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DENTON – Republican candidates for Caroline County public office gathered at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 16, 2026, for a public forum sponsored by Caroline County Republican Women.
Held at American Legion Post 29 in Denton, the forum lasted about 90 minutes and attracted about 75 people, including the 17 candidates who attended.
Lynn Faulstick, president of Caroline County Republican Women, welcomed the candidates and audience, leading them in the Pledge of Allegiance. Joanne Fuchs Smith served as moderator.
“We actually do this as a service to the community, because in the words of the great Rush Limbaugh, we basically don't want low-information voters, so this way you get a chance to talk to everyone afterwards and just kind of get to meet and greet, and also to hear what their platform is going to be,” Faulstick said.
Three candidates for the Caroline County Republican Central Committee who attended were Wendy Jensen Adams, the Rev. Don Reynolds and Hugh Smith. Candidate and current president Julie Quick was out of town. There are five additional open positions.
“As you can see, your Central Committee is the grassroots of your county Republican party, and we really need people to get involved and prepare and work for the party and grow the party, because as soon as we become complacent, you all know what's going to happen, and so you cannot do that, so I encourage you to think about that,” Joanne Smith said.
Hugh Smith also is a candidate for Judge of the Orphans’ Court. Incumbents Ellery Adams attended the forum, but Jeff Porter was absent. All three candidates are running unopposed.
Sheriff Donald Baker is running unopposed and garnered a loud ovation at the end of his presentation. “I will continue to work side by side with our local, state, and yes, federal law enforcement partners to keep Caroline County safe, protecting your constitutional rights,” Baker said. “As your sheriff, I will always uphold the Constitution and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens, and putting the rights of victims first and not those of criminals – real leadership.”
“You all know our sheriff is running unopposed and has no Democrat running against him either, so he's still our sheriff,” Joanne Smith said, eliciting even louder applause.
Assistant State’s Attorney Joel Todd tossed his hat in the ring for State’s Attorney and is running unopposed.
Republican candidates for the Board of Caroline County Commissioners who attended are incumbents Travis Breeding and Larry Porter. Also running are Linda Friday and Michael Mann.
All three candidates for Clerk of the Circuit Court attended. They are Peggy Gallagher, Margie Hannawald and Stephanie Ramsey.
Five of the seven candidates for Register of Wills attended: Matthew Andrew, Frank Bartz, Beth Trice Carmean, Linda Dunn and Wade Scott. Rob Blakely and Zachary Eldredge did not attend.
Jean Hayhurst presented her platform as a candidate for the Caroline County Board of Education from District 3. Work obligations prevented incumbent candidate Patrick Troy Plutschak from attending.
After an hour, organizers called for a break and opened the refreshments table again. Although three hours was scheduled for the forum, the formal presentations ended at 10:30, but some stayed to chat with the candidates.
