Will Milam, who retired as Prince George's County's second-in-command sheriff in February 2025, is running as a Democrat for Montgomery County Sheriff in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. He is certified for the ballot, according to BallotReady election data.

Milam, 44, a Poolesville resident, said he wants to make the sheriff's office an active force in community safety. His priorities, according to his campaign website, include combating domestic violence, engaging youth, addressing behavioral health and filling staff vacancies.

Candidate information

  • Name: Will Milam
  • Party: Democratic
  • Age: 44
  • Residence: Poolesville, Maryland
  • Family: Husband and father

Experience and public service

Milam was sworn in as a deputy sheriff on his 21st birthday, the AFRO reported. He began his career at the Calvert County Sheriff's Office, Milam said.

He later served as a patrol officer and public information officer at the Prince George's County Sheriff's Office. He rose to assistant sheriff in Prince George's County and then to chief assistant sheriff, according to BallotReady. As chief assistant sheriff, he served as second-in-command and managed four major bureaus: administration, field operations, court services and professional accountability, the AFRO reported.

He retired Feb. 1, 2025. BallotReady describes him as an executive-level law enforcement leader who has served in multiple Maryland jurisdictions.

On the issues

The following positions are drawn from Milam's responses on BallotReady. All statements reflect the candidate's own claims.

Domestic and family violence: Milam said he would implement a strategy to raise awareness, support survivors and hold offenders accountable. That plan would include expanded partnerships with advocacy organizations, community outreach, improved training for deputies on trauma-informed responses and a stronger role in prevention efforts. "The Sheriff's Office will not be a passive observer … it will be a leader in ending domestic and family violence in our community," Milam said on his BallotReady questionnaire.

Youth engagement: Milam said the sheriff's office would focus on coaching, mentoring and empowering young people through school partnerships, youth engagement programs and community-based initiatives.

Behavioral health: Milam said every resident deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, especially those living with behavioral health challenges and hidden disabilities. He said he would ensure the office leads with empathy and professionalism while recognizing the complexity of behavioral health.

Fugitive apprehension and staffing: Milam said he would focus on apprehending fugitives and recruiting candidates to fill staff vacancies.

Community collaboration: Milam said he would work with other county agencies to ensure a safe and secure community and serve as a public advocate for Montgomery County residents.

Endorsements

Gino Renne, president of UFCW Local 1994/McGEO, endorsed Milam, as reported by the AFRO.

Candidate positions in this profile are based on responses submitted through BallotReady and reporting by the AFRO. The Bethesda Beacon did not interview the candidate. The general election is Nov. 3, 2026.