Sheriff
June 23, 2026 · Baltimore city, Maryland · County · primary
How do we calculate vote impact?
Vote impact = representation (how much weight one vote carries here, the smaller the district's population, the higher the representation) + decisiveness (how likely this race is to be close, based on past results and number of candidates).
Representation: Low · 15 out of 100
This district is large for its type, so each vote is a smaller slice of the outcome. About 573,243 people live here.
score = 100 × ln(largest population ÷ this district's) ÷ ln(largest ÷ smallest), rounded to 2 decimals = 100 × ln(1,065,949 ÷ 573,243) ÷ ln(1,065,949 ÷ 19,346) = 15.47, comparing counties in MD (grades: 66+ high, 33+ average, otherwise low)
Decisiveness: Unknown
No past results for this contest yet.
Low representation + unknown decisiveness → Below average vote impact.
Some data is missing, so this rating is based on partial information and capped at "High".
Sheriff is responsible for:
- Running the county's law-enforcement department, including deputies and patrols
- Running the county jail
- Serving court orders, such as evictions and warrants
- Providing courthouse security in many counties
Affected Areas: Immigration, Public Safety and Crime Control, Gun Control, Data Privacy, Civil Rights
Candidates
Sabrina Tapp-Harper
Democratic · declared
Sabrina Tapp-Harper is a Democratic candidate for Baltimore City sheriff and a retired Baltimore City Police major and Baltimore City assistant sheriff. Her campaign emphasizes public safety, courthouse security, technology, and community-focused problem solving.
Records: Civil Rights 5 for, Gun Control 5 for, Public Safety and Crime Control 7 for
Sam Cogen
Democratic · Incumbent · declared
Sam Cogen is the Democratic sheriff of Baltimore City. He was elected in 2022 after a 25-year career in the sheriff's office, and he sought another term in the 2026 Democratic primary.
Records: Civil Rights 3 for, Data Privacy 1 for, Immigration 2 against, Public Safety and Crime Control 2 for
Election sources
Source: elections.maryland.gov
Source: elections.maryland.gov
Source: elections.maryland.gov