Governor of Maryland · Election November 3, 2026 · Updated
Who should I vote for in the Maryland governor's race?
Wes Moore has the strongest record in the Maryland governor's race. Wes Moore scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Dan Cox at 55, as of October 6, 2026. Wes Moore's highest marks are command of the job and temperament and judgment. Dan Cox's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Andy Ellis (4 of 15 criteria) and Cathy White (4 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Republican
Dan Cox
Running mate: Rob Krop
55 / 100
Public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 60
- Performance
- NR
Green
Andy Ellis
Running mate: Owen Silverman Andrews
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 4 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
Democratic · incumbent
Strongest record
Wes Moore
Running mate: Aruna Miller
65 / 100
Public evidence on 13 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 55
- Qualifications
- 80
- Performance
- 58
Working Class Party
Cathy White
Running mate: Cathy Permut
Not enough public record for a score
Public evidence on 4 of 15 criteria
- Character
- 50
- Qualifications
- 50
- Performance
- NR
The good, the bad and the unresolved
The record
The notable facts of each candidate's public life, each tied to a source and confirmed to be this person. Unresolved matters are labeled with where they stand and do not move a score.
Dan Cox
- On the record2026-05
Did not attend the May 2026 Maryland Public Television Republican primary debate, which three candidates attended.
Source: Maryland Matters, as published by WTOP, Oct. 5, 2026
- On the record2022-02-10
Introduced articles of impeachment against Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in February 2022, accusing him of malfeasance in office; a House committee rejected the resolution.
Sources: CBS Baltimore (AP), Feb. 10, 2022, Maryland Matters, as published by WTOP, Feb. 10, 2022
- On the record2022-10-07
Maryland's Court of Appeals rejected his suit to block election officials from counting mail-in ballots before Election Day in 2022, affirming two lower courts.
Source: WYPR, Oct. 7, 2022
- On the record2021-01-06
Sponsored buses to the Jan. 6, 2021 rally in Washington and that afternoon posted that Vice President Mike Pence was a traitor; he later said his group left early and took no part in violence.
Sources: CNN, July 20, 2022, WJLA (AP), July 6, 2021
- On the record2020-05-20
A federal judge rejected his 2020 lawsuit challenging Republican Gov. Larry Hogan's COVID-19 executive orders; the Fourth Circuit later upheld the dismissal.
Andy Ellis
- On the record2026-10-05
Petitioned Maryland Public Television to include all four nominees in its Oct. 6, 2026 debate and obtained MPT records on its eligibility rules; MPT kept its 10 percent polling threshold.
Source: Maryland Matters, as published by WTOP, Oct. 5, 2026
Wes Moore
- Mark against2006 (reported 2024-08-29)
His 2006 White House Fellows application said he had been awarded a Bronze Star, which he had not received; in 2024 he called it an honest mistake and said he regretted not correcting it.
Sources: The Banner, Aug. 29, 2024, CBS Baltimore (AP), Dec. 23, 2024
- Unresolved2026-07-31
Sinclair executive chairman David D. Smith sued him for defamation in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court over June 16, 2026 televised remarks; the state may pay up to $550,000 for outside counsel.
Where it stands: Pending in Anne Arundel County Circuit Court as of Oct. 6, 2026; the Board of Public Works was asked to approve state-paid outside counsel on Oct. 7, 2026.
Sources: Smith v. Moore, complaint, Circuit Court for Anne Arundel County, Bloomberg Government, Aug. 3, 2026, Baltimore Sun, Oct. 5, 2026
- On the record2025-05 to 2025-12-16
Vetoed a reparations study commission bill backed by the Legislative Black Caucus in May 2025; the General Assembly overrode the veto in a Dec. 16, 2025 special session.
Source: WJLA (WBFF), Dec. 16, 2025
- Credit2026-07-20
Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, touring the Key Bridge rebuild with him in July 2026, applauded Moore and Maryland for being extremely transparent on the project.
Source: The Banner, July 20, 2026
- Credit2024-12-20
Received the Bronze Star in December 2024 for his 2005 to 2006 Afghanistan deployment, after his former commander, Lt. Gen. Michael Fenzel, recommended him again.
- Credit2024-06-17
Signed an executive order in June 2024 pardoning about 175,000 cannabis possession convictions.
Source: NPR, June 18, 2024
Cathy White
No notable items confirmed in news archives or public documents.
Who they are
Character
Integrity
Tells the truth, keeps their word, and takes no private gain from public office.
Dan Cox. His 2026 campaign committee is registered with the State Board of Elections. No ethics, court or campaign finance finding against him was found.
Source: State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list
Andy Ellis. His campaign committee is registered with the State Board of Elections. No ethics, court or campaign finance finding found.
Source: State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list
Wes Moore. No State Ethics Commission or State Board of Elections finding against him was found. In 2024 he acknowledged a 2006 fellowship application wrongly listed a Bronze Star; under E1 an item over 10 years old with no repeat is not scored. It is in the Record.
