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State's Attorney · Howard County · 2026 Primary
The State’s Attorney is the county’s lead prosecutor, responsible for managing the legal office that handles all criminal cases on behalf of the public. This official decides whether to bring formal charges against individuals, oversees criminal trials, and works with law enforcement to address local crime. Because they determine how laws are enforced and which cases are prioritized, this office significantly shapes public safety and the local justice system.
View all candidates in this raceRich Gibson is the Howard County State's Attorney serving a six-and-a-half year tenure as of August 2025. He describes himself as experienced, aggressive and fiercely independent in prosecuting and enforcing the law, with a commitment to securing long-term safety and well-being for Howard County residents. Gibson has taken on high-profile cases personally, including a double-homicide at Columbia Mall that he prosecuted directly despite it being an all-consuming case. His approach emphasizes proactive leadership through community engagement, cooperation with local law enforcement and federal authorities, and addressing specific crime trends within the county.
Sources: Campaign website
Experienced, aggressive and fiercely independent in prosecuting and enforcing the law.
Howard County is a safe place. Numerically speaking, just by the data.
Take a zero tolerance policy toward gangs and actively investigate and prosecute gang activity within the county.
Focus on juvenile crime- Attempt to reach juveniles and encourage an alternate path towards legal and appropriate conduct.
Source: richgibson.net
Community Engagement
Gibson plans to stay connected with local law enforcement and federal authorities while attending community meetings to get residents' input on priority issues
“Stay connected- Pursue increased cooperation with local law enforcement official and federal authorities to gain the latest information on crime trends within Howard County. Get involved with the community by attending community meetings to get residents' input on what issues require the most attention.”
Juvenile Crime
Focuses on reaching juveniles through mentorship programs and encouraging Assistant State's Attorneys to use discretion for rehabilitation-focused approaches
“Establish a volunteer based mentorship program with Assistant State's Attorney's and juveniles. Encourage Assistant State's Attorneys to use their discretion in evaluating if defendants are amenable to rehabilitation or treatment.”
Domestic Violence
Advocates for victims of domestic violence and abuse as a core priority
“Advocate for victims of Domestic Violence and Abuse”
Gang Activity
Takes zero tolerance policy toward gangs with active investigation and prosecution of gang activity within the county
“Disrupt and dismantle gangs within Howard County-Take a zero tolerance policy toward gangs and actively investigate and prosecute gang activity within the county.”
Repeat Offenders
Emphasizes aggressively prosecuting defendants who continue criminal conduct despite prior opportunities to behave lawfully
“Track repeat offenders with an increased emphasis on aggressively prosecuting defendants who insist on continuing to engage in criminal conduct despite having prior opportunities to behave in a lawful manner.”
Senior Citizens
Focuses on identity theft and elder abuse affecting senior citizens in Howard County
“Focus on the needs of our senior citizens, in particular identity theft and elder abuse.”
Human Trafficking
Ensures Howard County State's Attorney's Office is an active member of Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force and aggressively prosecutes human trafficking crimes
“Ensure that the Howard County State's Attorney's Office is an active member of the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force and aggressively prosecute human trafficking crimes in Howard County.”
According to Maryland Reporter coverage from August 2025, Rich Gibson Jr. has served as Howard County State's Attorney for six-and-a-half years and personally prosecuted a high-profile double-homicide case at Columbia Mall, which he notes is an action taken only a handful of times in his tenure due to how all-consuming such cases can be. The article reports that despite recent murders including three at Columbia Mall last year (compared to four in 2022 and five in 2023), Gibson maintains crime rates remain relatively low for the county's population of 330,000 people.
“Experienced, aggressive and fiercely independent in prosecuting and enforcing the law”
Source“Howard County is a safe place. Numerically speaking, just by the data”
Source“Focus on the needs of our senior citizens, in particular identity theft and elder abuse”
Source“Establish a volunteer based mentorship program with Assistant State's Attorney's and juveniles”
Source