Meet Harford Co. Clerk Of Circuit Court Candidate Michelle Karczeski: 2026 Election Spotlight

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Michelle Karczeski will be on the ballot Election Day as a candidate for Harford County Clerk of the Circuit Court.

Patch posed questions to each candidate running for office.

Below you will find this candidate's responses, verbatim:

Name: Michelle Karczeski

Age on Election Day: 56

Hometown: Forest Hill

Political Affiliation: Republican

Email address to be published: michellekarczeski@gmail.com

Campaign website/Facebook page: michellekarczeski.com

Do you have any previous political experience? If so, please state and explain how that experience will influence your time in office if elected. Yes - I have been the Clerk of Court of Harford County since 12/1/2022. My time in office has been invaluable. It has given me the experience needed to establish an office structure that can better serve the citizens of Harford County and those that visit the Clerk's Office.

What do you believe is the single-most important issue facing voters in the district you’re looking to represent? Preservation of community.

How do you intend to address those issues? The Clerk is the "keeper of the record" and I will continue to manage and maintain our legacy records to maintain our history and be active in the preservation of those collections.

How do you differ from other candidates running against you? I have almost 20 years of experience working with the Maryland Judiciary and have implemented technology in every Circuit and District Court location in the State of Maryland.

How would your work experience benefit the goals/objectives you’ve outlined in your campaign and/or the office you’re seeking? Because of my years of work experience with the Maryland Judiciary I have relationships with the Clerks across the State of Maryland and staff at the Administrative Office of the Courts. This is extremely helpful when managing daily operations for a team of 53 people and laws that are constantly changing.

What is your opinion of the work being done by the current office holder, and how will you improve on it? If that is you - how do you plan to continue improving upon what you've already accomplished? I am working with the Administrative Office of the Courts to bring consistency to the business practices of the Clerk's Office in both judicial and non-judicial operations. Working to build more efficient systems to better service the public.

How do you feel about the school system in your area and what improvements would you like to see be made? I woud like cursive to be reintroduced back into the school system. Many of our historical records in the court are hand written in cursive and we are seeing that not everyone can read them.

How do you feel about crime in your area and what steps can be taken to reduce it? I think there is lower crime in my area than most in Maryland. We are lucky to live in an area where public safety is a priority.

What do you think about the economic climate and business sector in your community, and what initiatives could propel it forward? The Clerk's Office issues buiness licenses for certain types of businesses and we have seen a decrease in the number of licenses issued as a trend over the last couple of years. I feel this is due to the current economic climate. It seems as if owners are closing shop, moving or not starting new businesses.

How do you feel about transportation options in the area and what, if anything, should be improved upon? From what I see there is adequate transportation options in the area whether by using public or private options. I am sure some may disagree or feel services could be expanded.

What else would you like voters to know about you? I ran for office because I wanted to work in my own community and continue to work with the Maryland Courts in a different capacity. It was an opportunity to put my skills to work to serve. I truly enjoy what I do and seeing the positive change that can result from communication and collaboration is well worth the effort.