Sources: State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list, The Banner, Aug. 29, 2024
Cathy White. Her campaign committee is registered with the State Board of Elections. No ethics, court or campaign finance finding found.
Source: State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list
Courage
Takes a stand that costs them something, including telling their own side no.
Dan Cox. As a Republican delegate, sued Republican Gov. Larry Hogan over his COVID-19 orders in 2020 and introduced articles of impeachment against Hogan in February 2022.
Sources: Frederick News-Post, May 20, 2020, CBS Baltimore (AP), Feb. 10, 2022
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. In May 2025 vetoed a reparations study commission bill that was a priority of the Legislative Black Caucus; Democratic majorities overrode the veto in December 2025.
Source: WJLA (WBFF), Dec. 16, 2025
Cathy White. No public record found.
Accountability
Owns mistakes, answers hard questions, and works in the open.
Dan Cox. Agreed to the one scheduled 2026 general election debate with Gov. Wes Moore on Oct. 6, 2026. He did not attend the May 2026 Republican primary debate.
Sources: Baltimore Sun (FOX45), Aug. 27, 2026, Maryland Matters, as published by WTOP, Oct. 5, 2026
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Agreed to the one scheduled 2026 general election debate, with Dan Cox on Maryland Public Television on Oct. 6, 2026.
Sources: Baltimore Sun (FOX45), Aug. 27, 2026, Maryland Matters, as published by WTOP, Oct. 5, 2026
Cathy White. No public record found.
Temperament and judgment
Steady under pressure, decides on evidence, and treats opponents and staff with respect.
Dan Cox. Attorney and one-term delegate (2019 to 2023) with no formal censure, reprimand or conduct finding found. His Jan. 6, 2021 posts are in the Record.
Source: Ballotpedia, Dan Cox
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Army officer, nonprofit chief executive and governor since 2023 with no formal conduct finding. In July 2026 Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito applauded Moore and Maryland for being extremely transparent on the Key Bridge rebuild.
Cathy White. No public record found.
Fidelity to the oath
Uses power inside its limits: accepts certified results, obeys court rulings, follows the rules of the office.
Dan Cox. Served a sworn term as delegate, 2019 to 2023. No official finding and no recorded vote or legal filing to reject certified results found; his 2022 suit over early mail ballot counting was pre-certification (E21) and is in the Record.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Dan Cox, WYPR, Oct. 7, 2022
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Took the oath as an Army officer and as governor on Jan. 18, 2023. No official finding of misuse of office and no action to reject certified results found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Wes Moore
Cathy White. No public record found.
What they bring
Qualifications
Relevant experience
Has done work that prepares them for this specific office.
Dan Cox. One term in the Maryland House of Delegates, District 4 (2019 to 2023); attorney and principal of The Cox Law Center.
Source: Ballotpedia, Dan Cox
Andy Ellis. Works as an analyst; attended St. Mary's College of Maryland and Towson University. No documented leadership post or prior office found.
Source: Ballotpedia, Andy Ellis
Wes Moore. Governor since January 2023, seeking a second term; earlier chief executive of the Robin Hood Foundation and an Army captain deployed to Afghanistan. Under E9 the same office scores 4 only after one full term.
Source: Ballotpedia, Wes Moore
Cathy White. Says she has worked 40 years in a factory as a production worker; was the Working Class Party nominee for lieutenant governor in 2022. No leadership post documented.
Source: Working Class Party of Maryland, candidate statement
Command of the job
Knows the issues and knows what the office can and cannot do.
Dan Cox. Campaign site sets out positions on taxes, retirees and home ownership in general terms, with some specifics such as down payment assistance and caps on property taxes.
Source: Dan Cox for Governor, home page
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Sitting governor; his Ballotpedia survey cites the Educator Shortage Reduction Act and statewide reading and math results, and his 2022 platform set specific Blueprint education funding commitments.
Source: Ballotpedia, Wes Moore, 2026 Candidate Connection survey
Cathy White. No public record found.
Communication
Explains plainly, persuades, and listens.
Dan Cox. Two channels in 2026: campaign issue pages and the general election debate. Has not completed Ballotpedia's 2026 survey (he completed it in 2022).
Sources: Dan Cox for Governor, home page, Baltimore Sun (FOX45), Aug. 27, 2026, Ballotpedia, Dan Cox
Andy Ellis. Completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey and publishes platform and priorities pages on his campaign site.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Andy Ellis, Andy Ellis for Governor, home page
Wes Moore. Three channels: completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey, published campaign platform positions, and agreed to the 2026 general election debate.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Wes Moore, Baltimore Sun (FOX45), Aug. 27, 2026
Cathy White. One channel: a published candidate statement on the party site, which also points to an Aug. 17 MPT interview. No Ballotpedia survey found.
Source: Working Class Party of Maryland, candidate statement
Roots in the constituency
Lives there, knows the people, and is funded by them.
