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:
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.
Bates Says Maryland’s Juvenile System Is “Broken.” The Cases He’s Pointing To Show Why He’s Not Alone.
Baltimore City State’s Attorney Ivan Bates says Maryland’s juvenile justice system is “broken,” pointing to a series of violent cases as lawmakers prepare to implement sweeping changes to how young offenders are prosecuted this fall.
Maryland Sets Aug. 3-5 Special Session on Redistricting — But the Dates Conflict with the State’s Own Ballot Deadline
Maryland’s General Assembly is set for a special session from August 3-5 to discuss a constitutional amendment on congressional redistricting standards. However, the session’s timeline conflicts with the state’s deadline for certifying ballot questions for the November election, raising concerns about the proposal’s viability. Legislative details are pending.
Moore’s ICE Scare Tactic Was Already Out of Date When It Aired
Governor Wes Moore attempted to emphasize the importance of voting by presenting an inflated figure regarding ICE’s funding, claiming it surpassed other federal agencies. However, this figure was outdated by the time it aired, and the comparison to Maryland’s annual budget was flawed. Ultimately, the message failed to resonate with the intended audience.
Moore Debates 20 Non-Voters on YouTube While a Bill to Open Maryland’s Debate Stage Died Without a Vote
Governor Wes Moore participated in a debate program addressing non-voters, emphasizing engagement in politics. Meanwhile, Maryland candidates face barriers to participation in televised debates due to a 10% polling threshold that excludes third-party candidates. An unpassed bill aimed to ensure all qualified candidates could join debates, highlighting ongoing electoral inequities.
Wes Moore: Incapable of Meeting the Moment
Maryland Governor Wes Moore criticized President Trump for failing to meet expectations before delivering a pre-recorded Independence Day address. While Trump spoke to a large crowd after a storm, Moore’s address focused on personal anecdotes and connections rather than state issues. Critics argue his speech served a national political agenda instead of addressing Maryland’s concerns.
One Foot Out the Door: Wes Moore’s Reelection Pitch Is a Presidential Audition
In September 2025, Maryland Governor Wes Moore pledges to serve a full term and dismisses a 2028 presidential run. However, his busy national media schedule raises doubts. Moore’s history of embellished claims, including military awards and academic credentials, undermines credibility while Marylanders face financial challenges stemming from his policies, prompting scrutiny as elections approach.
Governor Moore’s Disability Pride Month Message Runs Into His Own Budget Record
Governor Wes Moore’s message for Disability Pride Month acknowledges the fight for disability rights but contrasts sharply with significant budget cuts to the Developmental Disabilities Administration, totaling $290 million over two years. These cuts heavily impact families using self-directed care, raising concerns about inadequate support and oversight of ADA accommodations in Maryland’s courts.
Wes Moore Picks a Fight on the Nation’s 250th Birthday. Maryland Gets the Bill.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore plans to deliver a Fourth of July address titled “The Work of Patriotism,” coinciding with President Trump’s remarks. Critics argue this move is divisive rather than unifying, amid pressing state issues. The speech appears to bolster Moore’s national profile while prioritizing political ambition over state governance, raising concerns about its appropriateness.
Maryland’s Locked Electorate: When Neither Party Is the Answer
Following the Maryland primary, polls reveal widespread voter dissatisfaction, with 81% unhappy with party direction. While 68% support GOP nominee Dan Cox for another election, 24% do not. A significant number favor an open primary system. This reflects frustration with the two-party system, signaling potential shifts in future elections.
Moore’s Own Supervisor Says Governor Did Not Receive Bronze Star — and Was Not in Afghanistan When Fellow Soldier Died
Retired Lt. Col. James Gottschling challenges Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s military biography, stating he did not receive a Bronze Star but an Army Commendation Medal during his Afghanistan deployment. Gottschling also disputes Moore’s claims about a fallen soldier, asserting inaccuracies in Moore’s accounts, raising concerns over his integrity amidst the ongoing controversy.
What Wes Moore Didn’t Say After Winning Maryland’s Primary
Governor Wes Moore, after winning the primary, focused on national issues like redistricting and building congressional support, neglecting pressing Maryland issues. He failed to address the Key Bridge contractor crisis, mounting state deficits, questionable energy bill claims, and discrepancies in his military record, leaving many Marylanders concerned about local governance.
The Firewall Fell Overnight
The Maryland Senate’s six-month redistricting blockade ended abruptly after primary elections reshaped the political landscape. Governor Wes Moore announced a special session for redistricting, citing emergency needs. The primary outcomes weakened Senate leadership, prompting both discussions on constitutional amendments and potential new maps. Republican leaders criticized the focus on redistricting over pressing economic issues.
Building Bridges to Liberia While Baltimore Waits for Its Own
Wes Moore, Maryland’s governor, signed a memorandum of understanding with Liberia shortly after winning the Democratic primary. This agreement focuses on collaboration but lacks financial commitment or legislative approval. Critics argue that while the signing appears historic, it distracts from pressing issues like the delayed Key Bridge reconstruction, highlighting governance priorities.
Coverage Note
MDBayNews covers all candidates — Republican, Democrat, Independent — without endorsing.
Right-of-center analysis is reserved for opinion articles clearly marked as commentary.