Independent Coverage of Maryland’s Most Critical Race
Maryland will elect a new governor in 2026, setting the direction of the state for the next four years. With debates over taxes, crime, schools, energy policy, and the state’s projected budget deficit, the 2026 gubernatorial race is shaping up to be one of the most consequential elections in recent memory.
MDBayNews provides fact-driven reporting, policy breakdowns, and watchdog-style analysis—without endorsements.
Every candidate, every issue, and every development will be tracked here.
Who’s Running (Updated as Announcements Come In)
Republican Candidates
Carl A. Brunner, Jr. / Kevin L. Rhodes, Sr.Ed Hale Sr. / Tyrone Keys, Jr.John A. Myrick / Brenda J. ThiamKurt Wedekind / Shannon WrightL. D. Burkindine / Jeremy M. Shifflett- Dan Cox / Rob Krop
Michael Oakes / Ronald W. AbendNancy Jane Taylor / Rachel Hannah “Mohawk” SwiftDouglas Larcomb / Martina D. Duncan
Democratic Candidates
- Wes Moore / Aruna Miller *incumbent
Eric S. Felber / LaTrece Hawkins Lytes
Independent / Third-Party
- Andy Ellis / Owen Silverman Andrews (Green Party)
- Cathy White / Cathy Permut (Working Class Party)
What This Race Is About
The top issues voters are talking about:
- Taxes & Spending
- Crime & Public Safety
- Schools & Parental Rights
- Energy Costs & Mandates
- Transportation & Infrastructure
Short, sharp summaries can go under each bullet as the race develops.
Campaign Updates
The latest developments:
Cox Pressed Moore on Taxes, the Key Bridge and a Full Term. Moore Pressed Back on Trump.
In the only debate of Maryland’s 2026 governor’s race, Dan Cox targeted issues like taxes, the budget deficit, and the delayed Key Bridge project while challenging Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, who maintained a substantial lead in polls. Analysts predict no significant shift in voter sentiment from the debate.
UMBC Poll Backs Up Moore’s 27-Point Lead, but a Quarter of Voters Haven’t Picked a Major Candidate
A recent University of Maryland poll shows Gov. Wes Moore leading Republican Dan Cox 51% to 24% among likely voters. The survey highlights significant undecided voters and a divided Democratic base. Both parties receive low approval ratings, with criticisms about lacking representation. Early voting begins on October 22, 2026.
Five Days Out: The Debate Plan Dan Cox Needs
On October 6, Dan Cox will participate in the only debate against Governor Wes Moore, who leads significantly in polls and funding. The discussion, moderated by WBAL-TV, will focus on various state issues. Cox must strategically address key points, like taxes and the deficit, to effectively challenge Moore’s positions.
Green Party’s Ellis Calls for Statewide Data Center Ban as Moore Signs Executive Order
Andy Ellis, the Green Party nominee for governor, criticized Gov. Wes Moore’s executive order on data centers, asserting it does not adequately address concerns. He advocates for a statewide ban on new data center constructions and emphasizes the need for stronger measures, highlighting widespread local opposition and grassroots efforts against data centers.
Moore Orders Data Center Review and a Public Dashboard, but No Pause and No Repeal Yet
Governor Wes Moore signed an executive order to establish a review process for large data centers and a task force to assess projects, aiming to repeal a 2020 sales tax exemption. The order does not halt existing constructions and preserves local governments’ decision-making power. The task force’s findings will influence future approvals.
The Case Dan Cox Isn’t Making
Maryland’s gubernatorial race shows Dan Cox lagging behind Democratic incumbent Wes Moore, with a 27-point deficit. While voters feel overtaxed and support affordability measures, Cox’s vague messaging lacks Maryland-specific details. His failure to address prior election controversies and connect with suburban voters is impacting his campaign, risking further deficits in upcoming polls.
The Union Playbook: Hilton’s California Fix and Maryland’s Test
Steve Hilton criticizes California’s education system, asserting that teacher unions control Sacramento. He advocates for children to read by third grade and increased accountability. In Maryland, similar concerns arise as testing results reveal low proficiency in math and reading. Republican candidates propose shifting educational power back to parents amidst strong union influence.
Behind the Jobs Numbers: Maryland’s Layoff List Keeps Growing in 2026
PepsiCo is closing its Cheverly bottling plant, resulting in the loss of all 143 jobs there. This decision reflects broader employment challenges in Maryland, where nearly 100 notices of layoffs have been filed in 2026, affecting thousands. Concurrently, the state has also seen job gains, highlighting economic fluctuations.
