In 2022, for the first time in 40 years, Garrett County voters had a choice for the two state legislative positions and all 3 County Commissioner positions. In 2026, we are proud to see that we almost repeated that same level of representations, and we are grateful to the four Democrats who stood up to be sure that there is a choice in the 2026 General Elections! Thank you to our candidates!! Please get out an vote for them!
ASHLEY EMERICK FOR STATE SENATOR, D1
Born and raised in Allegany County, Maryland, Ashley Emerick understands the challenges facing Western Maryland because she has lived them herself. After attending Frostburg State University and earning her bachelor’s degree, she worked at local call centers, including the Motor Vehicle Administration, while continuing to waitress to make ends meet. During the COVID-19 shutdown, Ashley turned her passion for baking into a successful small business in Downtown Cumberland. Through that experience, she saw firsthand the struggles small businesses and working families face every day. Ashley is passionate about addressing rising housing costs, affordability, access to healthcare, and protecting Western Maryland’s communities and natural resources from growing threats like unchecked development of call centers, the proliferation of AI, and dangerous weather events. She believes Western Maryland deserves strong leadership that will fight for local families and ensure the region is not left behind in Annapolis. As a young Democratic woman, Ashley brings a fresh perspective and a new generation of leadership to Maryland politics. She is ready to fight for Western Marylanders in the State Senate and make sure their voices are heard. To connect with Ashley, email ashleyemerickforsenate@gmail.com or visit her on Facebook.
JEFF HOVIS FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, CD-1
Jeff Hovis was born in York, Pennsylvania, and lived in Philadelphia for fourteen years before he pulled up stakes and, at the age of 32 years old, began a new life in Garrett County. After attending Temple University, where he majored in journalism, Jeff decided to relocate to Garret County and return to school at Garrett College, where he enrolled in their Adventuresports Program. Jeff is an enthusiastic whitewater paddler, who has also been a raft guide for over 30 years and enjoys spending time in the outdoors. Since 2019, Jeff has enjoyed living in Mountain Lake Park with his yellow Labrador Retriever Jasper, and currently sits as the junior member on the MLP Town Council since 2021. Since moving to Garrett County, Jeff has worked primarily in the local tourism, hospitality, and real estate industries. Jeff has been active in Democratic politics in both the community and at state levels. Jeff is looking forward to the 2026 campaign for County Commissioner and the challenges and opportunities that come with it. To connect with Jeff, email him at jeffhovis21@gmial.com.
JASON JOBE FOR STATE DELEGATE, D1A
Jason Jobe is the 2026 Democratic candidate for Maryland House of Delegates, District 1A. A father of three children who grew up in Garrett County, he is running because the workers, families, and the children of Western Maryland deserve a delegate who understands that housing, childcare, and healthcare are not separate political debates — they are systemic failures that hit rural communities the hardest. Jason holds an M.S. in Computer Science, with more than 30 years of professional experience as a software architect and engineer — two decades in the defense sector and another decade in private-sector enterprise systems — Jason understands how to work with high level decision makers with conflicting priorities to find solutions; pragmatic, working solutions that don't compromise the security or integrity of systems where lives, not just money, depended on it. Smart spending beats more spending every time. Without in-house expertise, our representatives in Annapolis are relegated to rubber-stamping contracts and budgets written by lobbyists and special interests. Jason is willing, ready, and able to serve your interests, not theirs! To connect with Jason, please email him at mbox2019@jasonjob.com.
JESSE DEVORE FOR COUNTY COMMISSIONER, CD-3
Jesse DeVore is the Democratic Candidate for County Commissioner in Commissioner District 3. He is a father and a veteran who was born and raised in Maryland. Ever since he started paying attention to politics, things have gradually gotten worse. He says he has watched in absolute horror as our gradual downhill slide has turned into a fast paced race towards the edge of a cliff in the past year. He’s never taken part in politics. He’s never wanted to. But he says he is tired of feeling powerless on the sidelines. We need principled people who care about the well being of not just those in our circles, but of everyone. We need people who will not only push back against the horrors of the current regime, but who will also fight to make sure that everyone in our community has their basic needs met. That's why Jesse is running. To connect with Jesse, please email him at jesse.devore@gmail.com.