2026 Maryland gubernatorial election
November 3, 2026
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The 2026 Maryland gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Maryland. The primary elections will take place on June 23, 2026.[1] Incumbent Democratic Governor Wes Moore is running for a second term.[2]
Background
At the federal and state level, Maryland is a deeply blue state and one of the most reliably Democratic states in the nation, with Kamala Harris carrying it by 29 points in the 2024 presidential election. Elections in Maryland are dominated by the Baltimore metropolitan area and the D.C. suburbs.[3] Going into this election, Democrats occupy all statewide offices and hold supermajorities in both houses of the state legislature, as well as all but one seat in the state's congressional delegation.
Much of the speculation as to which Republicans may challenge Moore in the 2026 election has revolved around former governor Larry Hogan.[4][5][6] Hogan's entry would give Republicans a high-profile candidate, potentially making the race more competitive.[7] However, he is considered unlikely to run, remarking in June 2025 that he was "enjoying retirement."[8][9] Any Republican challenger to Moore will face an uphill battle against him.[10]
Moore has maintained positive approval ratings throughout his first term, though his numbers have dipped slightly following the 2025 legislative session.[10] An incumbent Democratic governor has not lost re-election in Maryland since 1934, when Albert Ritchie failed to win a fifth term.[2]
Democratic primary
Candidates
Declared
- Wes Moore, incumbent governor (2023–present)[2]
- Running mate: Aruna Miller, incumbent lieutenant governor (2023–present)[11]
Filed paperwork
Withdrawn
- Ed Hale, retired banker and owner of the Baltimore Blast (running as a Republican)[13]
Endorsements
Wes Moore
- U.S. senators
- Angela Alsobrooks, Maryland (2025–present)[14]
- Chris Van Hollen, Maryland (2017–present)[14]
- U.S. representatives
- April McClain Delaney, MD-06 (2025–present)[14]
- Statewide officials
- Ed Rothstein, secretary of the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families (2025–present) (Republican)[15]
- State legislators
- Carl Anderton Jr., former state delegate from district 38B (2015–2024) (Republican)[15]
- Local officials
- Calvin Ball III, Howard County executive (2018–present)[16]
- Sharon Green Middleton, vice chair of the Baltimore City Council (2016–present) from the 6th district (2007–present)[16]
- Party officials
- Steuart Pittman, chair of the Maryland Democratic Party (2025–present) and Anne Arundel County executive (2018–present)[11]
- Labor unions
- Organizations
Fundraising
| Campaign finance reports as of January 8, 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Candidate | Raised | Spent | Cash on hand |
| Wes Moore (D) | $20,344,749 | $16,270,000 | $4,064,748 |
| Source: Maryland State Board of Elections[21] | |||
Republican primary
Candidates
Declared
- Carl Brunner, firearms business owner[22]
- Running mate: Kevin Rhodes, sales executive[12]
- Ed Hale, retired banker and owner of the Baltimore Blast (previously ran as a Democrat)[13]
- John Myrick, federal executive consultant and candidate for U.S. Senate in 2024[23]
- Running mate: Brenda Thiam, former state delegate from district 2B (2020–2023) and candidate for Maryland's 6th congressional district in 2024[23]
- Kurt Wedekind, farmer[24]
- Running mate: Shannon Wright, nonprofit executive and nominee for mayor of Baltimore in 2020 and 2024[12]
Announcement pending
- Christopher Bouchat, state delegate from the 5th district (2023–present)[25]
Formed exploratory committee
- Steve Hershey, minority leader of the Maryland Senate (2023–present) from the 36th district (2013–present) (decision expected by December 31, 2025)[26]
Publicly expressed interest
- Larry Hogan, former governor (2015–2023) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024[27]
Potential
- Dan Cox, former state delegate from the 4th district (2019–2023), nominee for governor in 2022, and candidate for MD-06 in 2024[28]: 20:17–21:07
- Bob Ehrlich, former governor (2003–2007) and nominee for governor in 2010[29][30]
Declined
- Andy Harris, U.S. representative from Maryland's 1st congressional district (2011–present)[31] (running for re-election)[32]
Endorsements
John Myrick
- Organizations
