Maryland governor

What’s the job: The state’s chief executive. The governor proposes the state budget and is responsible for agencies and services, such as transportation, the state police and human services. Has the ability to veto legislation. Nominates people to state boards and decides who will fill legislative vacancies. Elected to a four-year term.

Democratic

Name: Wes Moore, running mate Aruna Miller

Age: 48

Personal: Married father.

Education: Associate’s degree, Valley Forge Military College; Bachelor’s degree, Johns Hopkins University; Master’s degree, Wolfson College, University of Oxford.

Experience: Governor of Maryland since 2023; former CEO, Robin Hood Foundation; paratrooper, 82nd Airborne Division.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: Do you agree or disagree that the state’s economy relies too much on federal funding, such as medical and education research and defense? If so, how would you spur economic growth in other industries?

Q: What’s your view on President Donald Trump’s administration, and what kind of relationship would you seek to have with him?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted? Be specific about which Blueprint programs you would cut or adjust.

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: What, if anything, would you do to address the cost and availability of housing in Maryland?

Q: How should the General Assembly check an executive’s power? How will you react when they check yours?

Q: Maryland has experienced significant declines in violent crime, including homicides. What policies would you pursue at the state level to continue to drive down crime?

Q: Do you agree with the scientific consensus that global climate change is influenced by human activities? What do you believe is the state’s role in combating climate change and mitigating the effects?

Q: Do you trust in the accuracy and integrity of Maryland elections? Would you make any changes to how Maryland elections are run or the way residents cast their ballots?

Republican

Name: Dan Cox, running mate Rob Krop

Age: 52

Personal: Married, 10 children.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, government and legal studied, University of Maryland, College Park; Juris Doctor, Regent University School of Law; Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society, Mount Saint Mary’s University.

Experience: Commercial and civil rights law attorney since 2006; Maryland state Delegate, 2019-2023; Town council president, 2006-2008; Realtor (Maryland and Virginia); High school teacher.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: Do you agree or disagree that the state’s economy relies too much on federal funding, such as medical and education research and defense? If so, how would you spur economic growth in other industries?

Q: What’s your view on President Donald Trump’s administration, and what kind of relationship would you seek to have with him?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted? Be specific about which Blueprint programs you would cut or adjust.

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: What, if anything, would you do to address the cost and availability of housing in Maryland?

Q: How should the General Assembly check an executive’s power? How will you react when they check yours?

Q: Maryland has experienced significant declines in violent crime, including homicides. What policies would you pursue at the state level to continue to drive down crime?

Q: Do you agree with the scientific consensus that global climate change is influenced by human activities? What do you believe is the state’s role in combating climate change and mitigating the effects?

Q: Do you trust in the accuracy and integrity of Maryland elections? Would you make any changes to how Maryland elections are run or the way residents cast their ballots?

Green

Name: Andy Ellis, running mate Owen Silverman Andrews

Personal: Married.

Education: Graduate of Governor Thomas Johnson High School; attended St. Mary’s and Towson, but did not finish undergrad degree; Bachelor’s degree, University of Maryland Global Campus (in progress).

Experience: Co-coordinator of the Baltimore Urban Debate League, with teams in 14 Baltimore City middle schools. Towson University debate coach from 2006-2010, including coaching their first national championship team in 2008. Nielsen Company, 2010-2025; Served in leadership roles of the city, state, and national Green Party since joining the party in 2015. Ran for State Delegate in District 45 as a Green Party candidate in 2018. Member of the Baltimore City Charter Review Commission from 2023-2024; Chair of Baltimore For Democracy, a ballot issue committee dedicated to defeating Question H in 2024.

Questionnaire

Q: Maryland’s state government is facing a structural deficit in future years. Please describe how you would approach closing the gap. Be specific about any spending cuts or revenue increases you propose.

Q: Do you agree or disagree that the state’s economy relies too much on federal funding, such as medical and education research and defense? If so, how would you spur economic growth in other industries?

Q: What’s your view on President Donald Trump’s administration, and what kind of relationship would you seek to have with him?

Q: The cost of implementing the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future education plan will exceed the money available in the Blueprint’s fund over the next few years. Should the state raise new revenue for the programs, or should the programs be rolled back or adjusted? Be specific about which Blueprint programs you would cut or adjust.

Q: What would you do to lower the cost of living for Maryland residents?

Q: What, if anything, would you do to address the cost and availability of housing in Maryland?

Q: How should the General Assembly check an executive’s power? How will you react when they check yours?

Q: Maryland has experienced significant declines in violent crime, including homicides. What policies would you pursue at the state level to continue to drive down crime?

Q: Do you agree with the scientific consensus that global climate change is influenced by human activities? What do you believe is the state’s role in combating climate change and mitigating the effects?

Q: Do you trust in the accuracy and integrity of Maryland elections? Would you make any changes to how Maryland elections are run or the way residents cast their ballots?

Working Class Party

Name: Cathy White, running mate Cathy Permut

Candidate did not respond to The Banner’s voter guide questionnaire.

Show candidates who did not advance past June 2026 Primary