10/08/2025
Jeff Hardman Announces Candidacy for Ashland County Commissioner
Brings Decades of Business Experience, Resource Management, and Public Service to the 2026 Race
ASHLAND — Solid, steadfast leadership — that’s how Jeff Hardman, a Republican candidate for Ashland County Commissioner, describes the foundation of his campaign for the 2026 election.
Hardman, a lifelong Ashland County resident and co-founder of Hardman Drilling, officially announced his bid for the office, emphasizing his decades of experience managing local resources, serving on boards, and supporting community-focused initiatives.
“I’m not a politician, nor do I intend to become one,” Hardman said. “I will not make promises I can’t keep, but I will use the leverage of the office to dig into things that matter to the people of Ashland County.”
A Lifetime Rooted in Hard Work and Community
Hardman grew up on a forty-acre farm, learning early lessons in both physical labor and fiscal responsibility. In 1964, his family entered the water business — selling and servicing softeners, pumps, and pressure tanks. By 1973, they expanded into drilling under the name Hardman Drilling.
“Between 1973 and 2016, we drilled over 2,000 wells in Ashland, Richland, Wayne, Holmes, Huron, Crawford, Erie, and Medina counties,” Hardman said. “I have intimate knowledge of the underground aquifers and water resources in our region — knowledge I can bring to the job of County Commissioner.”
After his parents’ retirement, Hardman co-owned and managed the company alongside his wife, Lora. Together they handled payroll, procurement, HR, sales, and operations. In 2018, the family sold the Hardman Drilling name, allowing Jeff more time to focus on family and part-time water work.
Today, he operates small public water systems for 14 Dollar General stores, a factory, and other small businesses — all under his EPA water operator’s license obtained in 2023.
Service to Ashland County and Beyond
Hardman’s public service includes 20 years on the Ashland County Board of Health, where he was elected president four times. He said that role provided valuable experience in budget management, policy creation, levy planning, and leadership.
“I made sure any levy we floated was small — I hate taxes,” Hardman joked. “We handled HR issues, made policy, and even made the tough decision to remove a Health Commissioner who didn’t share Ashland County values.”
He also serves as a past president of the Ohio Water Well Association at the state level, managing budgets, organizing conventions, and working with state lawmakers on water-related issues.
Hardman has also worked part-time with Blue Northern, a locally owned pipeline patrol company, flying as an official observer in Cessna 182 aircraft. Additionally, he attends meetings at the Ashland County Airport, where he remains “unofficially involved.”
Platform: Accountability, Transparency, and Community Voice
Hardman describes himself as a “strict Constitutionalist” who strongly supports the First and Second Amendments and isn’t afraid to challenge the status quo.
“I’ve been accused of holding up meetings because I ask too many questions — but I believe that’s how good decisions get made,” he said. “I don’t accept the answer ‘that’s how it’s always been done.’”
He also outlined key priorities for Ashland County, including:
Property Taxes: “Our property tax system is out of control. The algorithm used at the state level is flawed and needs review. It’s pricing young families out of homeownership.”
Dog Shelter Support: Hardman said he wants to explore ways to better support animal adoption programs and praised No Paws Left Behind as “a wonderful program” that deserves more local attention.
Listening to the People: Hardman emphasized that his campaign is grounded in public involvement. “If I’m elected, all of you will be County Commissioner,” he said. “It’s about time elected officials really listen to the people who pay their salaries.”
Family and Values
Hardman and his wife, Lora, have two daughters — Brittany, an Intervention Specialist at Hillsdale Local Schools, and Whitney, who resides in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. They are proud grandparents of two granddaughters.
As he looks toward the May 5, 2026 primary, Hardman says his campaign centers on integrity, practicality, and a deep respect for the people of Ashland County.
“I’m here to serve, not to dictate,” Hardman said. “Good leadership is about listening, learning, and making decisions that reflect the values of the community you represent.”
