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State's Attorney · Baltimore 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 raceSarah R. David is running for State's Attorney of Baltimore County against incumbent Scott D. Shellenberger. A Pikesville native and lifelong resident, she graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a degree in political science and earned her law degree at the University of Maryland School of Law. Her background includes working as an Assistant State’s Attorney in Baltimore City, serving as Chief of Staff to a former Chairman of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee, and managing corruption prosecutions across Maryland. Prior to law school, she worked for two years in the New York Police Department’s counterterrorism unit. Currently serving as deputy state prosecutor in the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor, David emphasizes modernizing the office with data-driven approaches and smart reforms. She aims to build a justice system that is fair, effective, accountable, and reflective of the community's diversity while focusing on crime prevention and holding powerful officials to account.
Sources: Campaign website
"Let's Make Baltimore County Safer with Sarah."
Sarah wants to work with everyone in Baltimore County to build a safer community for the people who live here. By modernizing the State’s Attorney’s Office, focusing on crime prevention, and building stronger community ties, we will create a justice system that works for Baltimore County—one that’s fair, effective, and accountable.
My name is Sarah David, and I’m running for Baltimore County State’s Attorney to bring bold leadership, innovative solutions, and a justice system that works for the people. It's Time for Change Our community is changing, and it’s time for the State’s Attorney’s office to change, too. We can’t rely on outdated methods to prosecute those who threaten our safety.
Our prosecutors should reflect the diversity of our community and be committed to working directly with residents to understand their needs and concerns. To help with that, we need to divert nonviolent offenders—people struggling with mental health issues, housing insecurity, or hunger—into programs that get them the help they need, to reduce recidivism.
My entire career has been focused on holding the most powerful to account. Now, I’m ready to lead an office that embraces innovation, engages with the community, and delivers justice with integrity.
Source: sarahforbaltco.com
Modernization
David proposes modernizing the State's Attorney's Office with data-driven approaches and smart reforms that reflect a changing community.
“"modernize the office and adopt smart reforms that reflect our changing community. We can’t rely on outdated methods to prosecute those who threaten our safety... using a data-driven approach."”
Public Safety
She advocates for building partnerships throughout the community, embracing new technology, and addressing violent offenders with necessary tools.
“"Our State’s Attorney’s Office should lead efforts to build partnerships throughout the community to drive an intelligent approach to criminal justice with data and embracing new methods and technology. Our prosecutors should be addressing violent offenders with all the tools necessary to both combat and prevent violent crime."”
Community Engagement
David emphasizes that prosecutors must reflect community diversity and work directly with residents to understand their safety needs.
“"Our prosecutors should reflect the diversity of our community and be committed to working directly with residents to understand their needs and concerns. We need prosecutors to understand the different challenges of different communities and work with the public and agency partners to ensure their safety needs are being met."”
Reform
She supports diverting nonviolent offenders into programs for mental health, housing, or hunger assistance to reduce recidivism.
“"To help with that, we need to divert nonviolent offenders—people struggling with mental health issues, housing insecurity, or hunger—into programs that get them the help they need, to reduce recidivism."”
Accountability
David highlights her career focus on holding powerful individuals accountable and delivering justice with integrity.
“"My entire career has been focused on holding the most powerful to account. Now, I’m ready to lead an office that embraces innovation, engages with the community, and delivers justice with integrity."”
According to a JMORE interview from August 2025, Sarah R. David is challenging Scott D. Shellenberger for his sixth term as State’s Attorney for Baltimore County while currently serving as deputy state prosecutor in the Office of the Maryland State Prosecutor. The article notes she is a Pikesville native and 2002 alumna of Pikesville High School who lives with her husband, Glenn A. Gordon, and their young children. She was recognized as a 2023 co-recipient of The Associated’s Harry Greenstein Award for her commitment to public service.
“"Let's Make Baltimore County Safer with Sarah... By modernizing the State’s Attorney’s Office, focusing on crime prevention, and building stronger community ties"”
Source“"modernize the office and adopt smart reforms that reflect our changing community... using a data-driven approach."”
Source“"My entire career has been focused on holding the most powerful to account. Now, I’m ready to lead an office that embraces innovation... and delivers justice with integrity."”
Source“"Our prosecutors should reflect the diversity of our community and be committed to working directly with residents... build stronger community ties"”
Source