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County Commissioner · Washington 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 racePatrick Kirby is a 30-year-old physical therapy technician running for Washington County Commissioner in Maryland. He married into a family with deep roots in the community and identifies as the first openly gay Commissioner candidate from Washington County. As a healthcare worker, he has witnessed daily failures of the system including struggling working families, inadequate mental health and addiction services, rising homelessness, and underfunded schools. His campaign emphasizes addressing root causes rather than managing symptoms, with pledges to reject contributions from Big Tech companies, fossil fuel executives, and for-profit health insurance corporations while supporting LGBTQ+ students in education.
Sources: Campaign website
I'm not a career politician. I'm a physical therapy technician who works right here in Washington County.
This isn't an abstract policy problem. These are our neighbors. Our community members. People doing everything right and still struggling.
Washington County deserves commissioners who listen to the community, ask hard questions, and actually solve problems—not just manage them.
Our government should represent everyone in our community—and that starts with having diverse voices at the table who are willing to ask hard questions and fight for real change.
I've pledged to reject contributions from Big Tech companies and their executives, keeping this campaign accountable to the people of Washington County, not Silicon Valley.
Source: kirbyforcommissioner.com
Healthcare
Kirby addresses failures in healthcare access where patients can't afford co-pays and families choose between medication and groceries. He pledges to reject contributions from for-profit health insurance companies.
“As a healthcare worker, I see the failures of our system every single day. Working families are struggling.”
Housing
Kirby notes that 30% of Washington County families can't afford housing despite working full-time jobs. He pledges to sign the Homes Guarantee pledge fighting for housing as a human right.
“Homelessness keeps rising because we won't address affordable housing.”
Mental Health & Addiction
Kirby states mental health and addiction services are failing people when they need help most. He pledges to restore 24/7 crisis response services.
“Mental health and addiction services are failing people when they need help most.”
Education
Kirby notes schools don't get funding needed to give every kid a fair shot. He signed the EducateUS pledge to support comprehensive, inclusive relationships and sexuality education.
“Our schools don't get the funding they need to give every kid a fair shot.”
Economic Development
Kirby addresses stagnant wages while costs keep climbing. He pledges to work with local employers to support living wages.
“Wages have stagnated while costs keep climbing. Working 40+ hours should be enough to support your family.”
“As a healthcare worker, I see the failures of our system every single day. Working families are struggling.”
Source“Homelessness keeps rising because we won't address affordable housing.”
Source“Our schools don't get the funding they need to give every kid a fair shot.”
Source“Wages have stagnated while costs keep climbing. Working 40+ hours should be enough to support your family.”
Source“I've pledged to reject contributions from Big Tech companies and their executives, keeping this campaign accountable to the people of Washington County.”
Source