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State's Attorney · Prince George's 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 raceTara H. Jackson is the current State’s Attorney for Prince George’s County, having been appointed to the role after a career spanning over two decades in public service. Before becoming State's Attorney, she served in several high-level leadership positions, including Acting County Executive, Chief Administrative Officer, and Deputy County Attorney for Prince George’s County. Jackson began her legal career as a line prosecutor in the State’s Attorney’s Office and spent eight years in private practice litigating criminal and civil cases. She advocates for a "community-centered" justice system that balances accountability with opportunity, specifically emphasizing fairness, transparency, and integrity. Jackson is a graduate of James Madison University and the University of Maryland School of Law, and she also holds a Master of Divinity in Leadership Development.
Sources: Campaign website
Criminal Justice
Jackson aims to lead an office that is responsive, transparent, and accountable, ensuring due process for the accused while pursuing justice with integrity.
“As your State’s Attorney, I will continue to lead an office that is responsive, transparent, and accountable... We will ensure that persons charged with crimes receive due process.”
Public Safety
She prioritizes being tough on repeat and violent offenders to protect neighborhoods from fear and economic disruption.
“We need a State’s Attorney who will be tough on repeat and violent offenders, protect residents from financial fraud and abuse, and pursue justice for every victim.”
Youth Accountability
Jackson supports a restorative approach for young people that combines accountability for actions with pathways for redemption.
“We need a State’s Attorney who will love our young people by holding them accountable for bad choices while creating pathways for redemption and restoration.”
External sources identify Jackson as the interim State's Attorney who was selected by circuit court judges to fill the vacancy left when Aisha Braveboy became County Executive. She is running for the position permanently in the 2026 election, facing primary challenges from Councilmember Wanika Fisher and prosecutor Karen Piper Mitchell. News reports highlight her extensive background in county administration and her endorsements from high-profile figures like U.S. Senator Angela Alsobrooks and former County Executive Rushern Baker.
“Crime threatens those hopes and creates an atmosphere of fear. It tears down neighborhoods, lowers property values, disrupts businesses, and shatters the lives of victims.”
Source“I have dedicated myself to serving our community... for over 25 years, I have answered the call to serve the residents of Prince George’s County as a leader in the criminal justice system.”
Source“We need a State’s Attorney who will love our young people by holding them accountable for bad choices while creating pathways for redemption and restoration.”
Source“We will remember that this office holds the public’s trust and must not be used for politics or power, but for the good of the people.”
Source“As Acting County Executive, Jackson’s priorities included... advancing key economic development projects like the Blue Line Corridor.”
Source“As Acting County Executive, Jackson’s priorities included... developing a responsible FY26 budget to send to the County Council.”
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