2026 Maryland gubernatorial election

The 2026 Maryland gubernatorial election will take place on November 3, 2026, to elect the governor of Maryland. Incumbent Democratic Governor Wes Moore is eligible to run for re-election to a second term but has not yet stated if he will do so.

Democratic primary

Candidates

Declared intent to run

• Wes Moore, incumbent governor

Potential

• Johnny Olszewski, Baltimore County Executive (2018–present)

Republican primary

Candidates

Potential

• Jason C. Buckel, minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates (2021–present) from district 1B (2015–present)
• Matt Clark, former chief of staff to Governor Larry Hogan (2017–2020)
• Earl Hance, president of the Calvert County Board of Commissioners (2020–present) and former Maryland Secretary of Agriculture (2009–2015)
• Larry Hogan, former governor of Maryland (2015–2023)
• Patrick N. Hogan, former state delegate from district 3A (2003–2007, 2011–2015), lobbyist for the University System of Maryland, and half-brother of former governor Larry Hogan
• Stephen S. Hershey Jr., minority leader of the Maryland Senate (2023–present) from the 36th district (2011–present)
• Michael Hough, former state senator from the 4th district (2015–2023) and nominee for Frederick County Executive in 2022
• Barry Glassman, Harford County Executive (2014–2022) and nominee for comptroller of Maryland in 2022
• J. B. Jennings, state senator from the 7th district (2011–present) and former minority leader of the Maryland Senate (2014–2020)
• Nic Kipke, state delegate from the 31st district (2007–present) and former minority leader of the Maryland House of Delegates (2013–2021)
• Allan H. Kittleman, former Howard County Executive (2014–2018)
• Larry Porter, Caroline County commissioner (2010–present)
• Craig Williamson, former chief of staff to Governor Larry Hogan (2015–2016)

Third-party and independent candidates

Candidates

Formed exploratory committee

• Andy Ellis, former co-chair of the Maryland and Baltimore City Green Party

References