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County Commissioner · District 2 · Queen Anne'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 racePatrick McLaughlin is a businessman and incumbent County Commissioner seeking re-election to District 2 in Queen Anne’s County. A resident of the area for nearly 30 years, he previously owned and operated a medical distribution company and a local insurance agency before devoting himself fully to public service in mid-2024. McLaughlin describes himself as a conservative leader guided by faith, family, and principles of personal responsibility and limited government. His platform focuses on maintaining fiscal discipline, including keeping property taxes low and achieving a AAA bond rating, while managing residential growth through temporary moratoriums. He is actively involved in local boards concerning Fire & EMS, Parks & Recreation, and Economic Development, and has prioritized initiatives ranging from mental health access to traffic management on state routes.
Sources: Campaign website
I’m running for re-election because I love this community and believe Queen Anne’s County deserves steady, thoughtful leadership rooted in faith, family, and conservative principles.
Throughout my life and career, I’ve been guided by the values of personal responsibility, limited government, fiscal discipline, and respect for our traditions. Those principles continue to shape my work as your County Commissioner.
Patrick has delivered historic tax relief by keeping Queen Anne’s County’s property tax rate the second-lowest in Maryland. He has held the line with: NO new property taxes, NO new business taxes, and NO new individual taxes.
My goal has always been simple: leave this community better for our children and grandchildren.
I remain deeply committed to protecting our Eastern Shore values and pushing back against unfunded mandates from Annapolis that burden our local communities.
Source: patrick4qac.org
Fiscal Responsibility
Aims to maintain low property tax rates and oppose new taxes while ensuring the government lives within its means.
“Patrick has delivered historic tax relief by keeping Queen Anne’s County’s property tax rate the second-lowest in Maryland. He has held the line with: NO new property taxes, NO new business taxes, and NO new individual taxes.”
Responsible Growth
Supports temporary moratoriums on large residential developments and advocates for Adequate Public Facilities standards to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with growth.
“Patrick supported a temporary moratorium on large and medium residential developments to slow excessive growth... through Adequate Public Facilities (APFO) standards, he works to ensure development matches our roads, schools, and sewer and water infrastructure.”
Curb Traffic Congestion
Proposes temporary county control of state routes during peak times to prevent cut-through traffic in local neighborhoods.
“Patrick has taken direct action to address local gridlock by sending a formal request to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy requesting temporary county control of MD State Routes 8 and 18 during peak summer weekends.”
Mental Health & Crisis Care
Advocates for expanded outpatient behavioral health services and crisis intervention for youth and veterans.
“Patrick supports expanded youth and veteran mental health services, including access to outpatient behavioral health care and crisis intervention programs.”
Education
Supports CTE, STEM, and school choice, including the first charter school on the Eastern Shore, while maintaining fiscal responsibility regarding spending increases.
“Patrick supports parents’ rights in education and the expansion of school choice, including the current plan for the first Charter School on the Eastern Shore.”
Local reporting indicates that Patrick McLaughlin filed for re-election prior to the February 24, 2026 deadline, contributing to several contested races in Queen Anne's County. A primary election for these local offices is scheduled for June 23, 2026.
“WE CUT YOUR PROPERTY TAXES!! Queen Anne's County now has the lowest property tax rate in Maryland!”
Source“Patrick supported a temporary moratorium on large and medium residential developments to slow excessive growth.”
Source“Patrick supports parents’ rights in education and the expansion of school choice, including the current plan for the first Charter School on the Eastern Shore.”
Source“Met with healthcare leaders at TidalHealth to evaluate inpatient mental health services and explore creating a local behavioral health facility.”
Source“requesting temporary county control of MD State Routes 8 and 18 during peak summer weekends... to protect local neighborhoods from being flooded with bypass traffic.”
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