2026 Candidate Spotlight: Meet John Carr

BRANDYWINE, MD — John Carr has entered the race for Sheriff of Prince George's County. Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find Carr's responses, verbatim:

Name: John Carr
Age on Election Day: 48
Hometown: Brandywine
Political Affiliation: Democratic

Campaign website/Facebook page: voteforjohndbcarr.com and Facebook @Vote for John Carr

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected.

As the current Sheriff of Prince George's County, John D.B. Carr offers direct political and governmental experience. Since his election in 2022, Sheriff Carr has worked with elected officials, county executives, the Maryland General Assembly, and community stakeholders to advance public safety initiatives that benefit all residents.

He has secured funding and legislative support for the Behavioral Health Unit, established countywide domestic violence services, and created the county's first Citizens Academy. These achievements required ongoing political engagement, coalition building, and policy advocacy at both local and state levels.

This experience is significant. Sheriff Carr understands government operations, builds relationships across political lines, and translates community needs into effective policy. If re-elected, he will use this knowledge to strengthen public safety, expand community programs, and ensure the Sheriff's Office remains responsive, transparent, and accountable to all residents.

What do you believe is the single most important issue facing voters in the district you are looking to represent? How do you intend to address those issues?

The single most important issue facing the residents of Prince George's County is public safety — and specifically, the need for a Sheriff's Office that is responsive, resourced, and led by someone who understands both the complexity of modern law enforcement and the unique needs of this community.

Public safety is not a singular issue — it is the foundation upon which everything else is built. When residents do not feel safe in their homes, their neighborhoods, and their communities, nothing else matters. Economic development stalls. Families relocate. Businesses close. Schools struggle. Public safety is the cornerstone of a thriving Prince George's County.

Sheriff Carr intends to address this through a comprehensive, multi-layered approach that he has already begun implementing. The apprehension of dangerous offenders remains the top operational priority of the Office of the Sheriff — ensuring that those who threaten the safety of our residents are swiftly and effectively brought to justice. Simultaneously, the Behavioral Health Unit continues to evolve as a model for addressing the intersection of mental health and public safety, reducing unnecessary confrontations and connecting residents in crisis with the help they need.

Beyond enforcement, Sheriff Carr will continue investing in youth programs that interrupt the cycle of crime before it begins, senior safeguard initiatives that protect the most vulnerable, and countywide domestic violence services that provide survivors with real pathways to safety and healing.

Public safety in Prince George's County requires both strength and compassion. Carr has spent over 20 years delivering both — and he is just getting started.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you?

John D.B. Carr is the only candidate with direct experience in this role. With over 20 years of service at every rank within the Office of the Sheriff, he has a comprehensive understanding of the agency and its personnel. While others may offer promises, Sheriff Carr brings a proven record, built through hands-on leadership across all bureaus and levels of the office.

On June 23, 2026, voters will choose between proven experience and uncertainty. Carr was elected by Prince George's County residents in 2022 and has worked diligently to maintain their trust. He came to this office fully prepared and demonstrated his commitment every day.

Under Carr's leadership, the county launched its first Citizens Academy, established the Behavioral Health Unit to improve mental health crisis response, created programs for youth engagement and senior safety, and expanded domestic violence services to protect vulnerable residents.

No other candidate can match this record. None has demonstrated the same level of dedication, relationship-building, policy expertise, or daily commitment that Carr brings to the office.

Prince George's County needs proven leadership, not on-the-job training. That is what John D.B. Carr offers.

How would your work experience benefit the goals and objectives you have outlined in your campaign and the office you are seeking?

John D.B. Carr’s career demonstrates a proven path of leadership. With over 20 years of experience across all ranks in the Office of the Sheriff, he offers a comprehensive, practical understanding of the office that goes beyond classroom learning or campaign promises.

Carr’s service in every bureau has provided clear insight into resource needs, daily operational challenges, and community expectations for law enforcement leadership. This institutional knowledge directly informs his campaign goals and objectives.

His commitment to apprehending dangerous offenders is based on years of direct law enforcement experience. He established the Behavioral Health Unit to address the gap between mental health needs and law enforcement response. His youth and senior programs reflect sustained community engagement and a deep understanding of residents’ needs. His ongoing support for domestic violence survivors demonstrates a career dedicated to protecting the most vulnerable.

Carr does not require time to learn this office; he is already performing the role. Each campaign goal is backed by years of experience, institutional knowledge, and a strong personal commitment to the residents of Prince George’s County.

When experience aligns with vision, communities thrive. This is the leadership John D.B. Carr brings to Prince George’s County each day.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve it? If that is, you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished?

John D.B. Carr believes effective leadership requires continuous improvement. The achievements of the past four years are a foundation for future progress. Each program, partnership, and positive impact marks the beginning of further possibilities for Prince George's County.

