Tom Jarboe, a former commissioner for St. Mary's County and the Republican candidate for commissioner president in this year's election, died Wednesday night. He was 57.
His wife, Shannon Jarboe, announced his death was due to "complications from end-stage liver disease," in a Facebook post on Thursday.
"He cared deeply about this community and believed public service was a responsibility, not simply a title," Shannon Jarboe said in the post. "To many people, Tom was also a mentor, a loyal friend and someone they could depend on. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcomed, supported and part of the family."
Jarboe served as the District 1 county commissioner from 2014-2018. During his term, he worked alongside former commissioner Del. Todd Morgan (R-St. Mary's, Calvert).
"I'm really saddened that such a young, vibrant guy like Tom passed away," Morgan said. "He did so much for this community. It's just a shame. It hurts."
In March 2025, Jarboe filed for commissioner president as a Republican in the 2026 election. He won the Republican primary on June 23, earning 45% of the vote compared to 33% for Roy Alvey and 22% for Greg Kolarik.
"My vision is to retain the rural character of St. Mary's County while at the same time embracing technology and high development," Jarboe said at a primary election candidate forum in June.
He was expected to face Democrat AnnMarie Abell in the general election.
The county plans to fly flags at half-staff to honor Jarboe, Commissioner President Randy Guy (R) said.
"He did an outstanding job," said Guy, who served with Jarboe from 2014-2018. "He would've made a fine commissioner president."
"I was looking forward to seeing him as commissioner president," said Commissioner Mike Hewitt (R), who served with Tom Jarboe from 2014-2018. "He was just an excellent person. It's a real loss to St. Mary's County."
In addition to his wife, Tom Jarboe was survived by three sons, Nick, Christian and Luke.
The family will share arrangements and memorial service information at a later time, Shannon Jarboe said in the post.
Filling the vacancy
Due to the state board of elections' rules, St. Mary's County's Republican Central Committee must nominate a candidate for the commissioner president position as soon as possible, committee chairwoman Jennifer Boyd told Southern Maryland News Monday morning.
"The state controls elections," she said. "We've got to have time with the candidate."
The committee accepted applications through Monday afternoon and planned to conduct interviews on Wednesday, Aug. 12. The candidates to be interviewed are Roy Alvey, Jacinta Bottoms-Spencer, Timothy Gowen, Luke Jarboe, Robert Kelly and Deb Rey.
The new Republican candidate to be appointed for the November election is expected to be announced by the end of this week, Boyd said. That person will face Democrat AnnMarie Abell for the commissioner president seat.
The candidate's background and vision for the county will play a role in the selection process, Boyd said.