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Register of Wills · Prince George's County · 2026 Primary
The Register of Wills oversees the legal process of settling a person's estate after they pass away, ensuring assets are distributed correctly to heirs and beneficiaries according to the law. This office is responsible for maintaining permanent records of wills and probate documents while also collecting inheritance taxes on behalf of the state. By managing these sensitive transitions, the official ensures the orderly and transparent transfer of property within the community.
View all candidates in this raceLinda Thornton Thomas is running for Register of Wills in Prince George's County on a platform centered on "Building Neighborhood Generational Wealth." Her professional background includes service as an Administrative Law Judge for the U.S. Department of Labor, where she reviewed wills and trusts, and as an Education Program Specialist for the U.S. Department of Education. Thornton Thomas has also served as a member of the Prince George’s County School Board and is the current president of the local NAACP chapter. She has been appointed to state-level committees by Governor Wes Moore and Comptroller Brooke Lierman, focusing on public-private partnerships and supporting new Americans. Her campaign emphasizes the Register of Wills' role in protecting assets from being lost during the probate process and addressing systemic wealth gaps through structural solutions.
Sources: Campaign website
“Every family deserves to have their wishes honored and their legacy protected. As Register of the Wills, I will ensure that our office serves as a guardian of generational wealth for all Prince George’s County families.”
“The Register of Wills office plays a critical role in preserving and transferring wealth from one generation to the next. By ensuring a transparent, efficient, and fair probate process, the Register helps families maintain their hard-earned assets and build lasting legacies.”
“My goal in running is to enhance opportunities for all communities, thus building lasting wealth.”
Generational Wealth Rebuilding
Utilizing the Register of Wills office to ensure family legacies are protected and that the transfer of assets is transparent and fair.
“As Register of the Wills, I will ensure that our office serves as a guardian of generational wealth for all Prince George’s County families.”
Probate Oversight and Conflict Reduction
Providing clear legal oversight to prevent inheritance conflicts and facilitate the orderly transfer of assets to prevent loss.
“Proper probate with clear legal oversight reduces the potential for family inheritance conflicts. The office's official process facilitates asset transfers, preventing loss.”
Addressing Structural Wealth Gaps
Advocating for publicly funded trust accounts for children and targeted homeownership programs to combat historical discrimination in wealth accumulation.
“Proposals for publicly funded trust accounts for children could help reduce the wealth gap by providing capital for education or homeownership upon adulthood.”
The Washington Informer identifies Linda Thornton Thomas as the president of the Prince George’s NAACP and one of twelve candidates running for the Register of Wills seat. The article notes that the current incumbent, Cereta Lee, is not seeking reelection.
“Special purpose credit programs and first-generation down payment assistance programs are being explored to help more Black families access homeownership on more favorable terms.”
Source“Building Neighborhood Generational Wealth for every family in Prince George’s County.”
Source“Organizations like Chambers of Commerce and programs like the NAACP's entrepreneurship initiative help small and minority owned businesses thrive by offering resources, networking, and funding.”
Source“Proposals for publicly funded trust accounts for children could help reduce the wealth gap by providing capital for education or homeownership upon adulthood.”
Source