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Governor · Maryland · 2026 Primary
This candidate has disqualified. Information below reflects their filing at the time of withdrawal.
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 raceKurt Wedekind is a lifelong Maryland resident, cattle farmer, and businessman running for Governor of Maryland on a platform centered around faith, family, and freedom. He is a proud father of three and grandfather of two who graduated from Mt. Saint Joseph High School and studied at the Institute of Applied Agriculture at the University of Maryland. With Maryland roots going back generations, Wedekind has seen firsthand the state's strengths alongside growing challenges including rising taxes that force retirees to leave and burdensome fees masquerading as taxes. His campaign emphasizes common sense solutions, protecting vulnerable citizens, and bringing fiscal responsibility back to Annapolis. A serious medical diagnosis in his family deepened his reliance on faith and strengthened his commitment to healthier living, which inspired the creation of Wedekind Farms producing 100% natural grass-fed beef and pork.
Sources: Campaign website
Kurt is a man of Faith, Family, and Freedom.
We can't afford these rising taxes anymore. This isn't just frustrating—it's unacceptable. It's one of the very reasons I decided to run for Governor.
Enough is enough. It's time for leadership that puts people first, protects your paycheck, and brings common sense solutions back to Annapolis.
Real leadership starts at home, and grows from the ground up.
Faith and family are at the heart of everything Kurt does.
Source: kurtwedekind.com
Taxes
Commitment to cutting unnecessary taxes and wasteful spending in Maryland. Hardworking families shouldn't be punished for owning a home or working to get ahead. Eliminating burdens like property and personal taxes that do more harm than good—and demanding accountability in how every tax dollar is spent.
“We're committed to cutting unnecessary taxes and wasteful spending in Maryland. Hardworking families shouldn't be punished for owning a home or working to get ahead.”
Energy
Maryland can and should be energy independent with resources, innovation, and workforce to power the state. Putting all generations of energy on the table from clean renewables to traditional reliable sources for affordable dependable power.
“Maryland can and should be energy independent. We have the resources, innovation, and workforce to power our own state — we just need the leadership and common sense to make it happen.”
Cost of Living
Lowering cost of living through energy independence, insurance reform reducing over-inflated requirements driving up premiums, eliminating unnecessary fees and secondary or tertiary taxes burdening citizens.
“We must lower the cost of living for every Maryland resident. That starts with becoming energy independent — producing reliable, affordable power right here in our own state.”
Safety
Restoring safety and stability across Maryland by rebuilding the family unit, bringing back personal accountability and responsibility. Eliminating failed policy of no-cash bail and supporting law enforcement officers with integrity.
“We're committed to restoring safety and stability across Maryland. Working closely with law enforcement, we will strengthen our communities by rebuilding the family unit and bringing back personal accountability and responsibility.”
Agriculture
Protecting Maryland's small farms from being driven out of business and breaking the stronghold of four major beef packers that control markets. Supporting local producers, restoring fair competition, and keeping food supply strong independent and homegrown.
“As a farmer, I understand firsthand the struggles Maryland's small farms face. We must protect our family farms from being driven out of business and break the stronghold of the four major beef packers that control our markets.”
“It's time to eliminate burdens like property and personal taxes that do more harm than good—and to demand accountability in how every tax dollar is spent.”
Source“We're committed to cutting unnecessary taxes and wasteful spending in Maryland. Hardworking families shouldn't be punished for owning a home or working to get ahead.”
Source“Maryland can and should be energy independent. We have the resources, innovation, and workforce to power our own state — we just need the leadership and common sense to make it happen.”
Source“We also need to bring common sense back to our insurance system by reducing over-inflated requirements that drive up premiums for families and small businesses.”
Source“Marylanders should not be footing the bill for illegal immigrants within our healthcare system.”
Source“We're committed to restoring safety and stability across Maryland. Working closely with law enforcement, we will strengthen our communities by rebuilding the family unit and bringing back personal accountability and responsibility.”
Source“As a farmer, I understand firsthand the struggles Maryland's small farms face. We must protect our family farms from being driven out of business and break the stronghold of the four major beef packers that control our markets.”
Source