County Commissioner, Charles County

Vote for

1

Term

4 years

Candidates

2

Election

Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A county commissioner is one of the board members who pass the county budget, set tax rates, adopt local ordinances and oversee county government.

WM

Walton "Walt" Merchant

Republican

The gist

No documented position found.

More about Walton

Gilbert "BJ" Bowling

DemocraticIncumbent

Charles County commissioner; farmer

The gist

• Supports improving roads and expanding broadband.
• Supports balanced growth that protects rural heritage.

More about Gilbert

View sources (1)

1. Supports improving roads and expanding broadband.

   Charles County 2026 primary voters guide

   Candidate questionnaire · Southern Maryland News · Jun 4, 2026 · somdnews.com

   “I’ve invested in schools, strengthening public safety, improving roads and expanding broadband while protecting our rural heritage.”

2. Supports balanced growth that protects rural heritage.

   Charles County 2026 primary voters guide

   Candidate questionnaire · Southern Maryland News · Jun 4, 2026 · somdnews.com

   “I’m running to continue smart, balanced growth that keeps Charles County a great place to live and work.”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.