Our Calvert, Our Future.

Meet the candidate

Earl "Buddy" Hance

Earl “Buddy” Hance is a farmer and lifelong resident of Calvert County.

Hance is currently serving his second term on the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners and served as BOCC President from 2020 - 2025. He and his wife reside in Port Republic. They have 3 children and 5 grandchildren. Hance is a fourth generation Calvert County farmer. He owns and operates Hance Family Farms, a 400-acre corn and soybean farm.

PROVEN TRACK RECORD

Strong Fiscal Management

• Calvert County Earned Three AAA Bond Ratings for the 8th Consecutive Year

• Continuously passed a balanced budget for Calvert County

• The fiscal year 2026 budget totals $386 million, prioritizing education, public safety, government services, and capital investments while keeping local income and property tax rates unchanged

• The budget includes major funding for education ($163M) and public safety, new positions in the Sheriff’s Office and emergency services, and transfers to capital projects

Managing Taxes Responsibly

• Through careful budgeting and responsible fiscal stewardship, managed costs and controlled the county’s property tax rate while maintaining strong funding for core services and public safety

Balancing County Growth

• Focused smart growth in designated Town Centers to direct development where infrastructure already exists and reduce sprawl.

• Protected Calvert County’s rural character and natural resources by supporting agricultural preservation and land-use policies that limit overdevelopment in rural areas

• Strengthened planning and zoning policies to manage population growth while supporting responsible economic development and local job creation

Supporting Strong Public Safety

• Prioritized public safety in county budgets, including major funding for the Calvert County Sheriff’s Office and emergency services to ensure law enforcement and first responders have the resources needed to protect residents

• Expanded public safety staffing and EMS capacity, adding new emergency services and public safety positions in county budgets to strengthen law enforcement presence and emergency response

Earl "Buddy" Hance is the President of the Calvert County Board of County Commissioners. As an active member of the community, Buddy is also a member of the Prince Frederick Volunteer Fire Department.

Hance is the former Maryland Secretary of Agriculture (2009 - 2015) and has served in a number of leadership roles throughout his career. As Secretary of Agriculture, Hance managed 400 employees and a budget of $117 million during a time of recession and considerable budget reduction.

Leadership Experience:

• Calvert County Board of County Commissioners (2018 - present), President of the BOCC (2020 - present)

• Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture (2009 - 2015)

• Deputy Secretary, Maryland Department of Agriculture (2007 - 2009)

• President, Maryland Farm Bureau (2003 - 2007)

• 1st Vice President, Maryland Farm Bureau (2001 - 2003)

• 2nd Vice President, Maryland Farm Bureau (1999 - 2001)

• Chairman, Southern Maryland Agricultural Development Commission (1998 - 2007)

• Treasurer, Maryland Grain Producers Association (1992 - 1994)