General Election · Tuesday, November 3, 2026
Michael J. Hovis for Trumbull County Commissioner
Gulf War veteran. Retired Bazetta police chief. Business owner. Two-term trustee. Taxpayers first. Run the county like a business.
Endorsed by the Tribune Chronicle and The Vindicator editorial boards
On the trail
Out in the county.
Who I am
A record of service, not promises.
Gulf War Veteran
I served when my country called. That duty, to show up, do the job, and come home with everyone, is the same standard I bring to public service.
Retired Bazetta Police Chief
I ran a department. I know what it costs when a 911 call doesn't get through. Public safety is not a line item. It's the first job of government.
Business Owner
I've signed the front of a paycheck, not just the back. Hovis Construction has won more than $10 million in competitively awarded government contracts. Public money deserves that same discipline.
Two-Term Bazetta Township Trustee
Elected twice by the neighbors who know me best. I've balanced a township budget, managed public employees, and answered to the people who pay for it, my neighbors.
What I'll focus on
Six priorities. One direction.
Run the county like a business
Every tax dollar earns scrutiny. Transparent budgets, accountable spending, zero waste.
Taxpayers first
Your money, not the politicians'. A government that earns the trust it's given.
Property tax relief
Hold the line on county spending. Fight for every legal avenue to ease the burden on homeowners.
The $38M ARP question
$38 million in federal relief. Voters deserve a full accounting. I'll demand it.
Fix the 911 center
When someone calls 911, the system has to work. Period. Public safety is not a budget negotiation.
Jobs and economic growth
Ultium, the 910th, Cafaro, Covelli, AVI, Trumbull County builds. A business-owner commissioner can help keep those jobs here.
53–47
GOP primary victory, 2026
Trumbull County Republicans have already chosen. Michael J. Hovis won the Republican primary 53 to 47, on a record, not a résumé. That same record is what he'll bring to the Commissioner's office.
See the full recordEndorsed by Trumbull County's newspapers
Two editorial boards. One verdict.
Tribune Chronicle
Editorial board endorsement, 2026
The Tribune Chronicle editorial board endorsed Michael J. Hovis for Trumbull County Commissioner. Read the full endorsement context on our endorsements page.
The Vindicator
Editorial board endorsement, 2026
The Vindicator editorial board endorsed Michael J. Hovis for Trumbull County Commissioner. Read the full endorsement context on our endorsements page.
What neighbors say
Word travels in Trumbull County.
"I'm glad to see you are running for County Commissioner. Your planning and fiscal responsibility will do Trumbull County a great service."
"We see what you have done in the past and we know you can definitely help Trumbull County."
"He's Superman."
Messages sent to Michael, shared on michaeljhovis.com.
You've heard every politician say this. Here's the difference: check the record.
Be part of the campaign that actually has one.
A yard sign, a few hours knocking doors, or just your name on a list: every action makes Michael more visible to every neighbor who hasn't decided yet. In a county race, that's the whole game.
Paid for by Friends of Michael J. Hovis