As the Maryland primary election date approaches, candidates are ramping up their efforts to secure the support of voters in the state. With a number of high-profile races on the ballot, including the gubernatorial race, the stakes are high for both parties as they vie for control of the state government. Here is a roundup of the latest election, campaign, and political news from Maryland as of February 9, 2026:- Gubernatorial Race: The race for Maryland's top job is heating up, with several candidates vying for the Democratic nomination to challenge incumbent Republican Governor Larry Hogan. Leading the pack on the Democratic side are former Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake and State Senator Richard Madaleno, both of whom have been campaigning aggressively across the state. On the Republican side, Governor Hogan is facing a challenge from former State Delegate Robin Grammer, who is positioning himself as a conservative alternative to the incumbent.- Congressional Races: Several high-profile congressional races are also taking shape in Maryland, with incumbents and challengers alike vying for their party's nomination. In the 1st Congressional District, incumbent Republican Andy Harris is facing a tough challenge from Democratic challenger Mia Mason, a transgender activist who is running on a platform of progressive policies. In the 7th Congressional District, incumbent Democrat Kweisi Mfume is facing a challenge from Republican candidate Kim Klacik, who gained national attention for her unsuccessful run in a special election in 2020.- State Legislative Races: In addition to the statewide races, candidates are also campaigning for seats in the Maryland General Assembly. With all 188 seats in the state legislature up for grabs, candidates are crisscrossing the state to meet with voters and make their case for why they should be elected. Issues such as education funding, healthcare access, and criminal justice reform are expected to be top priorities for candidates on both sides of the aisle.- Campaign Finance: With the primary election just a few months away, candidates are also busy fundraising to support their campaigns. Reports filed with the Maryland State Board of Elections show that candidates have been raising significant sums of money, with some candidates reporting six-figure hauls in recent months. Campaign finance reports also show that outside groups, such as political action committees and advocacy organizations, are also getting involved in key races, providing additional support to candidates.As the Maryland primary election date draws nearer, candidates are gearing up for
