With the February 24 filing deadline approaching, the races for Worcester County Commissioner in Districts 1 and 2 are drawing multiple candidates, setting up primary contests in both districts.
As of February 19, five days remain for additional candidates to file.
District 1: Four Republicans Filed
Four Republican candidates have filed to run for Worcester County Commissioner in District 1:
- Caryn Abbott (incumbent) – Pocomoke City
- Laura Gladding Morrison – Pocomoke City
- Shaun W. Shockley – Snow Hill
- Wayne A. Taylor – Pocomoke City
Because all four present candidates are Republicans, the District 1 race will likely be decided in the Republican primary.
District 2: Two Democrats Filed
Two Democratic candidates have filed in District 2:
- Diana Purnell (incumbent) – Berlin
- Roxie V. Dennis – Berlin
With both candidates running as Democrats, the District 2 race will likely be decided in the Democratic primary.
District 1 Commissioner Scheduled Info Session for February 20
District 1 incumbent Caryn Abbott has scheduled an information update meeting for:
Friday, February 20 at 6:00 p.m.
1927 Old Virginia Road, Pocomoke (at “The Garage”)
In previous campaign materials, Abbott stated she would “hold Town Hall meetings three times a year.”
Public posts show no town hall meetings held since the second of her term nearly three years ago. The February 20, 2026 event appears to be the first publicly promoted town hall since August 2023.
With multiple candidates in both districts and primaries set to determine each race, the coming weeks are likely to bring increased campaign activity.
Image source: Worcester County website at https://www.co.worcester.md.us/node/42
