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County Commissioner · District 4 · Charles 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 raceRalph E. Patterson II is a lifelong Charles County resident and current Vice President of the Charles County Board of County Commissioners representing District 4, seeking re-election in 2026. A Democrat, Patterson has served as District 4 Commissioner since December 2022 and is the only candidate who filed for the seat. His campaign priorities include smart growth and responsible development, expanding broadband internet access throughout the county, and supporting small and minority-owned businesses. His campaign slogan is "Access & Opportunity Now!" His path to re-election has not been without complications — he was disqualified from the ballot on March 23, 2026 after his 2025 financial disclosure statement was not processed by the deadline, reinstated by the Charles County Board of Elections following a nearly four-hour emergency meeting on March 25, briefly listed as withdrawn on March 31, and subsequently restored to active status on April 1, 2026. He is currently listed as an active candidate and is running unopposed.
Sources: Campaign website
"Smart Growth in Charles County I will help develop the economy, the community, and the environment for the benefit of all Charles County residents."\n\n"I need your help today to build a better tomorrow for residents of Charles County!"\n\n"Access & Opportunity Now! FOR CHARLES COUNTY"\n\n"I grew up in Charles County and I have worked to improve the community my entire life."\n\n"Access to broadband internet & alleviating the income gap will be some of the major issues I will help solve with your help."
Source: electralphpatterson.com
Smart Growth and Land Use
Patterson aims to shift the development debate away from a traditional growth/no-growth question to how and where new development should be accommodated.
“"I will shift the development debate away from a traditional growth/no-growth question to “how and where should new development be accommodated?”"”
Economic Development
He seeks leadership that fosters innovation and supports small and minority businesses in experimenting with new ideas during and after the pandemic.
“"The County needs leadership that fosters innovation and supports small and minority businesses in experimenting with new ideas and models, during and after the pandemic."”
Broadband Internet Access
Patterson identifies access to broadband internet and alleviating the income gap as major issues he will help solve.
“"Access to broadband internet & alleviating the income gap will be some of the major issues I will help solve with your help."”
“"The County needs leadership that fosters innovation and supports small and minority businesses in experimenting with new ideas and models, during and after the pandemic."”
Source“"Access to broadband internet & alleviating the income gap will be some of the major issues I will help solve with your help."”
Source“"I will shift the development debate away from a traditional growth/no-growth question to “how and where should new development be accommodated?”"”
Source“"I grew up in Charles County and I have worked to improve the community my entire life."”
Source