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U.S. Representative · Congressional District 5 · Maryland · 2026 Primary
A U.S. Representative serves as your district's voice in Congress, where they vote on federal laws, national budgets, and policies that impact daily life. They are responsible for securing federal funding for local infrastructure and helping residents resolve issues with federal agencies, such as the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs. This office matters because it ensures your community’s specific needs and priorities are represented in the national government.
View all candidates in this raceReuben B. Collins II is a lifelong resident of Charles County, Maryland, raised in Bryans Road and a graduate of the Charles County School system. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee, and his Jurisprudence Doctorate (J.D.) from the District of Columbia School of Law. Collins practiced law for over twenty years at R.B. Collins Law, LLC focusing on corporate and small business transactions before entering public service. He has served as Charles County Commissioner for District 3 and later as Vice-President during his second term, eventually becoming President of the Board in 2018 after earlier service from 2006 to 2014. Collins is also the first African American ever elected to lead Charles County government and was recently elected chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) for 2026.
Sources: Campaign website
Charles County itself is a leader in the Washington Metropolitan region with this job creation.
Under my leadership the county hired its first Chief Equity Officer to ensure that the county's overall operations are fair and that the decision making of county government accounts for the needs of every county citizen.
Our belief is that the county wants all of its citizens to work together. All ideas that encourage the interaction of bringing our people together we will support.
We believe that history will judge this administration as the most progressive and consequential of all Charles County Government's that have convened since 1658 when the county was chartered.
Source: voteforreubencollins.com
Economic Development
Collins emphasizes job creation, minority business participation requirements, and positioning Charles County as a major player in the Washington Metropolitan Market
“Charles County itself is a leader in the Washington Metropolitan region with this job creation. We are now viewed as a player in the entire Washington Metropolitan Market.”
Equity and Fairness
Collins established a Chief Equity Officer position to ensure fair operations and decision-making that accounts for every citizen's needs
“Under my leadership the county hired its first Chief Equity Officer to ensure that the county's overall operations are fair”
Infrastructure
Collins secured broadband infrastructure grants and established a Resilience Authority for public infrastructure projects amid climate change impacts including flooding
“Charles County was a recipient of a Maryland State Broadband Infrastructure matching Grant that will allow the county to make internet access possible in Nanjemoy and Cobb Neck”
Criminal Justice Reform
Collins held three public forums on criminal justice reform, created a Citizens Review Panel, reviewed SRO policy, and established a Criminal Justice Coordinating Committee as a national model
“Under my leadership, the county held three public forums addressing criminal justice reform in general. The discussions opened the door to the creation of a Citizens Review Panel”
Youth Programs
Collins increased employment opportunities for county youth through summer youth employment programs and plans additional investments in youth services
“INCREASED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNTY YOUTH SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM”
Labor Rights
Collins signed a landmark Labor Peace Agreement allowing county employees to freely organize, with enabling legislation passed in Annapolis
“The County signed a landmark 'Labor Peace Agreement' in April of 2020 that will allow county employees to be able to freely organize if they choose.”
External sources describe Collins as a 'quiet architect' who operates more like a regional strategist than a typical local politician. The Maryland Wire notes he is not a bomb-thrower or headline-chaser, but rather someone who reads and rewrites regional transportation plans for fun. Conduit Street reports that Collins will lead the COG Board to strengthen the Metropolitan Washington region's economy amid federal workforce reductions and shifts in funding priorities.
“Charles County itself is a leader in the Washington Metropolitan region with this job creation. We are now viewed as a player in the entire Washington Metropolitan Market.”
Source“Charles County was a recipient of a Maryland State Broadband Infrastructure matching Grant that will allow the county to make internet access possible in Nanjemoy and Cobb Neck”
Source“Under my leadership, the county held three public forums addressing criminal justice reform in general. The discussions opened the door to the creation of a Citizens Review Panel and a review of the present SRO policy that exists in CC Public Schools.”
Source“INCREASED EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY FOR COUNTY YOUTH SUMMER YOUTH EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM”
Source“The County signed a landmark 'Labor Peace Agreement' in April of 2020 that will allow county employees to be able to freely organize if they choose.”
Source