St. Mary’s County Sheriff Steve Hall has filed to seek a second four-year term in the 2026 election, announcing his candidacy February 6 after more than three decades in local law enforcement.
Hall, first elected in 2022 with a wide margin victory, began his career with the St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office more than 31 years ago as a correctional officer in 1994. He advanced through ranks, serving in various divisions before holding command-level positions for over a dozen years. A graduate of the FBI National Academy Session 248, Hall also completed the Maryland Police Leadership Challenge, earning the Outstanding Leader Award.
“Being Sheriff is about serving the people of St. Mary’s County,” Hall said. “I have made the public safety of St. Mary’s County and its citizens the center of my life. Earning the public’s trust has guided my work every step of the way.”
Since taking office in December 2022, Hall has led the agency through challenges while focusing on public safety, professionalism, and community trust. His tenure includes initiatives such as welcoming new deputies in early 2023 and emphasizing continuous training and quality improvement for personnel.
“We have worked together. That work matters and has had amazing results,” he said. “You have my solemn commitment to continue building on those successes and working toward an even brighter future for St. Mary’s County.”
Hall respectfully requested support from county residents. “We are heading in the right direction,” he added, “and I would be honored to earn your vote.”
The filing aligns with the 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election cycle, where local races like sheriff are handled through the St. Mary’s County Board of Elections. Candidate filing requirements for sheriff include specific checklists and deadlines, with pre-filing options available via email to the board.
As of early February 2026, official candidate lists from the Maryland State Board of Elections show at least one other filer for St. Mary’s County Sheriff: Carl Sturgis, Democratic, who filed January 9, 2026. Hall’s announcement positions him as a Republican incumbent seeking reelection in a county where the sheriff’s office serves approximately 113,000 residents across growing communities like Leonardtown, California, and Lexington Park.
The sheriff’s role involves overseeing patrol, corrections, investigations, and community programs, with Hall emphasizing collaborative efforts that have produced measurable outcomes in public safety. His campaign highlights a career dedicated to the agency, from entry-level service to leadership, and a focus on maintaining trust and direction for Southern Maryland’s southernmost county.
No challengers beyond Sturgis have been confirmed in recent filings, though the primary and general elections will determine the ballot. The 2026 election cycle includes gubernatorial and local races, with St. Mary’s County voters deciding the sheriff amid broader state issues.
Hall’s announcement, shared via his official social media and website, underscores continuity and progress since his 2022 win over prior competition. His experience and community-oriented approach remain central to his bid for another term.