Ten candidates are running in the Democratic primary for governor of Maryland on July 19, 2022. The candidates leading in polling, endorsements, and fundraising are Peter Franchot, Wes Moore, and Tom Perez.
Franchot was elected as Maryland Comptroller in 2006 and served in the Maryland House of Delegates from 1986 to 2007. Franchot’s campaign has highlighted his experience in public office and said his priorities included a jobs program based on infrastructure development and restoring trust in state government. Twelve members of the Maryland General Assembly endorsed Franchot.
Moore worked in the finance sector and as CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, in addition to writing books about race, equity, and opportunity in America. Moore’s key policies include accelerating the state’s adoption of a $15 minimum wage, public safety and criminal justice, and increasing equity in public transportation. U.S. Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.), 29 members of the legislature, and the Maryland State Education Association endorsed Moore.
Perez served as chairman of the Democratic National Committee from 2017 to 2021 and as the U.S. Secretary of Labor in the Obama administration from 2013-2017. Perez said that Maryland needed a “multitasker-in-chief,” highlighting these public positions and his professional experience. U.S. Sens. Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) and Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and eight other members of the U.S. House, 17 members of the legislature, and The Washington Post Editorial Board endorsed Perez.
Based on reports filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections in June 2022, Moore led in fundraising with $6.03 million, followed by Franchot ($3.61 million) and Perez ($3.26 million). Moore also led in spending with $4.27 million, followed by Franchot ($4.23 million) and Perez ($2.88 million). In a poll by The Baltimore Sun released in early June, Franchot led with 20% support, followed by Moore (15%) and Perez (12%) with 34% undecided.
Also running in the primary are Rushern Baker III (unofficially withdrawn), Jon Baron, Douglas F. Gansler, Ralph Jaffe, Ashwani Jain, John King, and Jerry Segal.
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