Town Council Elections

Leonardtown’s municipal government is composed of a mayor and five Town Council members. Three council seats are up for election this year, with voting scheduled for May 5.

Voters will have an opportunity to hear from candidates during a Town Council candidate forum at 6 p.m. today at The Rex.

In 2024, Nick Colvin and Jay Mattingly were elected to the council for their second and third terms, respectively, along with Mayor Dan Burris for his fourth term. The remaining three seats are on this year’s ballot. Incumbents Heather Earhart, Christy Hollander and Mary Slade are seeking reelection and are being challenged by Rodney Flowers and Ken Held.

Earhart is seeking a second term, while Hollander and Slade are running for third terms. Flowers is a first-time candidate. Held previously ran for mayor in 2022 but was not elected.

The Town Council serves as the governing body of Leonardtown, with authority over local ordinances related to taxes and fees, development and infrastructure. Council members also appoint individuals to boards and commissions, including the Planning and Zoning Board, and are responsible for approving the annual town budget and capital expenditures.

Release from Town Government

Candidates were required to file by April 13 and must reside within the town’s municipal boundaries. To vote in the election, individuals must be registered voters in St. Mary’s County and have lived within the municipal limits for at least 30 days prior to the election. A Leonardtown mailing address alone does not necessarily qualify a resident to vote.

Polls will be open from noon to 7 p.m. May 5 at the Town Office, 22670 Washington St. Ballots are hand-counted following the close of polls, with results expected the same evening.

The candidate forum provides an opportunity for residents within town limits to hear directly from those seeking election. For more on Leonardtown’s Town Government, visit their website.

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