Green Party Candidate Says MPT Chairman’s Donations to Moore Raise Conflict of Interest Questions
Green Party gubernatorial candidate Andy Ellis has accused Maryland Public Broadcasting Commission chairman Richard Bodorff of a conflict of interest due to $12,000 in contributions to Gov. Wes Moore’s campaign. Ellis claims this bias prevents him from participating in the upcoming gubernatorial debate, emphasizing the need for equitable debate access for all candidates.
Moore Administration Orders Two Dozen Agencies to Model 10% Budget Cuts as Deficit Deepens
Maryland faces a projected $3 billion budget gap for fiscal 2028, prompting state agencies to prepare for up to 10% budget cuts. Governor Wes Moore’s administration emphasizes fiscal discipline while evaluating both cuts and potential new taxes. Lawmakers are concerned about the growing deficit, which complicates the state’s financial outlook.
Green Party’s Ellis Releases MPT Records, Presses for a Seat at the Oct. 6 Debate
Green Party nominee Andy Ellis has released Maryland Public Television records, urging the network to include all four candidates in the upcoming October debate. He claims MPT’s own rules support this inclusion, citing previous discrepancies in candidate invitations. The ongoing debate centers on transparency and access for all electoral choices in Maryland.
Eight Days, Ten Announcements: What Moore’s Late-Summer Sprint Actually Delivers
During a busy week from Sept. 1 to 8, Governor Wes Moore’s office issued 10 press releases concerning economic initiatives, including a minimum wage order and job announcements. A review revealed mixed effectiveness in claims, with some genuine accomplishments but many announcements repackaging older initiatives, raising questions amid a looming election and ongoing budget concerns.
Maryland’s Jobs Are Coming Back. The State’s Own Choices Keep Getting in the Way.
In July, Maryland’s private sector added nearly 11,000 jobs, marking a strong economic recovery after significant federal job losses. The unemployment rate fell to 4.2 percent, outpacing national growth. However, state policies, including tax increases, have drawn criticism and raised concerns about Maryland’s fiscal health and business climate.
At MACo, Cox Presses the Case Against Moore’s Record on Taxes, Energy, and the Key Bridge
Dan Cox criticized Governor Wes Moore at the Maryland Association of Counties summer conference, arguing that Moore’s leadership has resulted in increased state costs, debt, and insufficient infrastructure. He emphasized issues like rising property taxes, delayed construction projects, and education funding shifts. Cox proposed specific policy changes to improve state governance.
The Poll Saying Moore Is Up 27 Points Was Built by His Own Party’s Pollster and Sold by a Podcast His Party’s Media Sponsors
A recent poll shows Maryland Gov. Wes Moore leading Republican Dan Cox by 27 points, with an approval rating of 56%. However, investigations reveal the poll was commissioned by groups with ties to the Democratic Party, raising questions about its independence and credibility. Cox’s campaign disputes the poll’s validity, emphasizing potential biases.
New Poll Detail: Neither Party Impresses Voters, as Green Candidate Renews Debate Push
A recent Maryland Now poll reveals low approval ratings for both major political parties, with the Republican Party at 32% and the Democratic Party at 50%. Governor Wes Moore’s personal approval stands at 56%, significantly outpacing his party’s. Green Party candidate Andy Ellis advocates for including all candidates in gubernatorial debates, highlighting voter dissatisfaction.
Moore Holds 27-Point Lead as Fundraising Gap With Cox Widens Ahead of November
A recent Maryland poll reveals Governor Wes Moore leading Republican Dan Cox by 27 points ahead of the November election, with 58% support for Moore. Despite rising economic concerns among voters, Cox struggles to gain traction or funding, trailing significantly in campaign contributions compared to Moore’s substantial war chest.
How a $375 Million Plan Became a $715 Million Problem
Maryland’s horse racing redevelopment plan escalated from $375 million to over $715 million through five decisions made without public cost-benefit analyses. Key decisions included concentrating racing at a rebuilt Pimlico, abandoning Shamrock Farm, purchasing Laurel Park, and acquiring the Preakness IP, all while lacking transparency and accountability.
