Eastern Shore Undercover Editorial: Michele Gregory Suspends Campaign for Wicomico County Executive Position

Salisbury, MD - City of Salisbury Councilwoman Michele Gregory announced she is suspending her campaign for Wicomico County Executive. In a statement released this evening, Mrs. Gregory explained her decision was based on the current stability of the Salisbury City Council.

"Right now, my city needs me here," Gregory stated. She added that her focus will now be on "rebuilding confidence in our Council, ensuring transparency and fighting for the fair and responsible leadership our residents deserve."

Mrs. Gregory announced her candidacy for Wicomico County Executive on April 25, 2025, through a social media post. She has since held several fundraising events, including one at the Brick Room in Salisbury, where tickets ranged from $100.00 to $2,500.00. Another fundraiser took place in Annapolis on May 22, 2025, with similar ticket prices. An online donation campaign was also launched on October 17, 2025.

The announcement to suspend her campaign came following a contentious Salisbury City Council meeting. During the meeting, Councilwoman Gregory and Salisbury City Mayor Randy Taylor had a disagreement over several issues, including the Pride Crosswalks and the mayor's parking spot, which she claimed impeded access to a handicapped ramp.

The Mayor explained to Mrs. Gregory that he had nothing to do with the parking spot, that she was upset about and explained that there are a lot of things in the City of Salisbury that need to get done, without two bodies of government going at each other as enemies.

Mayor Taylor expressed that he felt there was a push to create division and that some were trying to feel "superior" to his values. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the city's executive and legislative bodies to accomplish a list of 47 items for the city. Taylor noted that the City of Salisbury is in a strong financial position to complete these projects, but unity is essential.

"The City of Salisbury is in a great position financially to get things done," Taylor said, adding that they must "work together in unity" and "be on the same team." He urged council members to "stop playing games" to serve the citizens of Salisbury effectively.

During her time for council comments, Mrs. Gregory read a stewardship statement from PFLAG concerning the Pride Crosswalk. Afterward, she addressed the mayor directly, stating, "here's where I'm going to get into the personal comments that the mayor just said. Mr. Mayor, if you don't want to be called a bigot, don't do bigoted things."

Mrs. Gregory continued to berate the Mayor for several minutes, and scolded him in a manner that a parent or guardian would scold their younger child. Let us not forget, these are adults, not children and no leader in our community, in my opinion, should be talked to in that manner, especially in public.

She pointed her finger at the Mayor throughout the scolding and the attitude and demeanor that she displayed was certainly not that of a leader in our community.

In a society where political battles occur daily at the national level, I believe that finding common ground at the local level-where it matters most in the daily lives of citizens-is essential.

For that, we agree with the Mayor that the bickering and contentious attitudes need to be put to the side, to get things done for citizens of Salisbury, which is the most important thing for voters in the city.

All parties need to come together and unite for the greater good.