Eastern Shore Undercover Endorsement for Wicomico County Council District 6

Wicomico County voters will choose a District 6 Council member on November 3, 2026. The race is between Mike "Hooch" Houck on the Republican side and Sarah Ashley on the Democratic side. We looked at the facts, and this is one of the easiest endorsements we have had to make.

First, we look for proven leadership. As we said weeks ago, we are looking for common-sense leadership in this election. We want someone we can put our name behind, someone who is credible, has real experience, and answers questions the right way.

That person is Mike Houck. He is a retired Deputy Sheriff with the Wicomico County Sheriff's Office and has served more than 25 years in law enforcement. He is also a longtime firefighter with the Prince Anne, Salisbury and Fruitland fire departments.

Houck served our country as an Army paratrooper and in the Maryland National Guard, and he received two honorable discharges. He is also a small business owner, owning and operating Mike Houck Construction LLC.

In law enforcement, Houck worked in community policing, criminal investigations and narcotics enforcement. He served on S.E.R.T. and the M.E.A.N. narcotics team. He also earned the Medal of Valor and Superintendent Awards from both the Maryland and Delaware State Police.

He has led in other places too. Houck is a former president of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 111 and a past president at fire stations in Salisbury and Fruitland. He is also a member of several local groups, including the Moose, the Elks and the Sons of the VFW.

Sarah Ashley is 28 years old and grew up in Mardela. She has a master's degree in marine science from Salisbury University. She was honest at the forum when she said she does not have as much experience as some of the others on the stage.

We respect that honesty, and truth be told, we respect the fact that she wants to be involved at such an early age.

We also respect her concern for local schools. She talked about the asbestos covered with duct tape in the portables when she was a student in high school. Fixing schools is a real need in this county but of course, it has to be affordable and achievable without bankrupting Wicomico County.

The candidates were asked the same questions at the recent candidate forum. Their answers showed a clear difference in how each would lead. We will go through each one.

The first question was about the property tax revenue cap. Houck thanked the current Council and County Executive for not breaking the cap. He said it passed by ballot initiative in 2000 with 60 percent of the vote, and that if it is ever revisited, "let the people decide."

We REALLY appreciate that and respect the fact that he believes in being a voice for the people. I've said it for years, that is how it should be!

Ashley said she supports breaking the cap for critical things like education. She said she would entertain that conversation, but also said spending must be responsible. She also said the choice to keep the cap is up to the citizens.

Both candidates mentioned the voters, but they landed in different places. Houck gave a firm answer and a clear reason. Ashley's answer left the door open to going over the cap.

The next question was about how the Council can work together. Houck said common sense will prevail. He said he will work with anyone on the Council and with the County Executive, and that he may not agree 100 percent of the time but will listen and bring the best ideas from the community forward.

Ashley also talked about working together. She said it is not about party or personal agendas. She said she wants the County Executive back in Council meetings and that Question A on the ballot needs to pass so Council members can speak with county staff without the Executive's interference.

Both want a Council that cooperates. Houck did not tie his answer to a ballot question or a side. He said he would work with whoever wins, regardless of party affiliation.

The next question was about ICE and the 287(g) program. Ashley said she does not agree with 287(g) and will always stand with the immigrant community. She called the way ICE has gone about its work inhumane and said she sees being in the country without papers as a civil matter.

Houck said immigration laws should be enforced fairly and consistently, with respect for human dignity. He said we need workers in this county, and he spoke from experience hiring them. He said one of his workers has spent over $12,000 trying to become a legal resident.

Houck called the system broken and said it should be revamped. He also said the charges against a person matter. In his view, someone found guilty can be released to their home country after serving their time here, and he said 287(g) needs reform for that purpose.

His answer was more balanced and based on real experience. He did not pick one side. He talked about both the need for workers and the need for a working system.

The last question the candidates were asked was about the Wicomico County Nursing Home.

Ashley said she does not consider herself an expert on nursing homes. She said she would keep holding town halls to hear complaints and was happy to see the veto struck down that morning.

Houck said he does not think Wicomico County should be in the nursing home business. He also said he is willing to learn what is going on and make the best decision for the county if elected. He gave a clear position and stayed open to new facts.

Our review of the intros was just as clear. Houck pointed to decades of service, many years of balancing a budget as a business owner, and a plan to bring teamwork, integrity, fairness and transparency to the Council.

Ashley pointed to being a lifelong resident, her education, and her focus on schools, waterways and public spaces.

Houck's priorities are public safety, local jobs, responsible spending, open communication with residents, and support for veterans and first responders. He says the county government should be a partner to small business and not an obstacle.

We were not able to find a campaign website or social media page with real information for Sarah Ashley. Because of that, what we know about her comes mostly from her forum answers.

In closing, we believe Mike Houck is the better qualified candidate for Wicomico County Council District 6. He has more than 25 years in law enforcement, about 30 years as a firefighter, military service, and many years of running a business and meeting a budget.

He has led organizations, supervised people, and been held accountable for the results.
His forum answers were clear, steady and practical, all of which are characterizations of a good leader and someone who will bring responsible and strong leadership to the council. He wants to keep a lid on spending, let the voters decide on the revenue cap, and work with anyone to get things done.

We believe that is the kind of common-sense leader Wicomico County needs, and we encourage District 6 voters to support Mike Houck on November 3, 2026.

Eastern Shore Undercover proudly endorses Mike Houck for Wicomico County Council District 6.