By Michael Phillips
Governor Wes Moore may still be the Democrats’ golden boy on MSNBC, but back home in Maryland, the shine is starting to wear off. With his approval rating slipping to 55%—down from 61% in just two months—independents fleeing in droves, and voters growing frustrated with rising costs and failed promises, the political field for 2026 is starting to crack open.
Right now, there are few credible challengers. But if Moore’s approval ratings continue to sink, the question isn’t just whether he can be re-elected—it’s whether a real challenger will step up. And several dark horses are waiting in the wings.
🏛️ The Declared Candidates (So Far)
▶ Wes Moore (D – Incumbent)
- Despite being in office for less than two years, Moore is already spending more time chasing the national spotlight than governing the state.
- Moore’s national ambitions are no secret—and they’ve left Maryland voters wondering whether they’re just a political stepping stone.
▶ Ed Hale (D)
- A self-funded businessman and owner of the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team.
- Lacks political experience but isn’t afraid to call out Moore’s mismanagement.
- Long shot in a Democratic primary, but he could turn heads in debates.
▶ John Myrick (R)
- Former U.S. Senate candidate now running for governor with Brenda Thiam as his running mate.
- Conservative credentials are solid, but lacks statewide name ID.
- Needs a wave or major Moore collapse to be truly competitive.
▶ Andy Ellis (Green Party)
- Former co-chair of the Maryland Green Party and past candidate for the House of Delegates.
- Officially declared for governor, Ellis brings a progressive platform focused on environmental justice and electoral reform.
- While not a mainstream contender, his campaign could pull votes from disaffected Democrats if Moore loses the party’s progressive base.
🔍 The Dark Horses: Who Could Actually Beat Moore?
If Maryland Democrats—or disillusioned voters—start looking for someone to challenge the status quo, these names could suddenly become household again.
🟦 Democratic Dark Horses
Angela Alsobrooks
- Lost the 2024 Senate primary to David Trone but still holds major influence in Prince George’s County.
- Young, energetic, and positioned to the center-left. If Moore’s progressive image starts to sour, Alsobrooks could emerge as a pragmatic alternative.
Tom Perez
- Former Obama Labor Secretary and DNC Chair.
- Lost to Moore in the 2022 primary but came in a strong second.
- Has labor and national donor support—and could claim he’d focus more on Maryland and less on the White House.
Rushern Baker
- Two-time gubernatorial candidate with name recognition and local political roots.
- Establishment Democrats might turn to him if Moore becomes toxic—but third time may not be the charm.
🟥 Republican Dark Horses
Larry Hogan
- The most obvious and most dangerous challenger—for both Moore and Maryland Democrats.
- Two-term former governor with sky-high bipartisan approval. Still widely respected.
- If Hogan runs again (yes, he’s eligible after a break), he becomes the instant frontrunner. Problem is, he may not want the job.
Kelly Schulz
- Former Secretary of Commerce under Hogan and 2022 GOP primary loser to Dan Cox.
- Hogan-style moderate, business-friendly, and competent.
- Could be a surprise comeback story if GOP voters want electability over ideology.
Boyd Rutherford
- Hogan’s former lieutenant governor and perhaps the most underrated name on this list.
- Quiet, professional, and scandal-free. Could appeal to independents weary of partisan drama.
Michael Steele
- Former Lt. Governor and RNC Chair.
- Has national name recognition but an unpredictable political identity.
- Could pull crossover votes—or alienate both sides.
🎯 What This Means
Moore is vulnerable. Not fatally—yet—but the downward trend is clear. His declining numbers among independents, high cost-of-living criticisms, and obsession with national appearances are causing real erosion.
Democrats are already spending big to prop him up. That tells you they’re nervous.
If any of the above dark horses jump in—especially Larry Hogan or Angela Alsobrooks—Moore could face a bruising primary or a tough general election.
And if no dark horse steps up?
Expect the GOP to make a serious play for suburban voters and moderates who feel Moore has forgotten about Maryland while auditioning for the White House.
Moore may still be governor—but for how long?
Maryland deserves leadership focused on this state, not the next soundbite on CNN.
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