ST. MARY’S COUNTY, Md. – Ryan Daniels, a native Marylander, decorated Marine Corps combat-wounded veteran, dedicated public servant, and community advocate, is honored to announce his candidacy for County Commissioner, District 4. With a proven track record of advocacy, leadership, and integrity, Daniels is committed to bringing meaningful, lasting change to the community he now calls home.
“Our county deserves determined leadership – leadership that doesn’t just make promises but delivers results. Like many of you, I’ve seen the gap between what’s been promised and what’s actually been done. I want to give back to the people and the place that have given me so much, especially lately. That’s why I’m running to represent District 4 as your County Commissioner.”
Vision Statement
As County Commissioner, Ryan Daniels will champion a local government where people, not politics, come first; where every tax dollar is respected; and where open, honest communication restores trust in public service. While many candidates say this, Daniels pledges to live it.
Key Campaign Priorities:
• People are priority: I’m committed to putting people – especially veterans, whose sacrifices often go unrecognized – at the heart of every decision. Many of you have told me you feel your concerns have gone unheard. I will listen before deciding, put families and neighborhoods ahead of politics, and lead with fairness, respect, and accountability.
• Fiscal Conservatism: I believe in being a responsible steward of your tax dollars. That means cutting waste, setting clear priorities, and ensuring every dollar works for our community. Smart, disciplined budgeting is not just good policy – it is respect for the people who earn and pay. I stand firm in my commitment to fiscal responsibility, and I will not waver due to political pressure, as we have recently seen.
• Communication: Good leadership starts with listening. I understand many of you feel unheard by your leaders. I will maintain open lines of communication, remain accessible, and ensure transparency in decision-making. That means being present in the community, engaging in honest conversations, and always putting the public interest first.
About Ryan Daniels
Born in St. Mary’s County, Ryan Daniels brings not only a homegrown understanding of the area, but a wealth of experience to the role of County Commissioner. With an extensive background in public service, Ryan has consistently demonstrated that he doesn’t just talk about service, discipline, and accountability; he lives it.
After being wounded in Afghanistan, he fought to re-enlist and serve another 4 years. He plans to bring this same steadiness and resilience to public office. His dedication to service is evident in his work as mentor and Alumni Director with Warfighter Advance, Maryland’s premier veteran non-profit organization and recipient of the 2021 Non-profit of the Year award from former Governor Larry Hogan.
Daniels also serves as a consultant for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), helping veterans obtain the benefits they’ve earned and deserved. Whether in uniform or in advocacy, he has consistently championed initiatives that benefit the entirety of our community – not just in words, but through action.
Join Us in Making a Difference
“I understand that stepping away from my independent roots and running as a Democrat puts me at a disadvantage in this race, but it’s a challenge I gladly accept. Maryland is led by Democrats at the state level, and my hope is that, when elected, I can bring meaningful change to St. Mary’s County by working closely with Democratic leadership while also collaborating across the aisle with my Republican and independent friends and colleagues to address issues that have long been overlooked or ignored.
More than that, I believe in the core idea of democracy: that progress happens when people come together, share ideas, and work toward common goals. Right now, that spirit of cooperation is missing. I want to be the one to bring it back – to be the person who works across party lines to find solutions that benefit everyone. My time in Iraq, Afghanistan, and more recently in Ukraine, reminded me that we are all in this together.
I invite all residents to join our campaign and be part of the movement for a more transparent, accountable, and responsive county government. Connect with me – come to a community event, send me an email, or meet me in person. Share your concerns, hopes, and ideas. I promise to listen, research, learn, and work tirelessly to find the best path forward for our county and everyone in it.
Together, we can ensure that the decisions made in St. Mary’s County reflect the values, needs, and voices of the people who live here.”
For more information about Ryan Daniels and his campaign, please visit www.ryandanielscountycommissioner.org or his social media accounts at www.facebook.com/ryandanielscountycommissioner and www.instagram.com/ryandanielscountycommissioner.
Ryan is an excellent human being and leader. “Be the change you want to see.” Excited to see someone run who is truly dedicated to the well being of the county and the people who live there.