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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 raceScott Shellenberger was born and raised in Baltimore County and served as State's Attorney for the county from 2006 through 2022 after being elected five times. He graduated from Loyola College and the University of Baltimore School of Law, having worked as a law clerk while attending school before entering private practice representing asbestos victims. During his tenure, he oversaw prosecutors handling over 30,000 cases annually and personally prosecuted high-profile violent crimes including homicides and child abuse. Shellenberger has actively participated in various policy organizations and task forces focused on criminal justice reform, such as the Genetic Genealogy Work Group and the Juvenile Justice Reform Council. He emphasizes his commitment to keeping Baltimore County citizens safe and maintaining a system of justice, fairness, and accountability.
Sources: Campaign website
Juvenile Crime
Shellenberger discusses juvenile crime as one of the most important issues facing Baltimore County during his interview with John Dedie.
“...discuss some of the most important issues facing Baltimore County — including juvenile crime, domestic violence...”
DNA Accountability
The campaign website highlights DNA accountability as a key reform area alongside justice and fairness.
“Reforms The Power of DNA Accountability”
Hate Crimes
Shellenberger advocated for HB 306 to make it a crime for someone motivated by racial hate to make a false statement to the police.
“Scott advocates that it should be a crime for someone motivated by racial hate to make a false statement to the police to get someone in trouble.”
Wrongful Conviction Compensation
He testified on HB 742 and SB 14 so that those who are wrongfully convicted have a chance to get compensation for the time they spent in jail.
“Scott testified so that those who are wrongfully convicted have a chance to get compensation for the time they spent in jail.”
Child Abuse
Shellenberger helped pass SB 505 which made committing three abuses of a minor over time a felony punishable by more jail time.
“Scott helped pass which made committing three abuses of a minor over time a felony punishable by more jail time.”
A challenger has emerged to unseat longtime Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Shellenberger in the 2026 race, with campaign finance reports showing she has outraised him by more than double so far. Deputy State Prosecutor Sarah David stated she is running to bring leadership and a justice system that works for the people of Baltimore County where she was born and raised. In response, Shellenberger told The Baltimore Sun that he has already won five elections and his goal in life is to constantly work to keep the citizens of Baltimore County safe.
“Since his election, Mr. Shellenberger has fought for justice, fairness, and accountability in the criminal justice system.”
Source“My whole goal in life is to constantly work to keep the citizens of Baltimore County safe and that's what I'm concentrating on.”
Source“...discuss some of the most important issues facing Baltimore County — including juvenile crime, domestic violence...”
Source