Campaign Phone
443-972-0687
I am already an appointed member of the Central Committee. The strengths that I have been able to apply to date are based largely on having been a military strategist and planner while I was an Army officer. I have the ability to take chaotic situations and help create some order and clarity. I was also part of the candidate recruiting team for this cycle - one of the most successful cycles in a long time. Finally, I was previously a Regional Director for Senator Chris Van Hollen, after retiring from the Army. The position gave me a background in both constituent service and outreach.
Perhaps surprisingly, I am. Every year, the percentage of citizens who are members of a party declines. Both major parties tend to make decisions based on narrower slices of the electorate - often more doctrinaire party members whose desire for ideological purity can sometimes get in the way of practical politics. If you've pushed yourself into more extreme positions, outside the mainstream of general election voters, you're likely to wind up out of office and with no power to affect real, positive change. Bringing unaffiliated voters into the primary process will likely yield more electable candidates - and help us create a bigger tent. It's not a perfect solution, but if this helps us find better candidates, I support it.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Candidate has not yet responded.
Campaign Phone
4432809633
My training and experience are rooted in community advocacy, nonprofit leadership, and direct engagement with families navigating some of the most challenging systems in our society. As the founder of A Mother’s Cry, I work closely with families impacted by incarceration, helping them navigate legal systems, access resources, and find support in moments of crisis. This work has required collaboration with community organizations, faith leaders, educators, and policy advocates, giving me firsthand insight into the needs and concerns of residents across Wicomico County.
I believe primary elections play an important role in allowing political parties to select candidates who represent their values and priorities. Because of that, I generally support the current structure in which registered party members participate in their party’s primary elections.
At the same time, I recognize that many voters feel disconnected from the process, independent voters who do not belong to a political party. Any discussion about open primaries should balance the rights of political parties while increasing civic participation and voter engagement. Ultimately, my priority is ensuring that our democratic system remains fair, transparent, and accessible to the people it serves.
I am currently on the BOD of Wicomico Democratic Club, BOD of Allen Historical Society, a member of Wicomico NAACP, ACLU,a member of the MD State Education Association, Crabs On The Shore. WLWV and Progressives.
I believe the Wicomico DCC should be active and visible. It should communicate and coordinate with all like parties at election time (carefully vetting candidates and publishing their responses to a prepared questionaire) as well as during the year on State, County and City policies.
Yes. Only being able to vote in the primary of the party in which you are registered leaves Independents out of the process. Also, not being able to cross party lines leaves those who support the policies of another partie's candidate out of the process.
Campaign Phone
4104221480
Campaign Instagram
www.instagram.com/kenishalecole?igsh=N2JpdTFwZGx6dngw
My training and experience come from direct community involvement. As a member of the Wicomico Democratic Central Committee, mentor, and advocate, I work closely with youth, families, and local organizations. My background in wellness, leadership, and community engagement prepares me to listen, collaborate, and make informed decisions that reflect the real needs of our community.
Yes, I support open primaries. I believe people should be able to vote for who their heart believes in. Someone who truly fits their household and values not just based on party affiliation. Open primaries give more people a voice and encourage participation, fairness, and representation that reflects the community as a whole.
Campaign Phone
4437357530
Campaign Instagram
VoteDemetriaMarshall
As the first Black woman to formally serve as chair of the Wicomico County Democratic Central Committee, I strengthened engagement within the Black community, organized Somerset County’s committee, and led canvassing efforts in swing states and tribal territories. I created community events that kept the committee active during challenging times and held our leadership accountable by addressing wrongdoing. My work has always prioritized the people, advancing transparency, building participation, and guiding decisions to reflect the needs of the community while strengthening the party.
For far too long, too many voters have been shut out, with decisions left to a small segment of the electorate. Closed primaries exclude independent and unaffiliated voters, limiting participation and narrowing whose voices are heard. I support open primaries because every eligible voter deserves a real voice in choosing leaders. When more people participate, elections better reflect the needs of the entire community, strengthen accountability, build trust, and ensure leaders remain connected to the people they serve.
Campaign Phone
443-669-4444
Campaign Instagram
Wicomico_Jared
I have worked on more than 50 Democratic campaigns at the local, state, and federal levels, supporting candidate recruitment, voter outreach, and grassroots organizing.
I have also served as staff for the Democratic Party at both the local and state levels, helping strengthen coordination and engagement across communities. As a founder and chair of Shore Progress, the Eastern Shore’s largest progressive political organization, I helped build a regional network that has supported the election of more than 55 local officials and expanded civic participation across nine counties.
This experience has prepared me to help strengthen party infrastructure and support candidates throughout Wicomico County.
I support open primaries because they help ensure candidates represent the broadest possible share of voters. We should encourage stronger candidates by allowing unaffliated to vote in our primary.
As the founder of a nonpartisan progressive organization that has endorsed candidates based on values and leadership rather than party label alone, I have seen how expanding participation strengthens our democracy.
Many younger voters, especially in my generation, Generation Z, are registering as unaffiliated. Every unaffiliated voter has their tax dollars used to fund primary elections they should have a say.
Open primaries would give more voters a voice in choosing candidates and help produce stronger, more representative leadership.
Campaign Phone
540-588-2304
Campaign Instagram
dezstu
My professional experience in communications, public engagement, and organizational work has prepared me to contribute effectively to the Democratic Central Committee. Through my work and community involvement, I’ve developed strong skills in collaboration, clear messaging, and thoughtful decision making. I’ve engaged in local policy discussions, responded to community concerns, and helped articulate Democratic values on important issues. I value transparency, due process, and building trust in party leadership, especially when making decisions that affect our community. I’m committed to strengthening the local Democratic Party, supporting strong candidates, and ensuring our work reflects the voices and needs of the people
I see merit in both open and closed primaries. Open primaries can expand participation and allow independent voters to have a voice in selecting candidates, which may encourage broader engagement and help reduce polarization by rewarding candidates who appeal to a wider range of voters. At the same time, political parties are organizations built around shared values and policy priorities, and their members should have a meaningful role in choosing who represents those principles on the ballot. A strong system should balance these interests by encouraging participation while also respecting the role parties play in organizing voters and advancing a clear platform. Ultimately, the goal should be a process that builds trust and fairness.
Campaign Phone
4433595365
Campaign Instagram
@swdelta7
My professional and volunteer experience prepare me well for the duties of the County Democratic Central Committee. As Senior Director of Process Engineering and Sensory, I work every day across diverse teams to align strategy, manage complex initiatives, and deliver results through collaboration and accountability. I bring this same team‑based approach to public service through nonprofit board leadership including past Board Chair for United Way of Lower Eastern Shore. Elected in June 2022, as of February 2026, I am proud to serve as Chair of the Committee and to led a coordinated effort that achieved a full slate of county council candidates—the first in some time—demonstrating what strong teamwork and shared purpose can accomplish.
I really appreciate how open primaries invite everyone to the table. Boosting voter engagement and giving independents a voice is vital for a healthy, inclusive democracy. It forces candidates to step out of their silos and seek a broader, more collaborative consensus—values I’ve always championed in leadership.
However, from a process standpoint, I worry about the risk of "party raiding." Just as any organization needs a clear, unified vision to make an impact, a party must be able to put forward a candidate who truly reflects core tenets. Without that internal consistency, disruption occurs in the very platforms that provide voters with clear choices. Balancing broad participation with governance is needed to elect the best people.
