Dan Cox Launches Second Bid For Maryland Governor

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Republican Dan Cox has launched a second bid for governor of Maryland, setting up a race that could feature a rematch against Democratic Gov. Wes Moore. Cox, who was the Republican nominee in the 2022 election, filed his 2026 campaign paperwork in late January and appears on the Maryland State Board of Elections candidate list with Frederick County business owner Rob Krop listed as his running mate, according to state election records.

Cox’s announcement places him in a crowded Republican primary field that includes several other GOP hopefuls seeking the party’s nomination for the 2026 general election. According to state candidate listings, Cox is one of multiple declared Republican candidates for governor with a running mate listed for lieutenant governor.

In 2022, Cox won the Republican nomination and was defeated by Moore in the general election. His decision to run again comes as Maryland’s Republican Party continues discussions about strategy and direction following the 2022 and subsequent statewide election cycles.

As of early February, Cox’s 2026 bid remains in the filing and qualifying phase. Primary election scheduling and campaign finance reporting are expected to take place later in the spring as the race progresses toward the Republican primary and the general election.