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Sheriff · Dorchester County · 2026 Primary
The Sheriff is an elected official responsible for maintaining courthouse security, serving legal documents such as warrants and evictions, and transporting individuals in custody. In many Maryland counties, the Sheriff’s Office also serves as the primary law enforcement agency, conducting patrols and investigating crimes. This office is a key part of the local justice system, ensuring that court orders are enforced and the public is protected.
View all candidates in this raceMark K. Lewis is a retired law enforcement veteran seeking the office of Dorchester County Sheriff on the Republican ballot for the 2026 primary election. A decorated officer with over three decades of service, including his tenure as Chief of Police for the City of Cambridge and time in the U.S. Army Reserves, he positions himself as a lifelong resident committed to restoring pride and professionalism within the department. Lewis emphasizes fiscal responsibility drawn from his experience as a business owner and prioritizes modernizing policies, technology, and staffing to improve efficiency and public safety. He pledges to lead from the front through visible community engagement, fair merit-based promotions, and competitive pay for personnel to restore morale and accountability across Dorchester County.
Sources: Campaign website
"THE RIGHT LEADER, RIGHT NOW."
Mark Lewis isn't asking for trust because of promises. He's earned it through a lifetime of service.
Dorchester County deserves experienced leadership, strong values, and a Sheriff who knows the job from the ground up.
Because leadership shouldn't happen behind a desk. It should happen out here—face to face, in the community...
Our community is strongest when we have leadership that respects your hard-earned tax dollars, makes smart and responsible financial decisions, and never loses sight of public safety.
Source: lewisfordocosheriff.com
Leadership Style
Lead from the front — Be present, visible, and engaged in the office, in the community, and alongside deputies.
“"Lead from the Front — Be present, visible, and engaged in the office, in the community, and alongside deputies."”
Modernization
Update policies, training, and technology to meet today's professional standards and improve efficiency.
“"Modernize the Sheriff's Office — Update policies, training, and technology to meet today's professional standards and improve efficiency."”
Emergency Communications
Rebuild recruitment efforts for emergency communications specialists, improve retention, and create clear advancement opportunities within the communications division.
“"Revamp & Strengthen the 911 Center — Rebuild recruitment efforts for emergency communications specialists, improve retention, and create clear advancement opportunities within the communications division."”
Patrol Staffing
Ensure proper coverage across Dorchester County to strengthen response times and public safety.
“"Increase Patrol Staffing — Ensure proper coverage across Dorchester County to strengthen response times and public safety."”
Promotions
Establish a transparent promotional process and leadership development from within.
“"Implement Fair, Merit-Based Promotions — Establish a transparent promotional process and leadership development from within."”
Compensation
Advocate for fair salaries for deputies, emergency communications operators, animal control officers, and civilian staff.
“"Support Competitive Pay for All Personnel — Advocate for fair salaries for deputies, emergency communications operators, animal control officers, and civilian staff"”
Budget Management
Apply proven budget management experience to strengthen recruitment, retention, and long-term departmental stability.
“"Invest Responsibly in Our People — Apply proven budget management experience to strengthen recruitment, retention, and long-term departmental stability."”
Culture
Build a culture of professionalism, teamwork, respect, and pride in service.
“"Restore Morale & Accountability — Build a culture of professionalism, teamwork, respect, and pride in service."”
“"protecting every citizen with fairness, strength, and respect."”
Source“"As a successful business owner, he understands fiscal responsibility, budgeting, and the importance of managing resources wisely."”
Source“"Mark began his service in uniform after serving in the U.S. Army Reserves, then joined local law enforcement and rose through the ranks the right way — through hard work, leadership, and results."”
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