Article in Streetcar Suburbs: Guide to 2026 local primary races
- Jocelyn Route
- May 13
- 3 min read
(shortened to highlight Jocelyn Route)
Original article link: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/guide-to-2026-local-primary-races/
May 13, 2026
County and state representatives influence zoning, public schools, police, courts, and local government investment and spending in our communities.In our area, the Democratic primary election June 23 will almost certainly decide who represents us at the county, state, and federal level, because our area is overwhelmingly Democratic. Below you can find information about countywide races and local county and state races for districts that include Hyattsville, College Park, and Laurel.
Most races below have only Democrats running in them; a few have one Republican, and only one (District 23) includes two Republicans.
The school board races are non-partisan, but will still be on primary ballots.
How can I vote?
Mail-in ballots started arriving in May for the June 23 election. To vote in Democratic primary races, you need to register as a Democrat. June 2 is the deadline to register to vote online or to register to vote by mail.
The Maryland State Board of Elections announced mid-May that mail-in ballots sent before May 14 have errors. Corrected ballots are coming in the mail, and information is being updated on the state board of elections website.You can also register to vote in person on election day or during early voting, which starts on June 11 and ends June 18, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day. Visit the Prince George’s County Board of Elections website for lists of early voting centers and drop box locations for mail-in ballots.
What candidates will be on my ballot?
Look up your sample ballot here.
Where can I get information on candidates?
We asked local candidates what they have accomplished for their communities and what they hope to accomplish if elected. We also asked them about government spending. Their responses follow; click the plus sign by their names to see what they said.
Below the candidate statements, we list other resources, including recordings of candidate forums.We will continue to update this online guide. Please send voter education resources you think we should include to kit@streetcarsuburbs.news.
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Register of Wills
Read our coverage of what is at stake in this election, as well as additional information from six of the 11 candidates, all Democrats, in a separate article here.
The current register of wills, Cereta Lee, is not running for reelection.
Jocelyn Route
Residence: Bladensburg
Age: 39
Fun Fact: I am a self-published children’s book author currently writing “Mommy, What’s a Will?” with my 4-year-old daughter to help families discuss legacy planning in a simple, accessible way.
Accomplished for community: I am most proud that my public service has always centered compassion, advocacy, and support for families during difficult moments. As a former Bladensburg Ward 1 Council Member, former At-Large Member of the Prince George’s County Board of Education, and former Public Health Advisor at SAMHSA, I worked to make government more responsive and accessible. I launched the Bladensburg C.A.R.E.S. mental health initiative, supported public safety efforts, and helped establish a free ESL program for residents. Beyond public office, I am a social worker, licensed foster parent, certified death doula, and founder of Elevation Hope, focused on mental health wellness and awareness.
Goals: If elected Register of Wills, I hope to make the office more compassionate, efficient, and transparent. I want to improve customer service, expand community education around wills and estate planning, and strengthen accountability within office operations. This mission is deeply personal after losing both of my parents within the last two years. Families deserve patience, dignity, and clear communication during times of grief.
Spending: I believe government should focus on efficiency and accountability. Overspending can occur through outdated technology, duplicated processes, and inefficient systems. I would review operational costs, workflows, vendor contracts, and communication systems to improve services while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.
Who’s on your team? My campaign committee is Friends of Jocelyn Route, with Toni Session serving as Treasurer and Iyamide House as Campaign Manager. I am endorsed by County Executive Aisha N. Braveboy, Tiffany Alston, Jim Rosapepe, Alonzo T. Washington, Ron Watson, Malcolm Augustine, and several municipal leaders across Prince George’s County.
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Other resources
If you didn’t find what you need above, here are some other places to look:
PGCTV ran a county executive candidate forum and a state’s attorney forum this spring.
They have also interviewed candidates including Daniel Armando Jones, Tara Jackson, Wanika Fisher, and John Carr.
The Washington Informer published a primer on the county primaries.
Prince George’s County Young Democrats is running a series of candidate forums this spring; past ones are viewable on their YouTube page.
The Banner has a Prince George’s County voter guide, which includes these races as well as state and county races outside our coverage area. It is behind a (cheap) paywall.
Original article link: https://streetcarsuburbs.news/guide-to-2026-local-primary-races/
