John Myrick and Brenda Thiam Hit the Ground Hard and Early for 2026 Campaign

Maryland’s 2026 gubernatorial race may still seem distant, but Republican hopeful John Myrick and his running mate Dr. Brenda J. Thiam are already running a full-throttle campaign, blanketing the state with grassroots events, community visits, and sharp contrasts with Democratic incumbent Wes Moore.

A Ticket with Energy and Contrast

Myrick, a Lanham native and military veteran, brands himself as a public servant rather than a politician—leaning into a disciplined, service-first image. His X profile (@JohnMyrickforMD) declares: “I’m not a Politician; I’m a Public Servant who will work for YOU. Raised here in Maryland, I have spent my life defending Maryland and The United States.” He pairs his service narrative with a strong critique of Moore’s policies, especially on taxes, energy, and immigration, often using the hashtag #NoMoore to frame the race as a referendum on Moore’s record.

Dr. Brenda Thiam, his running mate, is a former Maryland delegate and the first Black Republican woman to serve in the state’s General Assembly. Together, they present themselves as a unified Republican team focused on crime, education, and economic growth. Their public appearances consistently highlight teamwork, with Myrick framing their ticket as a practical, hands-on alternative to the current administration.

A Relentless Ground Game

If the summer and early fall of 2025 are any indication, Myrick and Thiam are determined to out-hustle the field. Their campaign schedule looks more like a statewide barnstorming tour than an exploratory phase. In just six weeks, they’ve appeared everywhere from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore to Baltimore City.

Highlights include:

• Western Maryland: Myrick spoke in Frostburg on September 10, introduced by State Senator Mike McKay, stressing rural economic concerns.
• Central Maryland: They worked the crowds at the Great Frederick Fair, the Charles County Fair, and the Prince George’s County Fair, shaking hands with local voters and Republican leaders.
• Baltimore City: Myrick led a “Crime Walk” through Penn North on September 12, walking shoulder-to-shoulder with community leaders and the Maryland Black Republican Council, then holding a press conference on public safety.
• Eastern Shore: At the Queen Anne’s County Fair in August, Myrick and Thiam emphasized small business concerns and infrastructure needs.
• Suburban Outreach: Thiam headlined Republican women’s clubs in Calvert and Cecil Counties, while Myrick made appearances in Anne Arundel and Montgomery.

Even smaller gatherings—like meet-and-greets at local restaurants, church halls, and community centers—showcase their grassroots strategy. Myrick has stressed that no county is too small or too blue to visit, and Thiam has echoed that message in her speeches to Republican women’s groups, stressing the need to “listen first, speak second.”

Campaign Themes

Their campaign messaging is clear and consistent:

• Taxes & Economy: Myrick repeatedly warns about Maryland’s “largest tax package in history” under Moore, linking high taxes to declining competitiveness.
• Energy Costs: He argues that Moore’s green energy push has backfired, raising rates by forcing reliance on imported fossil fuels.
• Immigration & Safety: Both candidates highlight concerns with sanctuary policies, pointing to MS-13 cases as evidence of failed leadership.
• Public Safety: The Baltimore “Crime Walk” was as much symbolic as it was policy-driven, underscoring the team’s focus on safety in urban communities.

Early Momentum in a Blue State

Republicans in Maryland have long faced steep odds in statewide races, but Myrick and Thiam are signaling they will not run a passive campaign. Their willingness to campaign in deep-blue Baltimore and Prince George’s County reflects a belief that visibility, accessibility, and hard work can win over skeptical voters—or at least chip into Democratic margins.

Their frequent social media updates, event photos, and livestreamed speeches also reinforce the “everywhere at once” feel of the campaign. Fundraising appeals are threaded through posts, highlighting their underdog status but also fueling the narrative of a people-powered insurgency.

Looking Ahead

The road to 2026 will be long, but John Myrick and Brenda Thiam have already defined their style: heavy travel, grassroots outreach, and blunt criticism of Wes Moore’s policies. Their ticket is making the case that Republicans can still compete in Maryland by showing up early, showing up often, and showing up everywhere.

Whether that strategy pays off in votes remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Myrick and Thiam are not waiting for the campaign season to come to them—they’re taking it to every corner of Maryland.

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Latest Campaign Stops

• September 18, 2025: North County Republican Club Gubernatorial Candidate Forum
  Speaking at the Lake Shore Volunteer Fire Company, Pasadena, MD. Doors open at 6:30 PM, event at 7:00 PM.
• September 16, 2025: Howard County Parent Meeting on School Redistricting
  Met with parents and Dr. Michael Goldstein, MD, PhD, to discuss concerns over Howard County’s redistricting proposal. Myrick listened to families’ alternate plans, discussed strategies for minimizing disruption to children, and advised on how to present their proposals to county officials and the school superintendent.
• September 16, 2025: Washington County Federation of Republican Women Meeting
  Thiam featured speaker at American Legion Post 10 in Boonesboro.
• September 15, 2025: Upcoming Multi-County Events Announcement
  Teased 9 county events, including Edgewood meet & greet on Sept. 27.
• September 12, 2025: Crime Walk in West Baltimore
  Walked from CVS at Penn & North Ave. to Mondawmin Mall, then held a press conference on community safety.
• September 11, 2025: Great Frederick County Fair
  Networked with Sheriff Chuck Jenkins and Delegate Jesse Pippy.
• September 11, 2025: Charles County Fair
  Meet-and-greet in La Plata with county Republicans.
• September 10, 2025: Frostburg Business & Professional Association Meet & Greet
  Addressed Western Maryland residents; introduced by State Senator Mike McKay.
• September 5, 2025: Center for Pregnancy Concerns’ 45th Commemorative Gala
  Attended gala in Towson, praising services for women.
• September 4–7, 2025: Prince George’s County Fair
  Myrick present Sept. 5–6; Thiam Sept. 7.
• September 3, 2025: Republican Women Leaders of Calvert County Monthly Meeting
  Spoke in Prince Frederick, MD.
• August 31, 2025: Immigration Issues Informational Meeting
  Engaged Hispanic-Latino community at Galaxy Nightclub, Hyattsville.
• August 30, 2025: Maryland State Fair
  Met voters at MDGOP booth in Timonium.
• August 29, 2025: COGS Republican Club Monthly Meeting
  Remarks at Perry’s Restaurant, Odenton.
• August 27, 2025: Interview with “The Based Mother” (Elena Barbera)
  Posted full interview on Maryland policy issues.
• August 14, 2025: Queen Anne’s County Fair
  Engaged residents on Eastern Shore.
• August 10, 2025: Montgomery County Fair
  Appeared with Thiam, hosted by county GOP leaders.
• August 11, 2025: Severna Park Event
  Met with Anne Arundel residents; previewed Odenton event later in month.