and Committee Chair for Scouting America Troop #261 where he has helped countless young people experience camping, hiking, and fishing while building confidence, patriotism, and leadership skills."
"Worcester first! Support Joe Schanno as your next Worcester County Commissioner, District 5."
"Joe will advocate for common-sense development policies that help responsibly grow communities and make Ocean Pines affordable again."
Source: schannoforworcester.com
Affordability
Joe will advocate for common-sense development policies that help responsibly grow communities and make Ocean Pines affordable again, addressing rising costs and taxes as the county bureaucracy has not kept up with demand for new housing.
“"Worcester County is growing, and the county bureaucracy has not kept up with the demand for new housing. As a result, seniors and young families are facing higher costs and rising taxes. Joe will advocate for common-sense development policies that help responsibly grow communities and make Ocean Pines affordable again."”
Water & Sewage
Joe believes Ocean Pines currently subsidizes other parts of Worcester County through higher sewage and water rates, which is not fair to residents. He will advocate for Ocean Pines and work to prevent rate increases.
“"Ocean Pines currently subsidizes other parts of Worcester County through higher sewage and water rates, and Joe believes this is not fair to residents. He will advocate for Ocean Pines and work to prevent rate increases for services the community is already overpaying for."”
Public Safety
Joe will partner with law enforcement to secure resources needed to maintain peace and safety in Ocean Pines and across the county during summer when weekend population surges with more than 300,000 visitors.
“"When summer arrives, Worcester County's weekend population surges with more than 300,000 visitors to Ocean City and surrounding areas. Joe will partner with law enforcement to secure the resources needed to maintain peace and safety in Ocean Pines and across the county."”
County Infrastructure
Joe will fight for improved infrastructure in Worcester County including projects critical to Ocean Pines residents like widening Route 589/Racetrack Road, noting that while the county generates significant revenue for Maryland, local communities often don't receive support they deserve.
“"While Worcester County generates significant revenue for the State of Maryland, local residents and communities often don't receive the support they deserve. Joe will fight for improved infrastructure in Worcester County including projects critical to Ocean Pines residents like widening Route 589/Racetrack Road."”
Education
Joe believes it is essential to preserve the fiscal health of Worcester County's unique school system and protect opportunities while ensuring local schools remain in control of decisions affecting students and families.
“"Worcester County Public Schools provide students with a wide range of pathways to succeed, from trade schools to college, supported by teachers who have often been invested in the community for decades. Joe believes it is essential to preserve the fiscal health of Worcester County's unique school system and protect the opportunities it provides while ensuring local schools remain in control of decisions that affect students and families."”
Wind Farms
Joe is committed to protecting Worcester County's coastline and beaches from offshore wind projects that could harm natural beauty, tourism, and the local fishing industry, advocating for local control and solutions that preserve the environment while supporting the county's economy.
“"Joe is committed to protecting Worcester County's coastline and beaches from offshore wind projects that could harm the natural beauty, tourism, and local fishing industry. Joe will stand against proposals to build wind farms off the coast of Ocean City, advocating for local control and solutions that preserve the environment while supporting the county's economy and way of life."”
External news coverage from October Today Dispatch confirms Joe Schanno filed as a Republican candidate for Worcester County Commissioner District 5 in the March 2026 filing period, noting he is running against incumbent Democratic Sen. Mary Beth Carozza who represents District 38. The Yahoo article lists candidates filing for local offices around Delmarva for the 2026 primary election but does not specifically detail Schanno's individual record or endorsements beyond his candidacy confirmation.
“"Worcester County is growing, and the county bureaucracy has not kept up with the demand for new housing. As a result, seniors and young families are facing higher costs and rising taxes."”
Source“"Joe will partner with law enforcement to secure the resources needed to maintain peace and safety in Ocean Pines and across the county."”
Source“"Joe will fight for improved infrastructure in Worcester County including projects critical to Ocean Pines residents like widening Route 589/Racetrack Road."”
Source“"Joe believes it is essential to preserve the fiscal health of Worcester County's unique school system and protect the opportunities it provides while ensuring local schools remain in control."”
Source“"Joe is committed to protecting Worcester County's coastline and beaches from offshore wind projects that could harm the natural beauty, tourism, and local fishing industry."”
Source“"As a community banker and an active community member, Joe has firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities facing small businesses, entrepreneurs, and working families across the region."”
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