Governor in Statewide, Maryland

2026 Primary Election

• Eric S. Felber — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Eric S. Felber is a physician and a Democratic candidate for Governor of Maryland in the 2026 election, where he will challenge incumbent Governor Wes Moore in the primary. Felber, who has operated a medical clinic in the state for decades, previously ran for public office in 2024 as a candidate in the Democratic primary for Maryland's 8th congressional district. His running mate for the gubernatorial race is community activist LaTrece Hawkins Lytes. Felber's policy platform includes several key initiatives, such as raising the state's minimum wage, increasing taxes on corporations and high-income individuals, and providing free public transportation and access to higher education for Maryland residents.

• Wes Moore — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Wes Moore is the 63rd Governor of Maryland and the first Black governor in the state's history. A member of the Democratic Party, he was born in Takoma Park, Maryland. After his father's death when he was three, Moore went on to graduate from Valley Forge Military College and Johns Hopkins University, and was a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University. He is a combat veteran, having served as a captain and paratrooper with the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. Prior to his career in public service, Moore was an investment banker, a White House Fellow, and the CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, a prominent anti-poverty organization. He is also a bestselling author.

• Carl A. Brunner, Jr. — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Carl A. Brunner, Jr. is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland. A lifelong resident of the state and a firearms business owner, he currently resides in Carroll County. Brunner is competing in the Republican primary scheduled for June 23, 2026. His campaign platform is built on several core tenets, including a commitment to lowering taxes for individuals and businesses across the state. He also prioritizes providing strong and consistent support for law enforcement agencies. According to his campaign, Brunner seeks to introduce a "no-nonsense perspective" to state governance, with a stated focus on addressing the practical concerns and economic challenges faced by Maryland's working families.

• L. D. Burkindine — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  L. D. Burkindine has announced his candidacy for the office of Governor of Maryland. A member of the Republican Party, Burkindine is seeking his party's nomination in the upcoming gubernatorial election cycle. His participation is confirmed for the Republican primary, which is officially scheduled to be held on June 23, 2026. This primary election will determine the Republican nominee who will advance to the general election. Professionally, Burkindine is the owner of a sheet metal business and is a resident of Queen Anne's County. At this stage of the campaign, comprehensive public information detailing his specific policy positions, official platform, or planned campaign activities is not widely available.

• Dan Cox — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Dan Cox is a Republican attorney who served in the Maryland House of Delegates, representing District 4 from 2019 to 2023. In 2022, he was the Republican nominee in the Maryland gubernatorial election. He has also announced his candidacy for the 2026 gubernatorial election. A resident of Frederick County, Cox has been a vocal supporter of former President Donald Trump. His political platform includes advocating for Second Amendment rights and restrictions on abortion. Before entering politics, he worked as a high school teacher and is the owner of The Cox Law Center. Cox earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Maryland Global Campus and a Juris Doctor from Regent University School of Law.

• Ed Hale — Governor in Baltimore, MD

  Ed Hale is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland. A businessman from Baltimore, Hale has professional experience in the shipping, banking, and real estate sectors. He is the founder of 1st Mariner Bank, where he served as chairman and CEO from its establishment in 1995 until 2011. Hale is also the owner of the Baltimore Blast, a professional indoor soccer team. In 2014, he disclosed that he had previously worked as a non-official cover operative for the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). For his gubernatorial campaign, Hale selected financial services professional Tyrone Keys as his running mate. Hale was previously a lifelong Democrat before switching to the Republican party to run for governor.

• Douglas Larcomb — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Douglas Larcomb is a Republican candidate competing in the June 23, 2026, primary election for Governor of Maryland. His platform focuses on key fiscal and administrative reforms, including the reduction of state taxes and fees and the streamlining of government bureaucracy. On energy policy, Larcomb proposes promoting efficiency through a combination of deregulation and the creation of nonprofit municipal power companies. He has engaged in debates covering significant state issues like affordability, public safety, and education. Larcomb has publicly stated his intent to collaborate across party lines, indicating a readiness to work with both Democrats and Republicans on challenges affecting Marylanders.

• John A. Myrick — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  John A. Myrick is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland. His professional background includes 23 years of service as a combat veteran in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, from which he is now retired. Myrick also served as a Harford County Deputy Sheriff and as a Civilian Senior Intelligence Officer within the U.S. Intelligence Community. His gubernatorial campaign platform emphasizes fiscal responsibility, attracting private sector businesses to the state, and improving Maryland's public education system. Myrick previously ran for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. His running mate for Lieutenant Governor is Dr. Brenda J. Thiam, who formerly served as a Maryland Delegate.

• Michael Oakes — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Michael Oakes, a Republican from Carroll County, has officially entered the race for Governor of Maryland. He is campaigning with Ronald W. Abend as his selected running mate for lieutenant governor. Oakes is actively seeking the Republican party's nomination in the primary election, which is scheduled to take place on June 23, 2026. Throughout his campaign, Oakes has participated in debates where he has outlined his platform. His key policy areas focus on improving affordability for residents, enhancing public safety across the state, and advancing education. His agenda prioritizes fostering economic growth, providing substantial support for small businesses, and implementing education reform. The general election for Governor of Maryland will be held on November 3, 2026.

• Nancy Jane Taylor — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Nancy Jane Taylor is a Republican candidate seeking the office of Governor of Maryland. A resident of Washington County, Taylor has formally declared her intention to compete for the Republican nomination in the state's 2026 gubernatorial election. She is one of several candidates in the primary field, all vying to represent the party on the general election ballot. The primary election, which will determine the Republican nominee, is scheduled for June 23, 2026. The winner of this primary contest will then proceed to the general election, set to be held on November 3, 2026, where they will face the nominees from other political parties for the governorship.

• Shannon Wright — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Shannon Wright is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland. A pastor and non-profit executive, her background includes community leadership roles such as first Vice President of the Yonkers NAACP and a member of the New Jersey NAACP state board of directors. Wright has previously been a Republican nominee for public office in Baltimore City, running for City Council president in 2016 and for mayor in both 2020 and 2024. She identifies as a Frederick Douglass Republican, advocating for policies focused on individual responsibility, educational choice, and job training to address poverty. Wright and her family moved to Baltimore after losing their home and church during Hurricane Sandy.

• Andy Ellis — Governor in Statewide, Maryland

  Andy Ellis is a Green Party candidate for Governor of Maryland. A long-time Maryland resident, he currently resides in Northeast Baltimore with his wife. His education includes attending Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick, Towson University, and St. Mary College of Maryland. Ellis has a significant history of civic engagement, having served as a co-chair for both the Baltimore City Green Party and the Maryland Green Party. He was also appointed to the Baltimore City Charter Review Commission. His professional background is varied, including experience as a debate coach and as a software developer for the Maryland State Board of Elections. His campaign platform is centered on fostering grassroots democracy and creating a political alternative to the two major parties.