Jim Fredericks Responds to Sheriff Sesker's Campaign Integrity Allegations, Defends Use of "Re-Elect"

Former Anne Arundel County Sheriff Jim Fredericks has responded to a recent public statement by incumbent Everett Sesker defending his campaign's use of the phrase "Re-Elect" and raising allegations of his own regarding the Sheriff's campaign activities.

The response follows a Report Annapolis News article detailing concerns raised by Sesker about what he described as a lack of integrity in the 2026 Sheriff's race.

In a statement titled "Leading with Integrity," Sesker argued that honesty and transparency are fundamental to public service and drew parallels between the titles earned in public safety professions and elected office.

"As someone who has served in public safety, I understand that titles such as Police Officer, Deputy, or Firefighter are earned through rigorous training and dedication," Sesker wrote. "These titles, and the badges that represent them, carry a weight that is priceless to those who serve."

Sesker further argued that the designation "Re-Elect" is recognition reserved for an incumbent officeholder. He alleged that Fredericks, who previously served as Anne Arundel County Sheriff from 2018 to 2022 but is not the current Sheriff, is using the phrase in campaign materials despite not holding the office.

In response, Fredericks rejected Sesker's criticism, calling it "a sad attempt...to start a smear campaign" and contending that the Sheriff is attempting to distract voters from his record in office.

Fredericks stated that he was elected as the 120th Sheriff of Anne Arundel County in 2018 and maintains that his use of the phrase "Re-Elect" is appropriate because he is seeking election to the same office he previously held.

Responding to Sesker's assertion that the terminology may be prohibited in some jurisdictions, Fredericks said Maryland law contains no such restriction. He stated that while five states have enacted laws governing the use of the term "Re-Elect," Maryland is not among them. Fredericks further asserted that his review of Maryland election law found no prohibition on the use of the term and said he intends to continue using it in campaign materials.

Fredericks also turned his attention to Sesker's campaign, alleging that a social media account identified as "Sheriff Everett Sesker" raises questions regarding compliance with Maryland campaign finance regulations.

According to Fredericks, if the page is functioning as a campaign social media account while promoting fundraising events and campaign donation links, it may be subject to authority line requirements under the Maryland Election Law Article and the Code of Maryland Regulations. He questioned whether the required campaign authority line is prominently displayed.

Additionally, Fredericks raised concerns about the use of the elected title "Sheriff Everett Sesker" on what he characterized as a campaign page. He argued that the practice could warrant review under Maryland ethics provisions relating to the use of the "prestige of office." Fredericks said that during his tenure as Sheriff, he maintained separate official and campaign social media accounts and believes the distinction should remain clear.

Fredericks concluded by calling for campaigns to focus on issues affecting Anne Arundel County residents rather than personal attacks.

"I, along with many other voters, are tired of politics as usual," Fredericks said. "Voters deserve campaigns that discuss viewpoints, issues and the things that matter to them, like safety in our communities. I plan to stick to the issues as I get my message out to voters."

 This article is based solely on a statement provided to Report Annapolis News by Jim Fredericks in response to a previous statement issued by Sheriff Everett Sesker. The legal and ethical assertions contained in Fredericks' statement are allegations and have not been proven.  

Report Annapolis News has reached out to the campaign of Everett Sesker for comment and will update this article upon receipt of a response.

 ***Any accused individual named or identified in this posting, website and in the articles are innocent until proven guilty by a court of law or other entity.***

***The content on this posting, on the website and in the articles is provided "as is;" and no representations are made that the content is error-free.***

***No reader, user, or browser of this posting, website and the articles should act or refrain from acting on the basis of the content without first seeking advice from a competent and qualified professional.