Third-party and independent candidates
Candidates
Declared
- Andy Ellis (Green), former co-chair of the Maryland Green Party and candidate for Maryland House of Delegates in 2018[34]
- Running mate: Owen Silverman Andrews, teacher[35]
Potential
- Larry Hogan, former Republican governor (2015–2023) and nominee for U.S. Senate in 2024[36]
General election
Predictions
| Source | Ranking | As of |
|---|---|---|
| The Cook Political Report[37] | Solid D | September 11, 2025 |
| Inside Elections[38] | Solid D | August 28, 2025 |
| Sabato's Crystal Ball[39] | Safe D | September 4, 2025 |
| Race to the WH[40] | Safe D | September 16, 2025 |
Polling
Hypothetical polling
Wes Moore vs. Larry Hogan
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Wes Moore (D) |
Larry Hogan (R) |
Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpinionWorks[41] | October 7−10, 2025 | 928 (RV) | ± 3.2% | 45% | 37% | 14% |
| Gonzales Research[42] | December 27, 2024 − January 4, 2025 | 811 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 52% | 38% | 10% |
- Wes Moore vs. Generic Republican
| Poll source | Date(s) administered |
Sample size[a] |
Margin of error |
Wes Moore (D) |
Generic Republican |
Other | Undecided |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland, Baltimore County[43] | October 21−25, 2025 | 757 (RV) | ± 3.5% | 49% | 29% | 12% | 10% |
| OpinionWorks[41] | October 7−10, 2025 | 928 (RV) | ± 3.2% | 47% | 29% | – | 21% |
See also
Notes
References
- ^ "2026 State Primary Election Dates". NCSL. May 9, 2025. Retrieved August 5, 2025.
- ^ a b c Cox, Erin (September 9, 2025). "Gov. Wes Moore tamps down presidential talk, launches reelection bid". The Washington Post. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ Barker, Jeff (December 9, 2020). "Is Maryland growing even more blue politically? Democrats are showing gains in battleground counties". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ Sears, Bryan (June 27, 2024). "Hogan lays out five-point economic agenda for Senate race that echoes positions as governor". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ Wintrode, Brenda (January 7, 2025). "Poll: Marylanders favor Moore over Hogan in 2026, oppose new taxes". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ Janesch, Sam (February 24, 2025). "Mysterious 'No Moore' campaign launches Maryland's next gubernatorial race as Republicans, Larry Hogan battle Wes Moore". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ Crane, Steve; Sears, Bryan P. (May 2, 2025). "Banker, Blast owner Ed Hale preparing a 2026 challenge to Wes Moore". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 2, 2025.
- ^ Glueck, Katie (June 7, 2025). "Five Big Midterm Questions That Could Shape Democrats' 2028 Field". The New York Times. Retrieved June 7, 2025.
- ^ Brown, Danielle J. (June 25, 2025). "Former Govs. Larry Hogan, Steve Bullock repeat call for more listening, less shouting in politics". Maryland Matters. Retrieved July 2, 2025.
- ^ a b Janesch, Sam (September 9, 2025). "Gov. Wes Moore formally launches bid for second term". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Barnes, Sophia (September 9, 2025). "Maryland Gov. Wes Moore announces 2026 reelection campaign". WRC-TV. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b c d "2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election State Candidates List". elections.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved July 14, 2025.
- ^ a b Wood, Pamela (August 20, 2025). "Ed Hale Sr. to switch parties, run for governor as a Republican". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved August 20, 2025.
- ^ a b c Demko, Keith (September 9, 2025). "Maryland Gov. Wes Moore launches re-election campaign, says not running for president". The Daily Times. Retrieved September 9, 2025.
- ^ a b Swick, Carson (September 24, 2025). "Small-town Maryland Republicans endorse Gov. Wes Moore for another term". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
- ^ a b McQueen, Tashi (September 10, 2025). "Maryland Gov. Wes Moore officially launches 2026 re-election campaign". Baltimore Afro-American. Retrieved September 10, 2025.
- ^ Givens, Gabrielle (October 17, 2025). "Governor, Comptroller, Attorney General Receive 76,000 Educators' Support - Maryland State Education Association". Maryland State Education Association. Retrieved October 18, 2025.
