Washington County Judge Delivers State of the County Address Ahead of GOP Primary

Incumbent Patrick Deakins highlights infrastructure, budget, and planning priorities as he faces two Republican challengers.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins delivered his annual "State of the County" address, touting infrastructure improvements, budget management, and plans to reform the county's planning and zoning codes. Deakins is facing two Republican challengers, Tim Shepard and Mark Scalise, in the upcoming March primary election. Shepard called for more transparency, while Scalise emphasized public safety and economic development as top priorities.

Why it matters

The Washington County judge race is a key contest in the upcoming Republican primary, with the winner facing the sole Democratic candidate in the November general election. The State of the County address provides insight into the incumbent's record and priorities, as well as the policy platforms of the challengers, giving voters important information to consider as they head to the polls.

The details

In his address, Deakins highlighted the county's progress on infrastructure projects and budget management, while also outlining plans to reform the planning and zoning codes to be more business-friendly. Challenger Tim Shepard called for more transparency, including online dashboards to track project details and spending. Challenger Mark Scalise emphasized public safety and economic development as top priorities if elected.

  • Deakins delivered the State of the County address on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • The Republican primary election in Washington County is scheduled for March 3, 2026.

The players

Patrick Deakins

The incumbent Washington County Judge, running for re-election in the Republican primary.

Tim Shepard

One of Deakins' Republican challengers for the Washington County Judge position.

Mark Scalise

Another Republican challenger for the Washington County Judge seat.

Dana D. Deree

The sole Democratic candidate for Washington County Judge, who will face the winner of the Republican primary in the November general election.

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What they’re saying

“We wanted to set the bar high. Progress the county and innovate into the current times.”

— Patrick Deakins, Washington County Judge (4029tv.com)

“I think everything should move online. I'd like to do public dashboards that show projects, cost of projects, who's working on the project, how far it is in completion. Just make everything very transparent to the public.”

— Tim Shepard, Republican Challenger for Washington County Judge (4029tv.com)

“Certainly, public safety would be number one. The roads and infrastructure would be second, and jobs and building a stronger economy countywide for the citizens moving forward.”

— Mark Scalise, Republican Challenger for Washington County Judge (4029tv.com)

What’s next

The Republican primary election in Washington County is scheduled for March 3, 2026, where voters will choose between Deakins, Shepard, and Scalise. The winner will then face the sole Democratic candidate, Dana D. Deree, in the November general election.

The takeaway

The Washington County judge race is shaping up to be a competitive Republican primary, with the incumbent touting his record on infrastructure and budget management, while the challengers emphasize transparency, public safety, and economic development as key priorities. Voters will have important choices to make as they head to the polls in the coming months.