The 2026 Maryland gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 3, 2026, with party primaries on June 23, 2026. As of January 13, 2026, the contest is still in its early stages, with the candidate filing deadline set for February 24, 2026—meaning the field is likely to expand in the weeks ahead.
Incumbent Seeks a Second Term
Democratic Governor Wes Moore, who took office in 2023 after winning the 2022 election, is running for re-election with his current lieutenant governor, Aruna Miller, again as his running mate. Moore formally announced his campaign in September 2025, highlighting accomplishments in public safety, economic development, education, and affordability.
Early polling from late 2025 shows Moore with approval in the low-to-mid 50s, though some surveys indicate softening support amid ongoing budget pressures. Historically, Maryland strongly favors Democrats at the gubernatorial level—no incumbent Democratic governor has lost re-election since 1934—and early race ratings place the contest in the “Safe Democratic” category.
Democratic Primary
At present, the Democratic primary appears limited, with Moore positioned as the clear frontrunner.
- Wes Moore (incumbent) — Running with Aruna Miller.
- Ralph Jaffe — A perennial candidate from Baltimore County, filed in July 2025, with running mate Donald Palmore.
Note: Businessman Ed Hale, once mentioned as a possible Democratic challenger, has since aligned with the Republican field.
Republican Primary
Several Republicans have filed or declared, though no single challenger has yet emerged as a clear statewide frontrunner.
Filed candidates include:
- John A. Myrick — A federal executive consultant and former 2024 U.S. Senate candidate; first to file in February 2025. Running mate: Brenda Thiam.
- Carl A. Brunner Jr. — Filed in July 2025; running mate Kevin Rhodes.
Declared or discussed Republicans include:
- Ed Hale — Retired banker and owner of the Baltimore Blast.
- Kurt Wedekind — Mentioned in early reports.
Exploratory or speculative names include Steve Hershey, who has formed an exploratory committee, and former Governor Larry Hogan, who has publicly signaled he is unlikely to run and is enjoying retirement. Other names occasionally discussed—such as Dan Cox or Bob Ehrlich—have not confirmed campaigns.
Third-Party / Independent
- Andy Ellis — Green Party candidate and former co-chair of the Maryland Green Party, declared for the general election.
Outlook
With the filing deadline still weeks away, the 2026 Maryland governor’s race remains fluid. Additional candidates—particularly on the Republican side—may yet enter. Still, structural factors strongly favor the incumbent: Maryland’s Democratic lean, Moore’s statewide profile, and the historical difficulty of unseating sitting Democratic governors.
Voters seeking the most up-to-date and official information should consult the Maryland State Board of Elections, which updates candidate filings regularly as the deadline approaches.
Election Desk will continue tracking new filings, polling shifts, and key developments as the race evolves.
Election Desk 
Leave a comment