BALTIMORE (WBFF) — A Republican committee is asking Maryland election officials to investigate whether a Super PAC supporting Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater coordinated with her campaign.
The Frederick County Republican Central Committee’s complaint centers on Sophia Silbergeld, who is listed as treasurer of United Frederick and president of Adeo, a political consulting firm. Fitzwater’s campaign reported paying Adeo $5,000 on Nov. 19, 2025, for “Fundraiser Event staffing.”
The Fitzwater campaign said Adeo managed a standalone event in fall 2025, before United Frederick was established. The PAC’s statement of organization was approved on Aug. 27, 2026.
“The campaign has not worked with Adeo since that event, and the campaign does not coordinate or communicate with PACs such as United Frederick,” the campaign said.
The PAC’s spending targets Republican candidate Jeff Holtzinger, who is challenging Fitzwater for Frederick County executive.
Justin Wages, chairman of the Republican committee, told FOX45 the complaint was prompted by United Frederick’s ads against Holtzinger and by Adeo’s connection to the campaign.
“Our belief is that, as Adeo was a vendor for the Fitzwater campaign, they shouldn’t be able to have any relations within 18 months of this independent expenditure,” Wages said.
United Frederick reported raising $550,000 from three contributors: $250,000 from MSEA’s Fund for Children and Public Education PAC, $200,000 from Total Food and Wine Supply Inc. and $100,000 from AFSCME.
Total Food and Wine Supply is co-owned by former U.S. Rep. David Trone. The PAC filing lists the company as the donor, not Trone personally.
The PAC reported $301,158.37 in independent expenditures opposing Holtzinger through Oct. 18. It separately reported $85,617.55 in other expenditures.
Wages said the PAC’s out-of-county funding is concerning, though he acknowledged the contributions themselves are not illegal.
“None of that’s particularly illegal,” he said. “It’s just kind of alarming that entities outside of Frederick County are willing to commit, at this point, up to $550,000 to choose who the next county executive will be.”
Wages also said data centers are “probably the number one issue” in the race. He criticized Fitzwater’s position on a proposed $110 million community benefits agreement, saying she changed her tune after public backlash. Wages also pointed to a lawsuit by data center developers alleging Fitzwater froze applications for political reasons. Those allegations are separate from the campaign-finance complaint.
Wages said he submitted the complaint through the Board’s online form on Oct. 26 and received an automated confirmation. As of his interview with FOX45 News, he said he had not received a substantive response or timeline for an investigation
Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.
This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
Local Story