What Moore Announced — And What Comes Next
Governor Wes Moore’s press conference outlined major updates for the Preakness Stakes, including a historic Sunday date and a broadcasting deal with NBC through 2032. While the announcements were substantial, concerns about governance, competition with new racing series, and the economic implications for Maryland’s $633 million investment remain unaddressed.
Power Over People: How Annapolis Rewrote the Rules — and What It Ignored to Do It
The Maryland General Assembly concluded a special session focused solely on a constitutional amendment allowing a Democratic-friendly congressional redistricting map. Despite urgency, pressing issues like disability funding cuts, affordability concerns, and transportation funding went unaddressed. Critics argue this prioritization underscores a legislative power shift, sidelining significant community needs.
The Senate Passed It 32-13. Republicans Are Already Talking About Court.
Maryland’s Senate passed a congressional redistricting constitutional amendment with a 32-13 vote, paving the way for a November ballot decision. The vote largely followed party lines, prompting Republicans to express intentions for legal action and campaign against the amendment, which they argue undermines voter rights against partisan gerrymandering.
What CDI Does With Tracks It Owns
Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has a documented strategy for acquiring and managing racetracks, evident in its closure of Arlington Park and relocation of prestigious races to Colonial Downs. Maryland’s $85 million investment to secure the Preakness IP aimed to prevent such an outcome, ensuring the race’s future remains tied to its heritage, not CDI’s corporate…
The Bet That Already Lost
Governor Wes Moore’s $85 million investment in Preakness Stakes’ intellectual property failed as Churchill Downs built a competing championship series, omitting the Preakness. CDI strategically divested remaining Maryland properties, indicating its departure from the state. Maryland’s efforts to secure horse racing prominence were undermined, raising concerns about governance and operational competency.
Moore’s Two-Front Test: What the NGA Gavel Means for His Ambitions — and His Reelection
Maryland Governor Wes Moore became the chair of the National Governors Association, navigating heightened national attention while preparing for his reelection bid. His simultaneous prominent role raises questions about his potential presidential ambitions in 2028, complicating his campaign message as he seeks voter support amid scrutiny of his administration’s record and challenges ahead.
Green Party Nominee Calls for Four-Way Debates as Moore, Cox Stay Quiet
Green Party gubernatorial nominee Andy Ellis is advocating for a series of four regional debates in Maryland to include all certified candidates for the November election. Citing legal mandates, he argues that limiting debates to major party candidates undermines voter representation, as many voters are unaffiliated with either party.
The Amendment Written to Undo a Judge’s Ruling
Maryland lawmakers will consider a constitutional amendment during a special session aimed at countering a 2022 court ruling that deemed the state’s congressional map unconstitutional gerrymandering. The proposed bill clarifies that compactness and contiguity standards only apply to state legislative districts, potentially allowing more flexibility in drawing future congressional maps.
Seven Stops, Five States, Three Weeks: Where Wes Moore Has Been While Maryland Waits on Affordability
Maryland Governor Wes Moore has been actively campaigning across multiple states while facing criticism for limiting the upcoming legislative special session to redistricting, excluding affordability issues. His travels have provoked mixed reactions, with Republicans condemning his record on taxes and questioning the disconnect between his national message on affordability and state legislative actions.
Republicans Say They Warned Leadership — Then Got Shut Out Anyway
Maryland’s legislative leaders are limiting the agenda for the upcoming special session to focus solely on congressional redistricting. Republican leaders criticized this decision, emphasizing the need to address pressing issues like rising energy costs. The unusual restriction is seen as a departure from previous practices, raising concerns about transparency and priorities.
Hungry, but Not Thirsty: Wes Moore’s Full-Term Pledge Has a Schedule Problem
Maryland Governor Wes Moore is campaigning for reelection while simultaneously engaging in activities that suggest presidential aspirations. Despite a past commitment to serve a full term, his recent statements have become increasingly ambiguous. As he barnstorms key states, voters question the sincerity of his full-term pledge against a backdrop of potential 2028 ambitions.
Maryland’s Economy Isn’t Growing. The Numbers Say Something Sharper.
Maryland’s economy shows a mixed picture, with job growth primarily in the health care sector, while other sectors have declined. The state has also seen a drop in its ranking for affordability, falling significantly in recent years. Tax increases have coincided with rising living costs, further complicating the state’s economic landscape.
Coverage Note
MDBayNews covers all candidates — Republican, Democrat, Independent — without endorsing.
Right-of-center analysis is reserved for opinion articles clearly marked as commentary.