Position Sought
Register of Wills for Howard County
Current Position
Register of Wills for Howard County
Party Affiliation
Democrat
Location
Maryland
Date of Primary Election
June 23, 2026
Primary Election Donation Limit
$6,000
Date of General Election
November 3, 2026
General Election Donation Limit
$6,000
Race/Ethnicity
White/Caucasian
Gender Identity
Cisgender Man
Sexual Orientation
Gay
Pronouns
He/Him/His
Connect with Byron MacFarlane
Byron was the first out LGBTQ person elected in Howard County, MD!
Biography
Byron Macfarlane is a lifelong resident of Howard County. He graduated from public schools, the University of Maryland College Park, and the University of Baltimore School of Law. When Byron was first elected in 2010, he became the youngest Register of Wills in Maryland history and the first openly LGBTQ+ elected official in Howard County. From 2013 to 2016, Byron served as President of the Maryland Register of Wills Association and has chaired the organization’s Legislative Committee for 10 years. As Register, Byron has diversified and modernized his office, has built an office dedicated to compassion and professionalism, and advocated for reforms that make the legal process following the passing of a loved one easier for Maryland families. In the coming term, he’ll build on the successes of the past and continue to be a reliable, responsive, and results-oriented leader for the people of Howard County and the State of Maryland.