¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ

Dorchester County will hold primary elections on Tuesday, June 23, with voting open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Early voting takes place June 11-18.

There are four candidates running for Dorchester County sheriff, two from each party. Incumbent James Phillips will face off against Mark Lewis in the Republican primary. Christine LaMonica and LeRoi Robinson-Grant are running in the Democratic primary.

The Dorchester County sheriff holds a four-year term.Name: Christine LaMonica

Email: [email protected]

Age: 57

Family: Proud mother to 7 children, 6 boys and 1 girl. I have also been blessed with my first grandson.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with a minor is Psychology from University of Maryland Global Campus and master’s degree in social work from Salisbury University, graduating May 2026.

Occupation: Deputy First Class Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office

Previous political experience: Current Board Member — Dorchester County Board of Education District 3.

Why are you running for Dorchester County sheriff?

I am running for Sheriff to serve my community in a greater capacity while continuing my commitment to public safety. In this leadership role, I will lead with what I know works—trust, service, and strong community connections. With more than ten years of experience in criminal justice and social work, I bring a unique perspective on public safety—one where fair and accountable policing intersects with community needs. As a deputy, I prioritize active listening and ethical decision-making, and I will bring those qualities to the role of Sheriff to increase department morale and lead with purpose.

What issues will you prioritize if elected?

My top priority is public safety, achieved through proactive policing initiatives—such as neighborhood patrols and prevention-focused engagement—and strong collaboration with community agencies to improve operations and better serve the county. I will strengthen recruitment and retention efforts while providing relevant training opportunities to build a productive, well-supported, and prepared department. With the rise in mental health emergencies, I will revisit and strengthen co-responder models for crisis response to enhance safety and provide appropriate resources and follow-up. I have seen firsthand how strong collaboration with community partners creates positive, lasting change and promotes a safer community.

What issues will you prioritize if elected?

My top priority is public safety, achieved through proactive policing initiatives—such as neighborhood patrols and prevention-focused engagement—and strong collaboration with community agencies to improve operations and better serve the county. I will strengthen recruitment and retention efforts while providing relevant training opportunities to build a productive, well-supported, and prepared department. With the rise in mental health emergencies, I will revisit and strengthen co-responder models for crisis response to enhance safety and provide appropriate resources and follow-up. I have seen firsthand how strong collaboration with community partners creates positive, lasting change and promotes a safer community.

Juvenile crime has been a serious concern among residents. How do you plan to address this issue?

We are not alone in facing challenges related to Juvenile crime and addressing it requires a strong, coordinated community response. While enforcement plays a key role in public safety, lasting solutions come from building positive relationships with schools, families and community organizations. I believe in balancing accountability with prevention, by strengthening partnerships and implementing relevant, evidence-based prevention efforts. Through my experience, I have seen how combining accountability with engagement leads to better outcomes and reduces recidivism. I also believe every interaction is an opportunity to plant the seed for positive change, even in the most challenging circumstances.

The Sheriff’s Office has faced challenges recruiting and retaining officers. What steps would you take to tackle this?

Competitive pay matters, and I will advocate for deputy salaries. However, recruitment and retention go beyond compensation. I will prioritize quality-of-life initiatives, mental health support, and increased opportunities for growth through education assistance and flexible scheduling to create a more positive work environment. I will promote fair and consistent hiring practices and expand recruitment efforts by using available, underutilized resources to broaden our reach. My goal is to attract strong, qualified, and diverse candidates to Dorchester County while setting measurable goals to evaluate progress and ensure long-term success.

How do you plan to build and maintain trust between the Sheriff’s Office and Dorchester County residents?

I believe in community-oriented policing that focuses on engagement, collaboration, and consistent follow-through. I believe strongly in protecting with purpose—building public trust, through positive engagement, foot patrols in neighborhoods and businesses, and providing relevant preventive education and training, especially for vulnerable populations. Throughout my career I have learned there is no single formula; every community presents dynamic challenges, that require listening and adaptation not a one -size -fits-all approach. I will actively listen to community input and provide transparent communication to strengthen public trust.

What would you like to accomplish if elected?

As Sheriff, I will strengthen community trust and safety for all residents of Dorchester County. I will build strong community partnerships and lead a Sheriff’s Office that is responsive, accountable, and connected to those it serves. I want residents to feel confident in—and proud of—the service their Sheriff’s Office provides. I lead with a servant leadership approach—one that listens, identifies challenges, and delivers effective solutions. Through this leadership, I will ensure those who serve are supported, well-equipped, and prepared to succeed. I am ready to lead with purpose and honored to be your candidate for Sheriff.

¾ÅÉ«ÊÓƵ questionnaire was sent to all candidates to allow them to share their perspectives in their own words. Responses may be edited for length and clarity.