Retired Baltimore police officer challenges incumbent sheriff

Sabrina Tapp-Harper aims to become Baltimore City's first female sheriff

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Sabrina Tapp-Harper, a retired major from the Baltimore Police Department and former assistant sheriff, has officially filed to challenge incumbent Baltimore City Sheriff Sam Cogen in the Democratic primary. Tapp-Harper believes her four decades of law enforcement experience and commitment to strengthening community partnerships make her the ideal candidate to lead the sheriff's office.

Why it matters

The Baltimore City sheriff's office plays a crucial role in courthouse security, civil process service, and community engagement. With Tapp-Harper's bid, Baltimore voters will have the opportunity to choose between an experienced law enforcement veteran and the incumbent sheriff who has held the position since 2018.

The details

Tapp-Harper officially filed her candidacy at the City Board of Elections on Thursday, rallying a crowd of energetic supporters. She believes she has strong support within the ranks of the sheriff's office to unseat the incumbent. Cogen, who filed for reelection last week as part of the 'Baltimore Courthouse Safety Slate' along with the city's top prosecutor, clerk of the circuit court, and register of wills, has held the position since 2018.

  • Tapp-Harper officially filed her candidacy on Thursday, February 20, 2026.
  • Early voting begins on June 11, 2026, with Primary Day on June 23, 2026.

The players

Sabrina Tapp-Harper

A retired major from the Baltimore Police Department and former assistant sheriff, Tapp-Harper is challenging the incumbent Baltimore City sheriff in the Democratic primary.

Sam Cogen

The incumbent Baltimore City sheriff, who filed for reelection last week as part of the 'Baltimore Courthouse Safety Slate'.

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What they’re saying

“If you choose me as the next sheriff of Baltimore City, you will not regret your choice.”

— Sabrina Tapp-Harper, Candidate for Baltimore City Sheriff (wbal.com)

“We care deeply about the city, we care about the people of the city. We all work hard together, and together we're strong within the courthouse.”

— Sam Cogen, Incumbent Baltimore City Sheriff (wbal.com)

What’s next

Early voting begins on June 11, 2026, with Primary Day on June 23, 2026. The winner of the Democratic primary will face the Republican nominee in the general election.

The takeaway

Tapp-Harper's bid to become Baltimore City's first female sheriff presents voters with a choice between an experienced law enforcement veteran and the incumbent sheriff. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the leadership and direction of the sheriff's office, which plays a crucial role in courthouse security, civil process service, and community engagement.