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Sheriff · Frederick County · 2026 Primary
The Sheriff is an elected official responsible for maintaining courthouse security, serving legal documents such as warrants and evictions, and transporting individuals in custody. In many Maryland counties, the Sheriff’s Office also serves as the primary law enforcement agency, conducting patrols and investigating crimes. This office is a key part of the local justice system, ensuring that court orders are enforced and the public is protected.
View all candidates in this raceKarl Bickel is a retired U.S. Department of Justice senior policy analyst and former high-ranking deputy in the Frederick County Sheriff's Office who is running for Frederick County sheriff as a Democrat for his fourth time. He lost previous races to incumbent Chuck Jenkins in 2014, 2018, and 2022 by margins of 25.7, 3.9, and 2.8 percentage points respectively. Bickel is now 75 years old and a 40-year Frederick County resident seeking to restore ethical conduct and integrity to the sheriff's office. He plans to face Jason Ciemielewski in the June 23 Maryland primary election while incumbent Chuck Jenkins faces Gary Morton in the Republican primary.
Government Ethics
Bickel aims to restore ethical conduct and integrity to the sheriff's office, citing issues with current leadership.
“"The need still exists and we don't have a good field of candidates," Bickel told The Frederick News-Post about his reason for running again. He said he wants to restore "ethical conduct and integrity to the office of sheriff."”
Leadership Style
Bickel criticizes incumbent Chuck Jenkins' leadership approach as detrimental to both the county and rank-and-file personnel.
“"It's still a good old boy leadership style that is not good for the county. It's certainly not good for the rank and file personnel in the sheriff's office."”
Criminal Justice
Bickel cites lawsuits involving racial profiling at the sheriff's office and inmate suicides at the county detention center as issues requiring attention.
“Bickel cited lawsuits that the sheriff's office has faced for racial profiling and inmate suicides at the county detention center.”
According to The Frederick News-Post, Bickel filed for his fourth run as a Democrat focusing on ethical reforms in the sheriff's office. He told reporters that 'The need still exists and we don't have a good field of candidates' regarding his decision to run again. Bickel stated he wants to restore 'ethical conduct and integrity to the office of sheriff' and criticized incumbent Jenkins for maintaining an 'It's still a good old boy leadership style that is not good for the county.'