Maryland holds its governor's race in 2026, on the ballot November 3, 2026, in a reliably Democratic state. There is no U.S. Senate race in Maryland this cycle. Here's a nonpartisan guide.
What's on the 2026 ballot in Maryland?
The governorship is on the ballot, with Democratic incumbent Wes Moore. Below it: all of Maryland's U.S. House seats, state constitutional offices, legislative races, and local contests. Maryland does not elect a U.S. senator in 2026.
What makes Maryland's races matter?
Maryland votes reliably Democratic statewide, so its competitive contests are usually Democratic primaries, and it has one of the country's most diverse and highly-educated electorates, concentrated in the Baltimore and Washington suburbs. Those small, engaged primary electorates are where a strong texting program is especially effective, and the state's down-ballot races decide local control.
Why turnout decides Maryland
Because the state leans Democratic, the primaries that decide many races reward mobilizing a small electorate, and a midterm lowers general-election turnout. Maryland's early and mail voting spreads turnout across weeks, and reaching its diverse suburban electorate is the task.
Frequently asked questions
What's on the ballot in Maryland in 2026?
The governorship, with Democratic incumbent Wes Moore, plus all U.S. House seats and state offices. There's no Senate race in 2026.
Why do Maryland's races matter?
The state votes reliably Democratic, so its real contests are usually Democratic primaries, and its diverse, highly-educated suburban electorate around Baltimore and Washington shapes its politics.
Why does turnout matter in Maryland?
Because primaries decide many races and reward mobilizing a small electorate, and a midterm lowers general-election turnout across a diverse suburban state.
This reflects the cycle as of the date above. Facts drawn from nonpartisan sources including Ballotpedia. Confirm voting details at Vote.org.
Keep reading: Down-ballot and local races and the 2026 midterms are a turnout election.