Sam Shoge Launches Campaign for Kent County Commissioner at The Bank in Chestertown

More than 55 supporters gathered on May 6 as Shoge outlined a campaign focused on schools, housing, economic opportunity, and protecting Kent County’s most vulnerable residents.

Sam Shoge officially launched his campaign for Kent County Commissioner on May 6 at The Bank in Chestertown, where more than 50 community members, elected officials, candidates, friends, and family gathered in support of his candidacy.

Shoge opened his remarks by recognizing elected officials from the Kent County Board of Education, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Circuit Court, as well as candidates seeking office for County Commissioner, State Senate, and State’s Attorney.

He also thanked the people helping guide his campaign, including former Chestertown Mayor Chris Cerino, who is serving as campaign committee chair, and Jen Rickert, who is serving as campaign treasurer. Shoge recognized Robbi Behr and Matthew Swanson for designing his campaign logo, and thanked his family — especially his wife, DeLia — for supporting his decision to run.

But the central theme of the evening was Shoge’s gratitude for the community that raised him, supported him, and shaped his path into public service.

A Debt of Honor to Kent County

In his remarks, Shoge reflected on the many ways Kent County has supported him throughout his life and career.

He recalled co-launching the Kent County Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals and watching the community rally behind the group’s first fundraiser, a beer festival, so strongly that he joked it made him think fundraising was easy.

He spoke about launching his first business, Shore Studios, and being surprised by the response from residents who booked him for drone photography and purchased his artwork. He reflected on taking over as executive director of the Kent County Chamber of Commerce at the outbreak of COVID and again seeing the community step forward. And he pointed to Friendly Goods Company, a hobby that became a full-fledged business, as another example of Kent County’s willingness to support people trying to build something locally.

“Here I was again, launching something new, and the community was rallying behind me,” Shoge said. “I owe a debt of honor to the community that raised me and the community that made me.”

Shaped by Kent County

Shoge told attendees that his connection to Kent County goes beyond professional support. He described himself as a product of the institutions, people, and experiences that define the county.

He spoke about attending Kent County Public Schools, where teachers pushed him to redo assignments because they knew he was capable of better work. He reflected on growing up in First United Methodist Church, where he was grounded in faith and community from an early age. He recalled his first job in the dishroom at Washington College Dining Hall, where he developed a work ethic and an appreciation for a fair wage for a day’s work.

He also credited youth engagement — including recreation sports and Boy Scouts — with teaching him the meaning of service, teamwork, and responsibility.

“I am who I am because of this community,” Shoge said. “The only way I can repay that debt of honor is through service.”

A Record of Local Service

Shoge pointed to his years of local involvement as evidence of his commitment to Kent County.

He has served with organizations and public bodies including Main Street Chestertown, the Kent County Land Use Ordinance Update Task Force, the Chestertown Public Arts Committee, and the Kent County Democratic Central Committee. He also served as a member of the Chestertown Town Council, first by election and later by appointment.

Shoge said each opportunity deepened his appreciation for the county and strengthened his belief that service is one of the highest ways to protect what people cherish.

“What do you do with the things you cherish? You protect them,” Shoge said.

He tied that belief to his broader record of service, including his time as a volunteer firefighter, his work as a Chester Tester with the Chester River Association, his service on the Kent County Renewable Energy Task Force, his advocacy with the Save Our Hospital movement, and his later service on the board of Shore Regional Health to help ensure Chestertown remained a priority.

A Campaign Focused on the Next Generation

Shoge said his campaign is rooted in continuing his service to the community and ensuring the next generation can benefit from the same kind of Kent County experience that shaped him.

He outlined four central priorities for his campaign:

Invest in our schools. Shoge emphasized that strong public schools are foundational to Kent County’s future and essential to retaining families, attracting workers, and giving young people a strong start.

Build more housing. Shoge called for a more intentional approach to housing so that seniors, young families, workers, and vulnerable residents are not pushed out of the community.

Grow our economy. Shoge spoke about the need to create more opportunity, strengthen the tax base, and support businesses in a way that fits Kent County’s character.

Support the most vulnerable in our community. Shoge stressed that growth and progress must include residents who are often overlooked, including seniors, low-income families, and those at risk of falling through the cracks.

Throughout his remarks, Shoge made clear that he does not see progress and preservation as competing goals.

“We can invest in our schools, build more housing, grow our economy, and support the most vulnerable in our community while also protecting our land, our waterways, and our heritage,” Shoge said. “But we have to do it strategically, intentionally, and with purpose.”