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County Commissioner · District 3 · Saint Mary's 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 raceJohn O'Connor, a former Republican St. Mary's County Commissioner representing District 3, has announced his re-filing for the position after serving two terms from December 2014 to December 2022. During his tenure, he served as Vice-President of the Board from December 2020 through 2022 and represented Charlotte Hall, Mechanicsville, Golden Beach, and the Seventh District. In a statement released in September 2025, O'Connor emphasizes that his return is focused on accountability and transparency for District 3, which includes every neighborhood across the county. He argues that recent county-level officials have threatened the rural identity of St. Mary's County through backroom deals and development decisions driven by big corporations. Additionally, he criticizes fluctuating income taxes and the push to urbanize a rural county rather than preserving existing assets. O'Connor seeks an elected representative who truly works for the people in Charlotte Hall, Mechanicsville, Golden Beach, and the Seventh District.
Accountability and Transparency
O'Connor states that his campaign is not just about an election but about ensuring a representative who truly works for the people.
“"Today I officially filed for County Commissioner in District 3, St Mary's. This isn't just about an election; it's about accountability, transparency..."”
Rural Identity and Legacy
He warns that current officials are threatening the rural identity of the county through development decisions.
“"For the last few years, we've seen a troubling pattern from our county-level officials that threatens our rural identity and legacy."”
Land Use and Zoning
O'Connor criticizes backroom deals and spot zoning driven by big corporations over community voice.
“"Backroom deals, spot zoning, and development decisions driven by big corporations have overshadowed the community's voice..."”
Tax Policy
He notes that income tax has been treated like a bouncing ball while officials push to urbanize a rural county.
“"On top of that, your income tax has been treated like a bouncing ball..."”
Southern Maryland News Net reports that former County Commissioner John O'Connor officially filed to run for District 3 again as of September 4th, 2025. The article notes he served from December 1, 2014 until December 5, 2022 and held the position of Vice-President of the Board during his final two years.
“"This isn't just about an election; it's about accountability, transparency..."”
Source“"Backroom deals, spot zoning, and development decisions driven by big corporations have overshadowed the community's voice..."”
Source“"your income tax has been treated like a bouncing ball, fluctuating while officials push to urbanize a rural county..."”
Source“"ensuring St. Mary's County and District 3 have an elected representative who truly works for the people..."”
Source