Who Is Running for Governor of Maryland in 2026?
Last updated: March 4, 2026
Wes Moore
(Incumbent)Economy
HighGovernor Wes Moore has introduced legislation for an additional $100 million in energy rebates to directly assist Marylanders and promote a thriving energy market. He also supports the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act of 2026, which focuses on strengthening economic competitiveness in lighthouse industries such as IT and life sciences. Moore's administration has worked to attract over $10 billion in private investment by cutting red tape, supporting entrepreneurs, and investing in education and career pathways.
Immigration
HighWes Moore advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, asserting that Maryland's immigrant population is a strength. He criticized both the Trump administration's "cruel and reckless political agenda" and the Biden administration for not sufficiently addressing immigration. In February 2026, Moore signed emergency legislation ending Maryland's participation in 287(g) agreements, aiming to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities and ensure constitutional policing. He also announced Citizenship Maryland to assist eligible residents.
Healthcare
HighWes Moore's 2026 budget proposal includes $14 billion for Maryland's Medicaid program, aiming to protect the program from federal actions and provide care for over 1.4 million residents. He emphasized making these investments while maintaining fiscal discipline and not raising taxes. Moore also introduced legislation to base the state's vaccine policy on science, independent of federal authority. However, his FY27 budget proposal includes some cuts to mental health funding and freezes provider reimbursement rates.
Republican Candidate
No Republican candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Wes Moore |
|---|---|
| Economy | Governor Wes Moore has introduced legislation for an additional $100 million in energy rebates to directly assist Marylanders and promote a thriving energy market. He also supports the Delivering Economic Competitiveness and Advancing Development Efforts (DECADE) Act of 2026, which focuses on strengthening economic competitiveness in lighthouse industries such as IT and life sciences. Moore's administration has worked to attract over $10 billion in private investment by cutting red tape, supporting entrepreneurs, and investing in education and career pathways. High |
| Immigration | Wes Moore advocates for comprehensive immigration reform, asserting that Maryland's immigrant population is a strength. He criticized both the Trump administration's "cruel and reckless political agenda" and the Biden administration for not sufficiently addressing immigration. In February 2026, Moore signed emergency legislation ending Maryland's participation in 287(g) agreements, aiming to build trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities and ensure constitutional policing. He also announced Citizenship Maryland to assist eligible residents. High |
| Healthcare | Wes Moore's 2026 budget proposal includes $14 billion for Maryland's Medicaid program, aiming to protect the program from federal actions and provide care for over 1.4 million residents. He emphasized making these investments while maintaining fiscal discipline and not raising taxes. Moore also introduced legislation to base the state's vaccine policy on science, independent of federal authority. However, his FY27 budget proposal includes some cuts to mental health funding and freezes provider reimbursement rates. High |
| Climate & Energy | Wes Moore prioritizes funding to protect Maryland's environment and combat climate change in the FY2027 budget, citing clean air and water as essential for health. He supports the Clean Energy Jobs Act of 2019's renewable energy goals and seeks more ambitious regulations for 100% clean energy by 2035 and net zero carbon by 2045. Moore reversed a veto to fund a climate change impact study with $500,000 and proposes a 'cap-and-invest' program to tax polluters. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Wes Moore supports abortion rights and aims to make reproductive care more accessible and affordable in Maryland, emphasizing that Marylanders deserve autonomy over their reproductive healthcare. As governor, he signed a bill establishing a $25 million grant fund to expand abortion access for uninsured individuals. He also approved $1.3 million toward purchasing mifepristone and misoprostol and plans to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution. High |
| Foreign Policy | Research pending more substantial sources. Low |
| Education | Wes Moore proposes a historic $10 billion for public schools, with the FY26 budget allocating $9.7 billion to K-12 education to improve results. He supports an Academic Excellence Program to provide educators with tools and resources, aiming to make Maryland a national leader in early literacy and ensure students are career-ready. Moore also focuses on teacher recruitment, having halved the teacher vacancy rate. High |
| Gun Policy | Wes Moore supports gun control measures, as evidenced by his statement after the Fourth Circuit upheld Maryland’s 2023 law banning concealed carry in sensitive locations. He states that protecting the Second Amendment can coexist with safeguarding Marylanders from gun dangers in places like schools and hospitals. Moore also advocates for keeping illegal guns off streets and has been endorsed by Giffords, a gun violence prevention organization. High |
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