Barry Donadio Files Candidacy For Queen Anne's County

Barry Donadio

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 17, 2026 | Kent Island, Maryland.

Barry Donadio Files for Queen Anne’s County Commissioner – District 3. Launches “We Come First” Campaign with Endorsement from Congressman Andy Harris

With the endorsement of conservative Republican Congressman Andy Harris on the first day of his campaign, Barry Donadio officially filed his candidacy for Queen Anne’s County Commissioner, District 3, on February 17, 2026.

Donadio’s campaign is built on one clear message: “We Come First.”

A lifelong conservative Republican, Donadio has a long record of service to the Republican Party. In 2014, he was elected to the Queen Anne’s County Republican Central Committee and successfully completed his four-year term. In January 2017, he was appointed Sergeant at Arms of the Maryland Republican Party, a position he continues to hold.

During Maryland’s May 14, 2024 primary election, Donadio was elected Alternate Delegate to the Republican National Convention after receiving more than 50,000 votes in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. He was officially endorsed by the Trump campaign and selected as one of only three Trump Alternate Delegates from the district.

Donadio was one of the first Republican leaders in Maryland to publicly endorse President Donald J. Trump in November 2022 for the 2024 presidential race. In 2024, he also endorsed U.S. Senator Ted Cruz, U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, and Congressman Andy Harris.

Congressman Harris’ endorsement in this county commissioner race is seen as a major development. The Congressman has also pledged financial support to Donadio’s campaign.

A Focus on Traffic, Smart Development, and Quality of Life

District 3 encompasses eastern Kent Island and Grasonville — beautiful communities that residents say are increasingly burdened by traffic congestion and overdevelopment.

“The citizens are angry about overdevelopment on Kent Island that has only made traffic worse,” Donadio said. “I am going to put an end to development that harms our quality of life.”

Donadio supports rational, responsible development — particularly in areas of the county where infrastructure can support growth without worsening traffic on Kent Island. He opposes unnecessary projects that increase congestion in what is already one of the county’s primary traffic choke points.

Public Safety First

Donadio is a strong supporter of law enforcement and first responders. He pledges full support to Queen Anne’s County police, fire, EMS, and emergency personnel.

“The safety and security of our residents must come first. Our children deserve a county free from crime and drugs.”

Supporting Veterans

“I want our veterans to receive property tax breaks,” Donadio said.

As a veteran himself, Donadio plans to work with veterans groups to advocate for property tax relief and expanded housing support for those who served our nation.

Seniors, Disabled Residents, and Families in Crisis

Donadio has expressed strong interest in expanding senior services and exploring potential tax relief for senior citizens. He also supports expanding transportation services for disabled residents to improve accessibility and independence.

After personally experiencing the financial burden of a dry residential well, Donadio is proposing property tax relief measures for families facing emergencies such as well failure or home loss due to fire.

“No family should be left without help in a crisis,” he said.

Fiscal Responsibility

Donadio has pledged to vote against property tax increases and to support a balanced, responsible county budget.

“I am not running for Commissioner for retirement benefits,” Donadio stated. “As a veteran, I already have healthcare. I will introduce reforms to ensure commissioners must serve the same length of time as other county employees to qualify for retiree health benefits.”

Unity and Respect

Donadio emphasized unity within Queen Anne’s County, noting the service of more than 455 U.S. Colored Troops from the county during the Civil War. He supports the Queen Anne’s County Veterans Committee’s initiative to erect a statue honoring a Black Civil War soldier.

“We all have each other’s backs here,” Donadio said. “I will stand against discrimination, nepotism, and unfair treatment.”

Experience and Leadership

Barry Donadio was born in Bay Shore, New York, and has served honorably in the military, volunteer fire and ambulance services, law enforcement, and the United States Secret Service, where he was assigned to the White House and protected Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

He is the recipient of numerous military honors, including:

• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

• Air Force Commendation Medal

• Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

• New York State Medal for Merit

• New York State Conspicuous Service Star

• Long & Faithful Medal

In 2013, Donadio founded Public Security LLC, a private investigation and security firm serving high-risk clients.

He is also a published author, best known for TWA Flight 800 First Responder Witness Account, detailing his firsthand experience during the July 17, 1996 disaster response. He has written six additional books and appears in five works by other authors.

Campaign Leadership

• Campaign Chairman: Mike Arntz, former Chair of the Queen Anne’s County Republican Central Committee

  
  

• Campaign Treasurer: James Appel, Comptroller of the Maryland Republican Party

  
  

Authority: Friends of Barry Donadio, Treasurer James Appel