Dan Cox Seeks Rematch Against Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Former Frederick County delegate files to run again for governor in 2026

Jan. 31, 2026 at 1:07pm

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Dan Cox, the Republican defeated by Maryland Gov. Wes Moore in the 2022 gubernatorial race, has filed paperwork to get on the Republican ballot for governor again in 2026. Cox, a former Frederick County delegate and attorney, lists Rob Krop as his running mate.

Why it matters

Cox's decision to seek a rematch against the incumbent Gov. Wes Moore sets up a potential high-profile and contentious race for the Maryland governorship in 2026. Cox's 2022 campaign was endorsed by former President Donald Trump, adding an extra layer of national interest and partisan dynamics to the state-level race.

The details

In the 2022 gubernatorial election, Moore defeated Cox by a margin of 65% to 32%. Cox is one of four Republican candidates who have filed paperwork to get on the ballot so far, along with John Myrick, Carl Brunner and Kurt Wedekind. The filing deadline for candidates is February 24, 2026.

  • Dan Cox filed paperwork with the Maryland State Board of Elections on Friday, January 31, 2026 to get on the Republican ballot for governor.
  • The 2026 Maryland gubernatorial election is scheduled for November 4, 2026.

The players

Dan Cox

A former Frederick County delegate and attorney who is seeking the Republican nomination for Maryland governor in 2026 after losing to the incumbent, Wes Moore, in 2022.

Wes Moore

The incumbent Democratic governor of Maryland, who defeated Dan Cox in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Rob Krop

Dan Cox's running mate in his 2026 gubernatorial campaign.

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What’s next

The Maryland State Board of Elections will review Dan Cox's filing and determine if he meets the requirements to appear on the Republican primary ballot for the 2026 gubernatorial election. The primary election is scheduled for June 24, 2026.

The takeaway

Cox's decision to seek a rematch against the incumbent Gov. Wes Moore sets up a potentially contentious and high-profile race for the Maryland governorship in 2026, with national implications given Cox's past Trump endorsement.