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County Commissioner · District 1 · Somerset County · 2026 Primary
County Commissioners act as both the lawmaking body and the executive branch for their county, meaning they pass local ordinances and oversee all county departments. They are responsible for setting property tax rates and adopting the annual budget, which determines funding levels for essential services like public schools, road maintenance, and emergency responders. Their decisions on land use and zoning also directly influence how your community grows and what types of businesses or housing can be built.
View all candidates in this raceCraig N. Mathies Sr. is the incumbent Somerset County Commissioner for District 1 and is running for reelection in 2026 as a Democrat. Somerset County’s official biography describes him as a longtime county resident, Crisfield High School graduate, and minister who has served in county leadership. Public election records show him as an active candidate for the District 1 seat in the 2026 cycle.
Volunteer Firefighter Retirement Benefits
Supported raising volunteer firefighter retirement allotment during special session vote
“President Charles Laird said absent Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr. agreed with the change”
EMS Oversight and Transparency
County commissioners pledged reforms to EMS oversight including public hearing on workers' compensation and changes to reporting and spending review
“pledged a series of oversight and transparency changes for the county's EMS operations after a special session with volunteer fire and ambulance representatives”
External news sources list Craig N. Mathies, Sr. as a Democratic candidate filing for Somerset County Commissioners District 1 in the February 2026 primary election. Coverage notes that during a special session on volunteer firefighter retirement allotments held February 24, 2026, President Charles Laird stated absent Commissioner Craig N. Mathies Sr. agreed with the change to raise the annual Volunteer Service Award Program (VSAP) retirement allotment from $600 to $1,200.
“pledged a series of oversight and transparency changes for the county's EMS operations after a special session with volunteer fire and ambulance representatives”
Source“changes to reporting and spending review”
Source“raise the annual VSAP retirement allotment for volunteer firefighters from $600 to $1,200”
Source