MAY 28, 2026
BERLIN • NORTH WORCESTER COUNTY• OCEAN PINES
FREE
TARA FISCHER/BAYSIDE GAZETTE
The Worcester County Veterans Memorial at Ocean Pines hosted its annual Memorial Day ceremony on Monday before the rain began.
Taylor leads in fundraising Commissioner candidates spend roughly $53,500 on election campaigning By Brian Shane Staff Writer (May 29, 2026) Worcester County commissioner candidate Lou Taylor has opened a commanding fundraising and spending lead over his competitor and all other candidates in this year’s primary election. According to candidate filings, he has raised more than twice as much as the next-highest fundraiser, state
data shows. Taylor, the former school superintendent running for the open District 6 seat, reported $27,037 in total contributions, including $3,487 in inkind support. He spent $17,120 during the period, according to campaign finance reports filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections. Covering activity through May 12, the reports show which campaigns have donor networks, which are already spending to reach voters, and which are running quieter or low-cost efforts heading into the June 23 primary.
Six incumbents are seeking reelection. Candidates reported raised about $78,225 and spent about $53,491 for the period, reports show. The figures are for separate district races, not a single countywide contest, and reporting periods varied by committee. Most continuing committees filed reports covering Jan. 15 through May 12, while several newer committees reported activity beginning April 8. Most spending went toward the basic tools of local name recognition: newspaper ads, yard signs, mailings, See CANDIDATES Page 4
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OP memorial draws crowds to ceremony By Tara Fischer Staff Writer (May 28, 2026) Community leaders, veterans, Gold Star families, and residents gathered at the Worcester County Veterans Memorial in Ocean Pines on Memorial Day to honor military members who died in the service of their country. Ocean Pines Association Board of Directors Vice President and Veterans Memorial Foundation President Rick Farr was the master of cereSee DAY Page 3
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