The Behavioral Health Unit will expand its reach, strengthen partnerships with mental health providers, and refine its approach to ensure residents in crisis receive timely, appropriate support. Carr aims to make this unit a national model for effective collaboration between law enforcement and mental health services.

The Citizens Academy will expand to serve more communities, promoting public understanding of the Sheriff's Office. Greater awareness fosters stronger trust between law enforcement and residents.

Youth and senior programs will receive additional resources, stronger community partnerships, and measurable outcomes to ensure accountability. Domestic violence services will be enhanced so every survivor in Prince George's County has access to necessary support and protection.

Carr remains committed to investing in the Office of the Sheriff by providing training, resources, and leadership to support high performance every day.

Progress requires daily commitment. Carr remains dedicated to continuous improvement.

How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made?

The school system in Prince George's County represents the single greatest investment we can make in this community's future. Strong schools produce strong families, strong neighborhoods, and ultimately a stronger, safer county. Carr believes deeply that the relationship between law enforcement and our schools must be built on trust, presence, and genuine investment in the success of every young person walking through those doors.

Under his leadership, Sheriff's deputies serve in six middle schools through the Inspiring Young Minds program. These deputies act as mentors, role models, and trusted adults, demonstrating that law enforcement is a partner in student success. The program bridges the gap between students and law enforcement, reduces conflict, inspires career aspirations, and helps develop future community leaders.

Carr would like to see this program expanded to include high schools. Carr supports expanding this program to every middle school in Prince George's County, ensuring all students have access to a trusted law enforcement mentor. He also advocates for increased school resources, mental health counseling, and after-school programs to keep students engaged, safe, and successful. The same goal — to give every child in Prince George's County the opportunity to thrive. Carr is committed to ensuring those two institutions work hand in hand to make that goal a reality.

How do you feel about crime in your area, and what steps can be taken to reduce it?

Crime in Prince George's County is a community issue that requires a comprehensive and coordinated response. Carr is personally invested in the county's safety, having been born and raised here and dedicating his career to it.

Apprehending dangerous offenders remains the Office of the Sheriff's top priority. Swift action against threats to community safety reinforces that criminal activity will not be tolerated. Carr is committed to providing the necessary tools, training, and resources to pursue and apprehend offenders.

Enforcement alone is not sufficient. Carr believes effective crime reduction addresses root causes before they escalate. The Behavioral Health Unit connects residents in crisis with appropriate services, while the Inspiring Young Minds program and structured youth initiatives provide positive pathways for young people, reducing vulnerability to crime.

Strong communities are the most powerful crime deterrents. When residents trust their law enforcement, when young people have opportunity, when seniors feel protected, and when domestic violence survivors have real support, crime loses the conditions it needs to thrive.

Carr is committed to addressing crime comprehensively, drawing on his experience as a law enforcement professional and his dedication as a lifelong county resident.

What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward?

Prince George's County is among Maryland's most economically dynamic regions. Carr maintains that public safety and economic prosperity are closely linked. Businesses are unlikely to invest in areas where safety is a concern, and residents are less likely to support local businesses in neighborhoods affected by crime. A strong Sheriff's Office serves as both a public safety and economic development asset.

Although economic development policy is led by the County Executive and County Council, the Sheriff's Office directly contributes to a business-friendly environment. Swift apprehension of dangerous offenders, secure neighborhoods, and community trust in law enforcement all strengthen Prince George's County's economic ecosystem.

Carr is committed to strengthening the partnership between the Sheriff's Office and the business community by increasing visibility, improving response times, when applicable, and maintaining open communication. He also views youth programs and the Inspiring Young Minds initiative as direct investments in the county's future workforce and economic growth.

Safety fosters community growth, which in turn supports business success. Carr is dedicated to ensuring Prince George's County remains a place where public safety and economic opportunity thrive.

What else would you like voters to know about you?

John D.B. Carr emphasizes that his commitment is personal. Prince George's County is his home, where he was born, raised, and built his career. Every decision he makes as Sheriff reflects this deep connection and responsibility.

Carr wants voters to know he recognizes the needs of working families, seniors, young people seeking guidance, and domestic violence survivors who require sustained support. He also values the dedication of the men and women in the Office of the Sheriff who serve the community with professionalism and courage.

He assures voters that his door is always open. For Carr, transparency and accountability are foundational principles. The Citizens Academy reflects his belief that an informed community is a stronger one. He demonstrates his commitment through consistent action.

Carr emphasizes that his work is ongoing. The past four years have laid a strong foundation, but he remains focused on continued progress and a positive impact on Prince George's County. His commitment to the community is stronger than ever.

To every voter in Prince George's County, thank you for your trust, support, and the honor of serving as your Sheriff. This community deserves proven leadership, and Carr remains committed to earning it every day.