Kent County Made Its Choice Clear: Sam Shoge Leads All County Commissioner Candidates in Primary Vote Totals
Kent County voters have spoken—and the results show real momentum behind a campaign focused on growth, investment, and a stronger future for our communities.
With all 10 election day precincts reported, Sam Shoge received 1,311 total votes, the highest total of any candidate running for Kent County Commissioner in either party’s primary.
That means Sam did not just lead the Democratic field. He finished first overall.
In a competitive Democratic primary where voters could select up to three candidates, the results were clear:
Sam Shoge: 1,311 votes — 31.44%
John T. Carroll: 1,122 votes — 26.91%
Thad L. Bench: 1,020 votes — 24.46%
David Foster: 717 votes — 17.19%
On the Republican side, the totals were:
Ron Fithian: 990 votes — 34.14%
Albert Nickerson: 969 votes — 33.41%
John F. Price: 941 votes — 32.45%
Across both primaries, Sam Shoge earned the strongest showing of any candidate for County Commissioner.
The result shows that voters are ready for a different kind of leadership in Kent County—leadership that is willing to be honest about the challenges in front of us and bold about what it will take to move forward. Declining population, shrinking school enrollment, limited housing options, and a narrowing local economy are not problems we can afford to tiptoe around. Solving these challenges will require energy, vision, and a willingness to make strategic, long-term investments in Kent County’s future.
Tuesday’s results prove that message is resonating.
From early voting to election day to mail-in ballots, support for Sam’s campaign remained strong. Voters showed up because they believe Kent County can do more than simply manage decline. They believe we can grow with intention, invest in our schools, support quality housing, attract new business, and create a county where families, workers, seniors, and young people all have a stronger foundation to build their future.
This campaign has always been about what becomes possible when people decide that the future of Kent County is worth fighting for.
To everyone who voted, volunteered, donated, encouraged a neighbor, shared a post, hosted a conversation, or believed in this campaign from the beginning: thank you.
The momentum is real. Let’s keep moving Forward With Purpose.
