By MDBayNews Staff

The filing deadline has officially passed. Maryland’s 2026 gubernatorial race is now locked in, and while the Democratic incumbent is widely viewed as the favorite, that does not mean the race should go unexamined.

The general election will take place November 3, 2026, with primaries on June 23. In a state dominated by Democrats — holding every statewide office and supermajorities in the legislature — Governor Wes Moore begins the cycle with structural advantages. But structural advantage is not the same as earned performance.

This election will test whether Maryland voters are satisfied with rhetoric — or ready to confront reality.

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Democratic Primary

Wes Moore / Aruna Miller (Incumbent)

Governor Wes Moore enters the race with massive fundraising, institutional backing, and minimal primary opposition. His campaign touts record-breaking fundraising numbers — more than $12 million raised — and a small-dollar donor narrative.

But beneath the branding and polished messaging, serious questions remain about Maryland’s direction under his leadership.

The Budget Reality

Moore closed a $3.3 billion deficit in 2025 through a combination of spending cuts and tax increases. Despite campaign promises of affordability, Maryland:

• Lost its AAA bond rating
• Faces long-term structural budget pressures
• Continues to see residents and businesses relocate to lower-tax states

Maryland already ranks among the highest-tax states in the country. Yet structural spending growth — especially under the Blueprint education plan — continues to outpace sustainable revenue growth.

The administration insists the state is “investing in the future.” Critics argue the state is spending tomorrow’s money today.

Cost of Living & Economic Pressure

While Moore speaks frequently about economic mobility and AI workforce development, many Maryland families are experiencing:

• Rising energy costs
• Housing affordability strain
• Utility increases
• Growing regulatory burdens on small business

The gap between Annapolis messaging and kitchen-table reality is widening.

Crime and Urban Instability

Baltimore has seen fluctuations in violent crime statistics, but long-term public safety challenges remain deeply embedded. Business investment and middle-class retention depend on stability — something Maryland still struggles to fully deliver in key urban centers.

Political Branding vs. Governing

Moore’s strength is narrative. He is a gifted communicator, a national Democratic rising star, and frequently mentioned in broader political conversations beyond Maryland.

But critics increasingly question whether Maryland is becoming a stepping stone for national ambition rather than the sole focus of executive leadership.

For now, Moore faces only token primary opposition. The real test will be whether voters believe the state is better positioned today than it was four years ago — or simply better marketed.

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Eric S. Felber / LaTrece Hawkins Lytes

Felber, a physician from Montgomery County, is mounting a progressive challenge from the left. His campaign criticizes Moore for not going far enough on economic redistribution, healthcare access, and structural reform.

However, without meaningful fundraising or organizational support, Felber’s candidacy appears more symbolic than competitive.

The Democratic primary is, for all practical purposes, Moore’s to lose.

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Republican Primary: Nine Tickets, Wide Open Field

Unlike the Democratic side, the Republican primary is genuinely competitive — and unpredictable.

Nine tickets have officially filed. While fundraising varies, no candidate has consolidated the party. That makes this one of the most fluid Republican gubernatorial primaries in recent Maryland history.

Below is an equal, factual overview of each ticket:

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Dan Cox / Rob Krop

Former state delegate and 2022 GOP nominee Dan Cox returns for another statewide run. His platform emphasizes:

• Lower taxes and fees
• Energy independence (including LNG and nuclear expansion)
• Property tax protections for seniors
• Reducing state mandates on counties
• Strong constitutional rights positions

Cox brings prior statewide campaign experience and name recognition.

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Kurt Wedekind / Shannon Wright

Carroll County farmer and businessman Kurt Wedekind campaigns on:

• Faith, family, and freedom
• Fiscal restraint and tax relief
• Opposition to regulatory overreach
• Energy affordability

Wedekind has posted the strongest early fundraising among active Republican filers.

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Ed Hale Sr. / Tyrone Keys Jr.

Business executive and Baltimore Blast owner Ed Hale focuses on:

• Spending reductions over tax hikes
• Infrastructure modernization
• Public-private partnerships
• Small-business support

Hale positions himself as a private-sector reform candidate.

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John A. Myrick / Brenda J. Thiam

Air Force Reserve veteran and federal consultant John Myrick emphasizes:

• Public service over politics
• Leadership discipline rooted in national security experience
• Practical governance
• Solutions-oriented approach to taxes, public safety, and education

Former Delegate Brenda Thiam adds legislative experience and regional balance.

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Carl A. Brunner Jr. / Kevin L. Rhodes Sr.

Brunner, a firearms business owner, highlights small-business experience and Second Amendment advocacy. Public policy rollouts are still limited.

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L. D. Burkindine / Jeremy M. Shifflett

Business-focused candidacy with limited public media presence so far. Positioned as a grassroots alternative.

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Douglas Larcomb / Martina D. Duncan

Filed on the final day of the deadline. Campaign infrastructure and policy details are still emerging.

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Michael Oakes / Ronald W. Abend

Carroll County–based ticket with minimal early media exposure. Platform specifics forthcoming.

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Nancy Jane Taylor / Rachel Hannah “Mohawk” Swift

Washington County–based ticket. Public policy details remain limited at this stage of the race.

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What This Means for Republicans

At this early stage:

• No candidate has locked up the field
• Fundraising is still developing
• Name recognition varies widely
• The primary electorate will likely decide based on organization and turnout

In a nine-way race, consolidation, discipline, and grassroots mobilization will matter more than early headlines.

This primary remains open.

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Independent / Third Party

Andy Ellis / Owen Silverman Andrews (Green Party)

Ellis, a longtime Green Party activist, will appear in the general election. His platform includes:

• Climate justice
• Universal healthcare and housing rights
• Public transit expansion
• Multiparty democracy

The Green Party aims to surpass 1% statewide to maintain ballot recognition. Historically, third-party candidates in Maryland struggle to gain traction beyond protest votes.

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The Central Question of 2026

Governor Moore begins this race as the favorite.

But incumbency is not immunity.

Maryland faces:

• Structural budget instability
• High taxation and regulatory burden
• Rising cost-of-living pressures
• Energy affordability concerns
• Ongoing urban economic challenges

The governor’s fundraising strength and political brand are undeniable. The question is whether the state’s economic fundamentals match the optimism.

In 2022, Moore ran as a candidate of hope and momentum.

In 2026, he runs on a record.

And for the first time, that record will be on the ballot.

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