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Governor · Maryland · 2026 Primary
The Governor serves as Maryland’s chief executive, overseeing the state government's daily operations and managing executive agencies. This official proposes the annual state budget and has the power to sign or veto legislation passed by the General Assembly. The Governor also appoints the heads of state departments and fills vacancies in the state judiciary.
View all candidates in this raceCarl A. Brunner Jr. is a Baltimore-born blue-collar worker and Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland in the 2026 election. He describes himself as a proud Marylander, community leader, and person guided by the values of faith, hard work, and service. His campaign focuses on putting Marylanders first rather than politics as usual, with goals to make the state more affordable, safer, and stronger for working families, seniors, and future generations. Brunner's platform centers on five core areas: public safety, taxes and spending, energy costs, cost of living, and government accountability. He positions himself as a voice for working-class voters who feel left behind in a state long dominated by Democratic leadership.
Sources: Campaign website
Carl A. Brunner Jr. is a proud Marylander, community leader, and Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland.
Guided by the values of faith, hard work, and service, Carl has dedicated his life to standing up for the people of Maryland and fighting for their freedoms.
As Governor, Carl will put Marylanders first—not politics as usual. His goal is simple: to make Maryland more affordable, safer, and stronger for working families, seniors, and future generations.
Source: carlbrunnerforgovernor.com
Public Safety
Brunner pledges full support for law enforcement while demanding professionalism and accountability. His administration would target repeat violent offenders, strengthen state-local partnerships, and expand crime prevention programs that actually work.
“Safer Communities we will fund public safety to ensure law enforcement and first responders have the tools they need. we will also invest in crime prevention and community programs that actually work to make our streets safer”
Tax Policy
Brunner argues Maryland families are overtaxed and small businesses are overburdened, calling for a top-to-bottom audit of state spending and elimination of waste.
“Stop growing government faster than our economy grows”
Fiscal Policy
His broader message is fiscal restraint with concerns about residents relocating to lower-tax states and businesses citing regulatory burdens.
“Taxes, Spending, and an Audit of Government Brunner argues that Maryland families are overtaxed and small businesses overburdened.”
Government Ethics
Brunner focuses on government accountability as one of his five core platform areas.
“Carl Brunner Jr., a Baltimore-born blue-collar worker who says he is running to restore safety, affordability, and trust in our government.”
MDBayNews describes Brunner as a Baltimore-born blue-collar worker running to restore safety, affordability, and trust in government. The article notes his message is direct and populist, aimed squarely at working-class voters who feel left behind. His law-and-order focus on public safety is expected to resonate with suburban and exurban voters who view public order as foundational.
“Safer Communities we will fund public safety to ensure law enforcement and first responders have the tools they need. we will also invest in crime prevention and community programs that actually work to make our streets safer”
Source“Brunner argues that Maryland families are overtaxed and small businesses overburdened. He calls for a top-to-bottom audit of state spending, elimination of waste, and a reduction in unnecessary fees.”
Source“Stop growing government faster than our economy grows — a line that fits squarely within traditional Republican budget discipline themes.”
Source“Carl Brunner Jr., a Baltimore-born blue-collar worker who says he is running to restore safety, affordability, and trust in our government.”
Source