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County Commissioner · Kent 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 raceSam Shoge is a lifelong Kent County resident, small business owner, and former elected official running for County Commissioner with a focus on long-term stability and economic growth. Raised in Chestertown and educated through Kent County Public Schools before earning his degree from Elon University, he returned home to raise his family and build his career as an economic development professional and founder of Rivers & Roads Consulting. During the pandemic, he served as Executive Director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce, organizing weekly calls between businesses and public health leaders to ensure community support. Shoge is running for office because he believes the county faces significant long-term trends like population loss and declining enrollment that require an intentional, coordinated approach rather than reactive measures.
Sources: Campaign website
Economic Development
Shoge prioritizes expanding economic opportunity, job creation, commercial investment, and population growth through a pro-growth strategy that considers infrastructure and connectivity.
“"I am pro-growth where it makes sense… where there is infrastructure… connectivity."”
Education
He connects economic growth directly to the future of Kent County Public Schools, supporting a new middle school and making the system more competitive for students.
“"We need to grow our tax base and increase the number of students enrolled in our school system," he said.”
Housing
Shoge supports tools like a housing development agency and emphasizes the need for more senior housing to address an aging population.
“"Supporting Seniors and Workforce Needs... Shoge emphasized the need for more senior housing and stronger workforce pipelines in healthcare."”
Non-Partisan Leadership
He explicitly states he is not running a partisan campaign, viewing essential services like schools and roads as non-partisan issues.
“"I am not running a partisan campaign or approach county government from a partisan perspective."”
The Chestertown Spy reports that Shoge launched his campaign on February 25, 2026, focusing on long-term stability and a clear economic vision for Kent County's future. He describes the county's workforce decline and aging population as trends requiring bold leadership to ensure modern facilities and generational investment for residents like his own daughters.
“"We need to grow our tax base and increase the number of students enrolled in our school system," he said.”
Source“"I am pro-growth where it makes sense… where there is infrastructure… connectivity."”
Source“"Shoge emphasized the need for more senior housing and stronger workforce pipelines in healthcare."”
Source“"Addressing Kent County's aging population, Shoge emphasized the need for more senior housing..."”
Source“"How are we going maintain and fund our quality of life?"”
Source