Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
Loading your ballot results. Please wait.
Clerk of the Circuit Court · Baltimore City · 2026 Primary
The Clerk of the Circuit Court serves as the chief record-keeper for the county, managing all court documents for civil and criminal cases as well as property deeds and land records. This official is also responsible for issuing marriage and business licenses and swearing in various public officials. By overseeing these administrative functions, the Clerk ensures that legal records are accurately maintained and that essential government services are accessible to the public.
View all candidates in this raceXavier A. Conaway is the Clerk of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, elected to office in 2022 at age 25 after graduating from Temple University's Klein College of Media and Communication with a BA in strategic communications in 2019. He comes from a prominent political family—his grandfather Frank M. Conaway Sr. previously served as Circuit Court Clerk for Baltimore City, his mother Belinda Conaway is register of wills for Baltimore City, and his uncle Frank Conaway Jr. is a Maryland state delegate. Conaway became the first openly gay citywide elected official in Baltimore City's history after coming out just weeks before heading to Temple for college. Since his election, he has implemented commonsense improvements including free Wi-Fi, credit card payment options, and digitization of court filings to improve response times for people such as those in abusive marriages who need to process separation paperwork within days rather than weeks or months.
Court Technology and Access
Implementing modern payment systems and free Wi-Fi at the courthouse to improve visitor experience and accessibility
“"Imagine having to pay for copies and filings in exact change. It's 2024 ... you need to have a credit card machine and Apple Pay," Xavier says.”
Court Modernization
Digitizing court filings and improving response times through statewide initiative implementation
“In 2024, Xavier oversaw the implementation of a statewide initiative to digitize court filings and improve response times.”
LGBTQ+ Representation
Breaking barriers as first openly gay elected official in Baltimore City history
“Struggling with his decision to come out as gay just weeks before heading to Temple for college, Xavier worried it would prove to be a political liability for his family. Instead, his family accepted him and he became the first openly gay citywide elected official in Baltimore City's history.”
External news coverage reports that Conaway faces a legal challenge alleging he did not run under his legal name as required by state law. His opponent Lenora Dawson's brother filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections after Conaway led in the primary vote count at slightly over 26% compared to Dawson's nearly 23%. Conaway went by Xavier Washington when attending Temple University, was registered as Xavier Conaway-Washington in Baltimore voter records, then updated his name to Xavier A. Conaway in February before filing for office two weeks later.
“"Imagine having to pay for copies and filings in exact change. It's 2024 ... you need to have a credit card machine and Apple Pay," Xavier says.”
Source“"My name is Xavier A. Conaway – that's all I want to say," he said when reached by The Brew.”
Source“Xavier's office doesn't make judicial decisions, but plays a crucial role in the administration of justice.”
Source