Democrat Karl Bickel unseats Frederick County sheriff Chuck Jenkins
The gist
Frederick County voters picked Democrat Karl Bickel over incumbent sheriff Chuck Jenkins.
The county's data center fight reshaped local races up and down the ballot.
How it unfolded
- Jun 24, 2026In the county council primary, Jack Felton (R) won an at-large nomination while the Democratic at-large race was too close to call, with Tiffany Grant leading incumbents Renee Knapp and Brad Young. Louisa Conklin won the District 1 Democratic nomination with 59 percent.
- Jun 2026Frederick County voters rejected several candidates associated with support for data center expansion, including County Council President Brad Young, who lost his Democratic primary.
- Nov 3, 2026Early voting results showed Democrat Jessica Fitzwater with a wide lead over Republican William "Jeff" Holtzinger in the county executive race. Democrats led in four of five council district races, while Republican incumbent Mason Carter held a narrow lead in District 5.