Gov. Wes Moore (D) is seeking a second term.
Candidates
- Wes Moore Democrat Incumbent Running mate: Aruna Miller
- Dan Cox Republican Nominee, former state delegate Running mate: Rob Krop
- Andy Ellis Green Green nominee
- Cathy White Working Class Working Class Party nominee
Where the race stands
- Solid D
- Very Likely D
- Lean D
- Tilt D
- Toss-up
- Tilt R
- Lean R
- Likely R
- Very Likely R
- Solid R
- No race
Analysis
Gov. Wes Moore (D) is heavily favored for a second term in a rematch of their 2022 race against Dan Cox (R), a former Frederick County delegate whom Moore beat by more than 30 points four years ago. Their only debate turned on the state's budget shortfall of more than $3 billion: Cox pledged not to raise taxes or fees and pushed a statewide data center moratorium, while Moore declined that pledge, tied Cox to Trump and his 2020 election challenges, and would not commit to serving a full second term. Andy Ellis (G) and Cathy White (Working Class Party) each drew 3 percent in the University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll, short of the debate threshold. Analyst Mileah Kromer says Cox's lack of money and trouble with unaffiliated voters make it hard for him to turn a strong debate into momentum.
The rating is MultiState's consensus, the average of the Cook Political Report, Sabato's Crystal Ball and Pluribus News. Polling is the RealClearPolling average where one exists.
Maryland governors since 1991
Democrats have held the office since 2023. The last Republican was Larry Hogan (2015–2023).
Each block is one governor; thin lines mark a reelection. Margins are the winner's lead over the runner-up, in points.
- Elected 2022 (+32.0)
- Elected 2014 (+3.8), reelected 2018 (+11.8)
- Elected 2006 (+6.5), reelected 2010 (+14.5)
- Elected 2002 (+3.9), lost reelection 2006
- Elected 1994 (+0.4), reelected 1998 (+10.3)
- Elected 1986 (+64.7), reelected 1990 (+19.5)