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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 raceMichael Oakes is a Westminster, Carroll County resident and Republican candidate seeking election as Governor of Maryland in 2026. He filed for the Republican gubernatorial primary on February 11, 2026, with running mate Ronald Abend, a plumbing contractor. He is one of nine Republican tickets competing in the June 23, 2026 primary to challenge Democratic incumbent Governor Wes Moore, who is seeking re-election to a second term. The Republican field also includes former state delegate Dan Cox, businessman Ed Hale Sr., and Carroll County farmer Kurt Wedekind, among others.
External news coverage from The Baltimore Banner identifies Michael Oakes as one of multiple Republican candidates who filed to run for Governor by the February 24, 2026 deadline. No other news sources provide additional information about his record, endorsements, or campaign activities beyond this filing list designation.