- ^ Morrison, Pia; Simon, Travis B. (November 16, 2025). "Maryland can't afford meek leadership. That's why we support Wes Moore. | GUEST COMMENTARY". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
- ^ "Jewish Dems Endorsed Candidates". Jewish Democratic Council of America. Retrieved September 13, 2025.
- ^ "Endorsed Candidates". VoteVets. Retrieved November 27, 2025.
- ^ "Maryland Campaign Reporting Information System". campaignfinance.maryland.gov. Maryland State Board of Elections. Retrieved January 17, 2025.
- ^ Sears, Bryan; Ford, William (July 29, 2025). "Political notes: Hale mulls party switch, Moore gets a new gig, Shetty, Schumitz get fellowships". Maryland Matters. Retrieved July 29, 2025.
- ^ a b Sears, Bryan P. (May 1, 2025). "Early GOP candidate for governor taps former delegate as running mate". Maryland Matters. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Katharine (July 1, 2025). "Carroll County farmer launches bid for governor, says high taxes prompted his decision". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved July 1, 2025.
- ^ Janesch, Sam (June 18, 2025). "Republican Del. Chris Bouchat plans run for Maryland governor in 2026". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on July 21, 2025. Retrieved June 18, 2025.
- ^ Sears, Bryan P. (September 4, 2025). "Hershey forms exploratory committee, will weigh run for governor". Maryland Matters. Retrieved September 4, 2025.
- ^ Ahearn, Cale (August 14, 2025). "Social media post raises questions if former Gov. Larry Hogan is preparing for another run". WBFF. Retrieved August 14, 2025.
- ^ Frost, Mikenzie (July 31, 2025). "In Depth: Early look at 2026 race for governor in Maryland". WBFF. Retrieved July 31, 2025.
- ^ Gaskill, Hannah (August 20, 2025). "Ed Hale switches parties, launches long-shot Republican campaign for governor". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on August 20, 2025. Retrieved August 21, 2025.
- ^ Wilson, Katharine (October 17, 2025). "Ehrlich had interest in joining Trump administration, remains mum on governor race". The Baltimore Sun. Archived from the original on October 17, 2025. Retrieved October 17, 2025.
- ^ Janesch, Sam (September 24, 2025). "Gov. Wes Moore and his potential GOP challengers converge at crab and clam bake". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved September 24, 2025.
Harris criticized Moore but said emphatically that he wasn't going to run for governor himself.
- ^ Landon, Hunter (September 24, 2025). "Politics takes center stage at 48th J. Millard Tawes Crab and Clam Bake in Crisfield". WBOC-TV. Retrieved September 25, 2025.
- ^ "Endorsements by Veterans for America First". Ballotpedia. Retrieved November 16, 2025.
- ^ Swick, Carson (May 15, 2025). "Maryland Gov. Wes Moore gets new challenger in Green Party's Andy Ellis". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved May 15, 2025.
- ^ Wood, Pamela (September 22, 2025). "Maryland's Green Party isn't in it to win it". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved September 22, 2025.
- ^ Martin, Jonathan (July 30, 2025). "Democratic Governors Have a Fix for the Party: Themselves". Politico. Retrieved July 30, 2025.
Larry Hogan may attempt a 2026 comeback, as I'm told he's considering, perhaps as an independent.
- ^ "2026 CPR Governor Race ratings". Cook Political Report. Retrieved January 23, 2025.
- ^ "Gubernatorial Ratings". Inside Elections. Retrieved February 7, 2025.
- ^ "2026 Governor". Sabato's Crystal Ball. Retrieved May 1, 2025.
- ^ "Governor Forecast - 2026-2026". Race to the WH. Retrieved June 30, 2025.
- ^ a b Sanderlin, Lee O. (October 16, 2025). "Moore outpaces Hogan in Maryland's favorite hypothetical horse race". The Baltimore Banner. Retrieved October 16, 2025.
- ^ Sears, Bryan P. (January 7, 2025). "Poll: Taxes to erase deficits pose political problem for Moore". Maryland Matters. Retrieved January 7, 2025.
- ^ Sears, Bryan P. (November 5, 2025). "Poll: Nearly half of voters back Moore as field of challengers continues to develop". Maryland Matters. Retrieved November 5, 2025.
External links
- Official campaign websites