Mike Hart

Mike Hart is an incumbent Republican County Commissioner for District 1 in Calvert County, seeking a fourth term in 2026. A 57-year-old businessman with more than 30 years of experience, he has represented District 1 since first taking office in December 2014. He won re-election in 2022 by a wide margin, defeating Democrat Tricia Powell with nearly 64 percent of the vote, and has served as vice president of the Board of County Commissioners. His primary campaign focus for 2026 is opposing high-density development in Calvert County, citing inadequate infrastructure to support further growth and a desire to preserve the county's character. He is also calling for a hard look at how the county budget is structured, arguing that rising costs in public safety and education require a reassessment of spending priorities. He has additionally flagged the growing risk of failing residential septic systems and shoreline erosion as issues requiring attention from both county and state officials. He is running in the Republican primary for District 1 alongside fellow incumbent at-large Commissioner Earl "Buddy" Hance, who is seeking a third at-large term.