Governor Wes Moore and Lieutenant Governor Aruna Miller have officially filed for reelection for a second term in Maryland’s 2026 gubernatorial race, aiming to build on economic growth, public safety gains, and bipartisan achievements over the past three years.
In a highly anticipated move before the State Board of Elections deadline, Moore and Miller submitted their candidacy on February 23, 2026, marking the formal start of their second-term campaign. This announcement confirms what they had signaled months earlier — that they will continue the policy agenda started in 2023, focused on expanding economic opportunities, improving schools, and addressing crime across Maryland.
Campaign Vision: Continuity and Progress
Governor Moore, the state’s first Black governor, and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, the first immigrant and woman of color to serve as Maryland’s lieutenant governor, spoke to supporters and the press immediately after filing. They emphasized continuing progress already achieved, especially in areas like economic recovery, job growth, and community safety.
Moore highlighted that violent crime has dropped sharply, educational outcomes are improving, and there has been sustained economic momentum since the beginning of their term. He framed their reelection bid as a choice for steady leadership that addresses everyday challenges faced by Maryland families — including cost-of-living concerns and the rising cost of essentials like housing and energy.
Aruna Miller echoed these sentiments, stressing that working across party lines and prioritizing results is vital for Maryland’s future. She noted that now, more than ever, the state needs stable leadership to confront growing national challenges and local economic pressures.
Where the Campaign Stands and Key Opponents
As of early 2026, Governor Moore and Lt. Gov. Miller have amassed one of the strongest fundraising hauls ever seen in an off-year Maryland campaign, raising millions that reflect widespread support across the state.
The race has drawn several challengers from both parties. Republican candidates include businessman Ed Hale Sr., Dan Cox — who previously faced Moore in 2022 — and others contesting the GOP nomination. On the Democratic side, Moore’s primary challenger is physician Eric Felber, who is campaigning with his own ticket.
With Maryland’s Republican and Democratic primaries drawing interest from across the political spectrum, the general election is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched statewide contests in 2026.
Policy Achievements and Administrative Impact
The Moore-Miller administration points to a series of major accomplishments since 2023 that have reshaped Maryland’s economy and civic life. These include:
- Economic Growth: Investment incentives and job creation initiatives that have helped attract new businesses and support technology and manufacturing sectors.
- Public Safety: Strategic partnerships with local law enforcement have reduced violent crime to historic lows in key urban centers, improving community trust in public safety strategies.
- Education Investments: Expanded programs to recruit teachers and reduce statewide teacher vacancies, bolstering academic support for students and families.
While critics have raised concerns about the cost of energy and living expenses under Moore’s leadership, the administration maintains that broader economic indicators — such as job growth and investment trends — reflect a stable and forward-moving state economy.
Why This Matters Now
Maryland’s gubernatorial election comes at a pivotal moment in U.S. state politics — with economic uncertainty and national political polarization rising, states like Maryland are seen as bellwethers for broader political tides. Governor Moore’s decision to seek a second term signals his confidence in Maryland’s progress and positions the state at the center of discussions about economic leadership, bipartisan cooperation, and effective governance.
Analysts note that Moore’s high profile and fundraising strength make him a formidable candidate — but his opponents will likely make issues like energy bills and cost of living a central part of their campaigns to appeal to voters feeling economic strain.
Impact on Voters and Maryland’s Future
For Maryland residents, the Moore-Miller reelection campaign could define the state’s path through the rest of the decade. Their platform, centered on affordability, opportunity, and safety, ties directly into everyday concerns such as:
- Job security and economic stability
- Public health and education outcomes
- Community safety and justice reform
Whether Moore and Miller secure reelection in November, their campaign underscores a broader political narrative: Marylanders are weighing progress against ongoing economic pressures — and the result could influence how other states address similar issues in 2026 and beyond.
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