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County Commissioner · District 2 · Worcester 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 raceRoxie V. Dennis is a longtime Democratic Party activist who chairs the Worcester County Democratic Central Committee and will challenge incumbent Diana Purnell for District 2 County Commissioner in the 2026 primary election. She has never run for an elected legislative position but has been on the ballot for years as an elected member of the Democratic Central Committee. Dennis worked more than 30 years at Wicomico County Board of Education as a teacher and student advisor, plans to retire from the school system if elected, and serves as pastor with Ambassadors for Christ International Ministries in Berlin while currently serving as organizational vice-president of her local NAACP branch.
Education
Dennis emphasizes funding for education and teacher salaries as a key campaign issue given her background working at Wicomico County Board of Education for over 30 years.
“Campaign issues for the staunchly pro-union Dennis include funding for education and teacher salaries”
Housing
Dennis advocates for affordable housing which she prefers to call attainable housing, noting that affordability varies by individual circumstances.
“"What is 'affordable' for one person isn't attainable for someone else" Dennis noted. "Some people can't afford $2,2"”
Public Safety
Dennis wants renewed focus on the county jail and its staffing levels.
“Campaign issues include... a renewed focus on the county jail and its staffing levels”
According to news coverage, Dennis has been preparing herself for this race since 2014 when incumbent Diana Purnell took the position. She describes wanting to be a voice for the people and feels it is time for change in District 2. The filing deadline passed on February 23, 2026, with both Dennis and Purnell running as Democrats in what will likely be decided in the Democratic primary.
“Campaign issues for the staunchly pro-union Dennis include funding for education and teacher salaries”
Source“"What is 'affordable' for one person isn't attainable for someone else" Dennis noted. "Some people can't afford $2,2"”
Source“Campaign issues include... a renewed focus on the county jail and its staffing levels”
Source“Campaign issues include... a renewed focus on the county jail and its staffing levels”
Source