Dan Cox. Lives in Frederick County, which he represented in the House of Delegates (District 4). In-state share of contributions not available from state filings opened.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Dan Cox, CBS Baltimore (AP), Feb. 10, 2022
Andy Ellis. Graduated from Governor Thomas Johnson High School in Frederick and attended two Maryland colleges; lives in Baltimore City, per his state filing. In-state share not available.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Andy Ellis, State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list
Wes Moore. Born in Takoma Park, Maryland; the governor's biography says his family kept its Baltimore home while he led the New York-based Robin Hood Foundation. In-state share of contributions not available from state filings opened.
Cathy White. Lives in Montgomery County, per her state filing. Length of residence not found.
Source: State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list
Management
Can build and run an organization.
Dan Cox. Principal of The Cox Law Center; 2026 campaign committee registered and active with the State Board of Elections. No State Board of Elections finding found.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Dan Cox, State Board of Elections, 2026 general election candidate list
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Heads the state executive branch and was chief executive of the Robin Hood Foundation, which the governor's biography says has put more than $600 million toward fighting poverty. No State Board of Elections finding found.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Wes Moore, Office of the Governor, biography
Cathy White. No public record found.
What they deliver
Performance
Results
Turns ideas into outcomes.
Dan Cox. No public record found.
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Issued an executive order in June 2024 pardoning about 175,000 cannabis possession convictions, and secured a 100 percent federal cost share for the Key Bridge rebuild through a bipartisan act of Congress.
Sources: NPR, June 18, 2024, The Banner, July 20, 2026
Cathy White. No public record found.
Showing up
Does the basic work of the job.
Dan Cox. No public record found.
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. No public record found.
Cathy White. No public record found.
Constituent service
Solves problems for the people they represent.
Dan Cox. No public record found.
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. The governor's office takes requests for help and concerns by email, phone and mail. No published casework totals found.
Cathy White. No public record found.
Coalition building
Wins support beyond their own faction.
Dan Cox. No public record found.
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. Worked with Republican members of Congress, including Sen. Shelley Moore Capito and Rep. Steve Womack, on the Key Bridge rebuild, whose 100 percent federal cost share Congress approved on a bipartisan basis.
Source: The Banner, July 20, 2026
Cathy White. No public record found.
Stewardship of public money
Treats tax dollars as someone else's money.
Dan Cox. No public record found.
Andy Ellis. No public record found.
Wes Moore. No public record found.
Cathy White. No public record found.
How to read this
Each criterion is scored 0 to 4 against the written rubric in the Ballot Standard. NR means no record: there is no reliable public evidence either way, so the criterion is left out and never counts against the candidate. A total is published when at least 8 of 15 criteria have evidence.
A sitting officeholder has a longer public record than a first-time candidate, so the two totals rest on different amounts of evidence. Read the count of criteria beside each score. Low marks require an official finding or a primary record. Allegations and opinion are not used.
No policy position is scored. Evidence checked October 6, 2026. Campaigns and readers can send a correction with a public source to tpg@thepoliticalgroup.com.
Questions
Who should I vote for in the Maryland governor's race?
Wes Moore has the strongest record in the Maryland governor's race. Wes Moore scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, ahead of Dan Cox at 55, as of October 6, 2026. Wes Moore's highest marks are command of the job and temperament and judgment. Dan Cox's highest marks are relevant experience and roots in the constituency. Andy Ellis (4 of 15 criteria) and Cathy White (4 of 15 criteria) have too little public record to score. Every score comes from public records on character, qualifications and performance, the same way for every party.
Who is running in the Maryland governor's race in 2026?
Dan Cox (Republican), Andy Ellis (Green), Wes Moore (Democratic, incumbent), Cathy White (Working Class Party). The general election is November 3, 2026.
Is Dan Cox a good candidate for Governor?
Dan Cox scores 55 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 10 of 15 criteria: character 50 of 100, qualifications 60 of 100, performance no record. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Andy Ellis a good candidate for Governor?
Andy Ellis has public evidence on 4 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
Is Wes Moore a good candidate for Governor?
Wes Moore scores 65 out of 100 on the Ballot Standard, with public evidence on 13 of 15 criteria: character 55 of 100, qualifications 80 of 100, performance 58 of 100. The standard measures character, qualifications and performance, not policy positions.
Is Cathy White a good candidate for Governor?
Cathy White has public evidence on 4 of the 15 Ballot Standard criteria, short of the 8 needed for a score. The evidence that exists is shown on the scorecard. No record never counts against a candidate.
How is the strongest record decided?
The candidate with the highest Ballot Standard score has the strongest record. Each of 15 criteria on character, qualifications and performance is scored 0 to 4 from public records and established reporting, the same way for every party. No policy position is scored, and unresolved accusations never move a score.
More on this race: every Maryland race scored, and the Maryland 2026 election guide. Independent scorecard by The Political Group, not affiliated with any candidate or party.