Baltimore County Sheriff: 2026 Maryland Voter Guide

What’s the job: Duties differ by jurisdiction. In some counties, the sheriff is the chief law enforcement officer. In other jurisdictions, the sheriff is primarily responsible for courtroom security and enforcing court orders, such as evictions. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Clyde E. Boatwright

Age: 49

Personal: For the last 25 years, I have dedicated my life to public service as a police officer. I was born in Baltimore City and currently reside in the Baltimore County community of Middle River, MD. In addition to serving as a police officer in Baltimore City, I spent 10 years coaching high school sports, ultimately winning three consecutive Citywide Girls Basketball Championships at my alma mater, Carver Voc-Tech High School (Baltimore), where I was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015. My partner Donna and I are the proud parents of three adult children, four beautiful grandchildren, and a little bundle of love, our Shih Tzu, Dora.

Education: I completed the prestigious law enforcement leadership program at the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in Evanston, Illinois.

Attended the University of Maryland Global Campus, Public Safety Executive Leadership

Experience: Maryland State Fraternal Order of Police (State President/CEO since 2020) 2016 - Current

Baltimore City School Police Sergeant (Union President since 2009) 2012 - Current Baltimore City School Police Corporal (1st-Line Supervisor/Evening Shift Commander) 2007 - 2012 (Promoted) Baltimore City School Police Police Officer (Patrol Officer) 2003 - 2007 (Promoted) Baltimore City Sheriff’s Office (Deputy Sheriff) 2001-2003 Boards/ Public Service Maryland Police Training and Standards Commission (Vice-Chairman, elected in 2026) 2016 - Current Maryland Crime Victim Resource Center (Board Member) 2020- Current National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE - Member)

Questionnaire

A: Domestic/Intimate partner violence is our top priority in this campaign. The current process for serving court-issued domestic violence orders is inadequate and does not meet the needs of Baltimore County residents. As a result, domestic abusers often go unserved and evade accountability. Under my leadership, we will launch a bold initiative with a 24-hour Domestic Violence Unit dedicated to quickly serving court orders and responding to emergencies to support the Baltimore County Police. I will partner with organizations such as the Family Crisis Center for Baltimore Inc., the Women’s Law Center of Maryland, and GBMC Hospital to ensure that resources are available to everyone impacted.

A: Trust is the most important part of establishing a healthy relationship. As sheriff, my office will lead with empathy and adopt a guardian mindset built around service to the community. As a person of color who grew up in the inner city, I understand the historic relationship between law enforcement and the communities we serve. With that understanding, I look forward to continuing to strengthen the relationship between the sheriff’s office and the many diverse communities of Baltimore County. We will be visible, accessible, and accountable to the people of Baltimore County.

A: As sheriff, I WILL NOT allow my deputies to participate in federal immigration enforcement. Our priorities are about keeping the people of this county safe. The Sheriff of Baltimore County is not in control of the county jail; we wouldn’t be able to legally enter into any formal or informal agreements.

A: I am the only candidate in this race with the training and experience in leading and supervising law enforcement officers. I have the required budgetary experience to manage a multimillion-dollar budget. I have established relationships with many community stakeholders, many of whom have endorsed my campaign. I have notable endorsements by public safety labor organizations and elected officials, all of which support my vision to be the next Sheriff of Baltimore County. It is simple, for over a year, I have been knocking on doors, attending meetings, and participating in events, sharing my vision to become the next Baltimore County Sheriff in communities all across this county, including Catonsville, Lansdowne, Milford Mill, Owings Mills, Randallstown, Woodlawn, Pikesville, Towson, White Marsh, Parkville, Middle River, Essex, Dundalk, Sparrows Point, Turner Station, and others. The unanimous consensus is that I am the only legitimate candidate in this race. I don’t need on-the-job training; I have had a well-documented, decorated career in law enforcement, including key leadership roles, and, once elected, I will assume this position on day one, ready to lead the agency.