Josh Hastings

Josh Hastings earned a high school diploma from Mardela High School, a bachelor's degree from Salisbury University in 2004, and a graduate degree from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in 2017. His career experience includes working as a consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Josh Hastings is a husband, dad, small business owner, a County Councilmember and a candidate for Maryland State Delegate (D.38B). Josh is the Founder of Sound Mind Strategies – an agricultural, environmental, and natural resources consulting firm – and spent the last 15 years working within Maryland conservation nonprofits.

Josh has led numerous vital partnerships and collaboratives including: the Delmarva Land and Litter Collaborative, the Partners for Open Space coalition, and the Delmarva Restoration and Conservation Network. For two years, Josh served as the Chair of the Rural Maryland Council and he is the Chair of the multi-state Chesapeake Bay Executive Council’s Local Government Advisory Committee.

In December 2023, Josh Hastings was chosen to receive the prestigious Maryland Sustainable Growth Award – in “Leadership and Service” – for helping create the Maryland Greenspace Equity program and to set a state goal of protecting 40% of Maryland land by 2040.

Josh is a UMD “Academy of Excellence in Local Governance” graduate and has earned a certificate in Strategic Management from Georgetown University. Josh has earned two bachelor’s degrees from Salisbury University, in business and political science, and a master’s degree in public policy from UMBC.

Josh lives in Salisbury, MD with his wife and son.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a State Delegate, Josh will prioritize 1.) improving the lives of people, 2.) advancing a cleaner planet and thriving natural resources, 3.) and enhancing democracy and democratic institutions.Maryland needs to seriously address the high cost of energy, groceries, and housing. Maryland needs serious job opportunities. We need a future where all people have a fair shake at earning a living and living a peaceful life. We need stronger/safer public schools, a cleaner environment, and above all – fairness and opportunity for all.

We (Maryland) shouldn’t be balancing our budget on the backs of prior commitments or on programs designed to comprehensively improve the lives of Marylanders.It has been an honor to serve on the Wicomico County Council. I’m quite proud of my accomplishments – some of which include:

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Helping ensure new Mardela and Fruitland Primary Schools and securing full funding for Wicomico County Schools;

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Pushing for and securing a brand-new Comprehensive Water & Sewer Masterplan;

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Being the deciding vote on creating the Harmon Field Pickleball courts and finalizing the creation of Pirate’s Wharf Park;

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Helping bring record investment into the Salisbury Wicomico Regional Airport;

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Helping bring civility, thoughtfulness, and transparency to Council actions, and more.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I support policies that 1.) Improve the lives of people; 2.) Support a cleaner planet and thriving natural resources; and 3.) Protect and enhance democracy and democratic institutions.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Maryland League of Conservation Voters; The Maryland Forward Party; The Maryland Sierra Club; Moms Demand Action; Shore Progress; AFSCME Maryland Council 3; Reproductive Justice Maryland "RJM Action"; Third Act Maryland; Maryland National Organization for Women (NOW!); Chesapeake Climate Action Network; Mental Health Now!; Governor Wes Moore, and more.