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County Council Member · Talbot County · 2026 Primary
County Council Members serve as the legislative branch of county government, passing local laws and approving the annual budget that funds public schools, roads, and emergency services. They set local tax rates and make final decisions on land use and zoning, which determines where new homes and businesses can be built. This office is responsible for prioritizing how your tax dollars are spent and managing the long-term growth and infrastructure of your community.
View all candidates in this raceWade Strickland is an Easton native and Republican candidate seeking election to the Talbot County Council in 2026, running for the second time after an unsuccessful bid in 2022. Born in Easton and a Talbot County resident for most of his life, Strickland is an Air Force veteran and currently works for The Whalen Company, an Easton-based manufacturing group. He is a member of the American Legion and the father of three children. His campaign priorities include responsible growth that complements the Eastern Shore's traditions and way of life, improving and funding the public school system, and bringing financial transparency and accountability to county government. He is running in the June 23, 2026 Republican primary alongside incumbents Chuck Callahan, Lynn Mielke, and Dave Stepp, as well as fellow challengers Frank Gunsallus and Christian MacKendrick, with the top five vote-getters across both parties advancing to the November 3, 2026 general election.