Mike Alderson Jr.
Candidate for the upcoming General Election on November 3, 2026. Always verify official ballot status with the Maryland State Board of Elections.
Incumbent District 3 County Commissioner (elected 2022), U.S. Marine Corps combat veteran (Desert Storm, 2nd Light Armored Infantry Battalion), and 1st Vice-Chair of the Tri-County Council for Southern Maryland. Born at Patuxent River and attended Great Mills High School. Running for re-election as an Independent/Unaffiliated candidate focused on constituent service, updating zoning to keep data centers out, supporting volunteer fire/EMS, modifying the county business excise tax, and protecting the legacy of local farmers and watermen.
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Verified Policy Stances & Platform
Public record positions, statements, and campaign positions.
Eliminating the Business Excise Tax on Local Small Businesses
Pledges to modify or repeal the county business excise tax on small businesses, citing his commissioner vote against the tax because it penalizes local entrepreneurship and community investment.
"Modify and/or eliminate the business excise tax on small, local businesses. I voted against the county excise tax specifically for this reason. Small business is the backbone of our nation and county, the business excise tax stifles the dream of starting and expanding businesses in our community."
Strengthening Emergency Services: Recruiting, Retention through Retirement
Committed to supporting first responders with an emphasis on strengthening the Department of Emergency Services across all career phases from recruitment to retirement.
"Public safety - I will continue to support our first responders [with] an emphasis on strengthening our Department of Emergency Services through Recruiting, Retention through Retirement."
Expanding Blueprint Dual Enrollment for Vocational and Technical Careers
Advocates for broadening the dual enrollment provisions of Maryland's Blueprint for Education to fully support students entering skilled trades and direct-to-work careers rather than only four-year college tracks.
"Education - Work to increase the scope of the dual enrollment facet of the Blueprint to be more inclusive of our students that are pursuing careers after high school instead of college."
Expanding Small Single-Family Homes, Modernizing Septic Rules, and Sweat Equity
Proposes partnering with local builders to construct small single-family homes, reforming rigid state septic regulations, and championing sweat-equity homeownership opportunities for working residents.
"Housing - Collaborate with local builders to increase the small single family home inventory. This plan would require thinking beyond the rigid, outdated state regulations regarding septic systems. I would also advocate for prospective new homeowners to participate in the building of their new homes through a sweat equity program."
Updating Zoning to Keep Data Centers Out and Protecting Rural Heritage
Pledges to defend St. Mary's rural character by updating the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance (CZO) to prohibit data centers and resist state pressure for unvetted cannabis grow facilities.
"County - Constantly defend our rural nature by updating the comprehensive zoning ordinance (CZO) to ensure that we keep data centers out and to fight the state pressure for more cannabis grow facilities."
Protecting Legacy Watermen and Farmers Through Right to Farm Protections
Focuses on preserving traditional Southern Maryland economic pillars by safeguarding the livelihoods of commercial watermen and expanding legal protections under the Right to Farm Act.
"Legacy - Protect our farmers and watermen and allow them to continue their legacy livelihoods. I will support adding provisions to the Right to Farm Act to provide more protections for agricultural and working waterfront heritage."
Official Campaign Priorities
- Zoning & rural defense: Updating the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance to keep data centers out and resist state cannabis mandates
- Taxes & small business: Modifying or eliminating the county business excise tax that penalizes local employers
- Public safety: Strengthening Department of Emergency Services through Recruiting, Retention through Retirement
- Education & career tracks: Expanding Blueprint dual enrollment to include students pursuing trades and careers after high school
- Housing & sweat equity: Partnering with local builders on small single-family homes, modernized septic rules, and sweat equity
- Legacy livelihoods: Protecting farmers and watermen by strengthening Right to Farm Act protections
Other Candidates in This Race:
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Live Activity Timeline
The Commissioners of St. Mary’s County gather with advocates, law enforcement officials and community partners Oct. 6, 2026, following the presentation of a proclamation recognizing October as National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Commissioner Mike Alderson presented the proclamation, which em
As an Independent candidate for County Commissioner District 3, I answer only to the citizens of St. Mary's County, not party bosses. One of my top legislative priorities is expanding county property tax incentives for our dedicated volunteer fire and EMS personnel who save ou...
St. Mary’s County Commissioner Michael R. Alderson Jr. used his remarks at the Sept. 15 Board of County Commissioners meeting to push back on campaign-season claims that the county is sitting on “excess” money it should return to taxpayers, arguing that anticipated new costs — including millions in
Mike Alderson Jr. confirms official certification as an Independent candidate on the November 3 General Election ballot for County Commissioner District 3, emphasizing non-partisan problem solving, volunteer fire/EMS tax relief, and disciplined county capital spending.