With Hogan Out, Who Do Maryland Republicans Turn To in 2026?

By MDBayNews Staff

With former Gov. Larry Hogan formally ruling out a return to the governor’s mansion on January 20, Maryland Republicans are once again confronting a familiar problem: a wide-open field, no obvious standard-bearer, and an uphill fight in one of the nation’s bluest states.

Hogan’s decision ends months of speculation and removes the GOP’s most proven statewide vote-getter. During his two terms from 2015 to 2023, Hogan routinely won crossover Democrats and independents, leaving office with approval ratings north of 70 percent. Without him, Republicans face a fragmented primary and a daunting general election against Democratic incumbent Wes Moore.

A Thin Bench — For Now

As of January 2026, several Republican candidates have officially filed or declared, but none has emerged as a clear frontrunner. Fundraising totals are modest, name recognition is limited, and ideological differences threaten to splinter the party.

Declared or Filed GOP Candidates Include:

• Ed Hale
  A retired banker and owner of the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team, Hale switched parties in 2025 after decades as a Democrat. He is positioning himself as a business-minded moderate with urban ties, but critics question his late GOP conversion and age.
• John A. Myrick
  A federal executive consultant from Prince George’s County and a 2024 U.S. Senate candidate, Myrick emphasizes government efficiency, economic growth, and national security. He was one of the earliest entrants but remains largely unknown statewide.
• Christopher Bouchat
  Currently serving in the House of Delegates, Bouchat is the only sitting elected official in the race. He touts legislative experience, tax relief, and public safety, but lacks the statewide profile of past GOP winners.
• Kurt Wedekind
  A Carroll County farmer focused on agriculture, rural priorities, and fiscal conservatism. His campaign is grassroots-heavy, but fundraising has been minimal.
• Carl A. Brunner Jr.
  A firearms business owner and instructor running on a staunch Second Amendment platform. His appeal appears limited to a narrow slice of the GOP electorate.

Collectively, the field reflects energy but not consolidation. None currently commands the donor network, coalition, or name recognition necessary to seriously threaten Moore in November.

The Names Republicans Are Watching

Hogan’s exit could still trigger movement before filing deadlines in early 2026. Several higher-profile Republicans remain uncommitted but frequently mentioned in party circles:

• Steve Hershey
  The Senate Minority Leader from the Eastern Shore has formed an exploratory committee and is widely viewed as the most viable potential entrant. A pragmatic legislator with institutional credibility, Hershey could appeal to moderates without completely alienating the base.
• Dan Cox
  The GOP’s 2022 nominee, Cox remains popular with the party’s conservative wing but lost to Moore by a historic margin. Many Republicans privately worry a rematch would repeat that result.
• Bob Ehrlich
  The last Republican governor before Hogan, Ehrlich retains name recognition but has been out of office for nearly two decades. A comeback would be surprising, though not impossible.

Notably, Rep. Andy Harris has again declined to run, choosing to remain in Congress.

Moore’s Advantage — and GOP Openings

Even with some softening in approval ratings amid budget shortfalls and tax debates, Gov. Moore enters 2026 with overwhelming advantages: a massive fundraising edge, national Democratic backing, and a voter registration margin that favors Democrats roughly two-to-one.

Still, Maryland Republicans see potential openings. Rising energy costs, public safety concerns, and fiscal pressures heading into the FY 2026 budget cycle could resonate with voters — especially independents — if the GOP can present a credible, disciplined alternative.

The Bottom Line

Without Hogan, Republicans are searching for a candidate who can do three difficult things at once: unify a divided party, appeal beyond the GOP base, and avoid the ideological pitfalls that have doomed past nominees. Whether that figure emerges in the coming weeks may determine not just the outcome of the governor’s race, but the future direction of the Maryland Republican Party itself.

For now, the contest remains wide open — and the clock is ticking.

---

Keep MDBayNews Reporting Free

MDBayNews exists to help Marylanders understand decisions made by state and local leaders — especially when those decisions affect daily life, rights, and public services.

If this article helped clarify what’s happening or why it matters, reader support makes it possible to keep publishing clear, independent reporting like this.

👉 Support Local Journalism

Have a tip or documents to share?

We review submissions carefully and confidentially. Anonymous tips are welcome when appropriate.

 👉 Submit a Tip