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County Commissioner · District 4 · Saint Mary'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 raceRyan Daniels is a Marine Corps Combat Wounded Veteran running for County Commissioner in District 4 of St. Mary's County, Maryland. Born at Patuxent River Naval Station into an active-duty Navy family, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps after 9/11 and served eight years including Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom before being wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device in May 2011 and receiving the Purple Heart. He achieved Staff Sergeant rank as a Combat Engineer and later transitioned to nonprofit work with Warfighter Advance, where he serves as Alumni Director while also working as a consultant helping veterans secure VA benefits. Daniels earned a Bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and a Master's in Management and Leadership, and his global travels including time in Ukraine during the Russian-Ukrainian war have shaped his leadership philosophy focused on community, unity, and understanding lived experiences.
Sources: Campaign website
"I'm not running a campaign funded by lobbyists or special interests. That is not me. I'm not doing this for riches, pride, or ego. I'm doing this to positively impact everyday people, many of whom are my family, friends, and neighbors, who want transparency, accountability, and local leadership that listens."
"My time in the military – especially as a decorated combat wounded veteran – gave me a perspective I'll never forget. When you've faced life and death, you understand what truly matters: taking care of each other."
"While I'm listed as a Democrat on the ballot, my approach is guided by utilitarian principles: doing what creates the greatest good for the greatest number of people. This cuts through party politics and sets aside ideological purity to focus on one thing – what actually works."
"I will listen to you before deciding, put families and neighborhoods ahead of politics, and make every decision with fairness, respect, and accountability."
Veterans
Daniels commits to putting people, especially veterans whose sacrifices often go unrecognized, at the heart of every decision.
“"I'm committed to putting people, especially veterans, whose sacrifices often go unrecognized, at the heart of every decision. I know that many of you feel that your concerns haven't been addressed in the way you'd hoped." "Alongside my nonprofit work, I earned a Bachelor's degree in Homeland Security and a Master's in Management and Leadership... In 2023, I left Patuxent River to focus on my non-profit work serving our veteran population, and I began work as a consultant to help veterans secure their promised (and earned) Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits."”
Government Ethics
Daniels emphasizes transparency, accountability, and rejecting special interest influence in local government.
“"Your support isn't extra. It's everything. I'm not running a campaign funded by lobbyists or special interests. That is not me... Your donation goes straight into voter outreach, not corporate consultants. When you give to a grassroots campaign, no matter the amount, you're not funding a candidate. You're funding the ability to address real issues." "Effective leadership requires clear thinking and steady problem-solving – not empty rhetoric."”
Community Development
Daniels focuses on listening to constituents, being present in the community, and building a stronger county where every person can thrive.
“"I'll be present – listening, engaging, and working side by side with our community... I understand many of you feel unheard by your leaders. I will keep open lines of communication with our community, making sure people are informed, heard and respected, and insert myself into my community often." "Together, we'll build a county where every person can thrive."”
“"I'm committed to putting people, especially veterans, whose sacrifices often go unrecognized, at the heart of every decision."”
Source“"I'm not running a campaign funded by lobbyists or special interests. That is not me... Your donation goes straight into voter outreach, not corporate consultants."”
Source“"I'll be present – listening, engaging, and working side by side with our community... Together, we'll build a county where every person can thrive."”
Source