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Sheriff · Charles County · 2026 Primary
The Sheriff is an elected official responsible for maintaining courthouse security, serving legal documents such as warrants and evictions, and transporting individuals in custody. In many Maryland counties, the Sheriff’s Office also serves as the primary law enforcement agency, conducting patrols and investigating crimes. This office is a key part of the local justice system, ensuring that court orders are enforced and the public is protected.
View all candidates in this raceTroy D. Berry is the current Sheriff of Charles County and is seeking re-election in 2026 to what would be his fourth term. A La Plata resident, Berry is a 30-year veteran of the Charles County Sheriff's Office, having begun his career as a patrol officer in 1992 and rising through the ranks as a detective, patrol supervisor, Internal Affairs commander, and Commander of Patrol Operations. In November 2014 he was elected Sheriff, making history as the first African American to hold the position in the agency's more than 350-year history, and was re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He earned an Associate's degree from the College of Southern Maryland in 1991, a graduate of the FBI National Academy's 262nd Session, and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Safety Administration from the University of Maryland Global Campus in 2023, graduating Summa Cum Laude. He has served as President of the Maryland Sheriffs' Association, Chair of the Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission, and President of the Southern Maryland Criminal Justice Academy. He leads an agency of over 650 employees and has been endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 24. He is running unopposed in the June 23, 2026 Democratic primary.
Charter Form of Government
Sheriff Berry expressed concerns about potential implications including reduction in voting power for citizens, diminished accountability for the Sheriff's Office, and increased local government spending. He warned that if the referendum fails, there may be attempts by other elected officials to propose legislation in the Maryland General Assembly that could adversely impact the Office of the Sheriff.
“Sheriff Berry highlighted several key issues he perceives with the Charter Form of Government, including: A reduction in voting power for citizens Diminished accountability for the Sheriff's Office Increased local government spending”
Community Collaboration
Despite concerns and controversy, Berry reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with all elected officials and community leaders.
“Sheriff Berry reaffirmed his commitment to working collaboratively with all elected officials and community leaders”
According to Southern Maryland Chronicle coverage from November 1, 2024, Sheriff Troy D. Berry addressed community concerns at a Bryans Road meeting regarding the Charter Form of Government Proposal on the ballot. The situation escalated when an elected official from the Charles County Delegation issued a press release demanding retraction from comments Berry made about receiving threats from the delegation. Delegate Debra Davis, chair of the Charles County Delegation, formally reiterated her position in response to the controversy.
“Sheriff Berry participated in a community meeting to discuss pressing local issues, particularly the Charter Form of Government Proposal”
Source“Increased local government spending”
Source“Diminished accountability for the Sheriff's Office”
Source“Sheriff Berry participated in a community meeting in Bryans Road to discuss pressing local issues”
Source