Moore, Miller officially file for second term: 'We've got more work to do'

Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna miller filed paperwork with the Maryland State Board of Elections in Annapolis on Monday, one day before the deadline, making their search for a second term official. The filing came as a state of emergency remained in place and the governor outlined accomplishments and goals when he spoke to a small group of reporters inside the elections headquarters.

Miller and Moore file papers

Despite what one article described as a harsh winter feeling, election season is around the corner. Moore and miller made the trek to the State Board of Elections headquarters in Annapolis on Monday afternoon to sign the paperwork and "make their second-term search official, " the campaign said. Moore told a small group of reporters inside the elections HQ: "You know, we announced a while ago that we are running for re-election, that we're excited about running for re-election, that we are excited about the results that we have seen just in the first three years. "

Moore’s priorities and record

Moore has set lofty targets for his time in office, focusing on ending childhood poverty, boosting educational outcomes and growing the economy. The once-political outsider has become a national media figure and has been floated as a presidential candidate someday, though Moore has rejected the notion several times that he will run for president in 2028.

Why some Marylanders are skeptical

Not all Marylanders have embraced the Moore administration. Concerns cited in public comments include poor audits, money management concerns within some agencies, and a surge in energy bills. "I don’t know if he has left us behind or if he has really even considered us. We’re not in his preview, I don’t think, " one farmer said. Another resident said, "My electric bill is close to $1, 800 a month. That has been a jump as well. We haven’t changed anything, we haven’t added more equipment, or anything, in the past few years. "

Energy bills and cost concerns

Political analyst John Dedie said energy costs and the overall cost of living will likely be a driving factor during the campaign. "There have been some people that have been left behind by the governor, " Dedie said, identifying retired state employees "who lost their prescription drug coverage under the governor who chose not to fund that. " Dedie added that the contest "will also come down to utility bills and who will be able to articulate to voters the solution and clear explanation for what happened. " He said, "And I think that whoever the Republican nominee is, it's going to be up them to make the sale. " "Right now, it may be a situation people will listen, but can that candidate close the deal?" he asked.

GOP field and contenders

Several Republicans have declared or are running: former lawmaker and Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox announced he’s running again this year, and former businessman and Baltimore Blast owner Ed Hale has also entered the race. Other GOP candidates include Kurt Wedekind and John Myrick. The context of the field prompted discussion about who the eventual Republican nominee will be and how that nominee might challenge Moore and miller.

Senate moves and other entries

Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey launched an exploratory committee as he mulled a gubernatorial bid but ended that endeavor and filed to run for Senate again. In the broader filing rush, organizers noted that anyone who wants to run has to fill out candidacy paperwork by 9 p. m. on Tuesday.

Who is running for Maryland offices

Wes Moore is in. So are Dan Cox and Ed Hale Sr. Larry Hogan is out. The race for governor tops the list of campaigns for Maryland’s 2026 election season. There will be far more than just the governor’s race on the ballot, and scores of candidates are lining up for a shot at public office, from county council seats to the U. S. Congress. Here’s who is running for major offices so far; the list has been assembled and will be updated through the Tuesday deadline.

Democrats: Eric S. Felber; Ralph Jaffe (died Feb. 6. ); Wes Moore (incumbent).

Republicans: Carl A. Brunner Jr.; L. D. Burkindine; Dan Cox; Ed Hale; Douglas Larcomb; John A. Myrick; Michael Oakes; Nancy Jane Taylor; Kurt Wedekind.

Other: Andy Ellis, seeking Green Party nomination.

Democrats: Victor Allen Guidice; Dan Schwartz; George Walish; Randi White.

Republicans: Chris Bruneau; Andy Harris (incumbent).

Democrats: Johnny Olszewski Jr. (incumbent); Clint Spellman Jr.

Democrats: Jennifer Cross; Austin Dyches; Sarah Elfreth (incumbent); Sean Hammond; Robert Gerald Morrison.

Republicans: Ray Bly; Berney Flowers; John White.

Democrats: Joseph Gomes; Shavonne N. Hedgepeth; Glenn Ivey (incumbent); Jakeya Johnson; Jonathan D. White.

Democrats: Mark Arness; Rushern L. Baker III; Quincy Bareebe; Wala Blegay; Adrian Boafo; Reuben B. Collins II; Ellis D. Colvin; Harry Dunn; Arthur Ellis; Elldwnia English; Terry Antonio Jackson II; Harry Jarin; Walter Kirkland; Jerry Lightfoot; Heather Luper; James Anderson Makle Jr.; Leigha Messick; Keith Salkowski; Alexis Solis; Tracy Starr; Dave Sundberg; Harold Tolbert; Nicole A. Williams.

Republicans: Chris Chaffee; Bryan DuVal Cubero; Michelle Talkington.

Democrats: George Gluck; Alexis Goldstein; Daniel M. Krakower; April McClain Delaney (incumbent); David J. Trone; Ethan P. Wechtaluk; Kiambo “Bo” White; A. Mark Wilks.

Republicans: Chris Burnett; Robin Ficker; Mariela Roca.

Separately, a brief line notes, "President Trump delivers the State of the Union to Congress. "

Closing: Moore and miller completed the formal filing one day before the statutory deadline, setting the stage for a campaign shaped by energy costs, audits and a crowded challenger field ahead of the 9 p. m. Tuesday paperwork cutoff.