Maryland Gubernatorial Candidate Ed Hale to Announce Lieutenant Governor Pick

The Republican candidate and longtime Baltimore businessman will reveal his running mate on Thursday.

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ed Hale Sr. is expected to announce his choice for lieutenant governor on Thursday. Hale, a Baltimore native, previously ran shipping companies and served as CEO and chairman of 1st Mariner Bank until 2011. He is credited with developing the Canton Waterfront after building an office building in the area. Hale's campaign goals include addressing juvenile crime and increasing funding and support for law enforcement.

Why it matters

The announcement of Hale's running mate is a key step in the Maryland gubernatorial race, which includes three Democratic candidates, including the incumbent Governor Wes Moore, and seven Republican candidates. The lieutenant governor pick could impact Hale's chances of winning the election and influence his policy platform.

The details

Hale, a longtime Baltimore businessman, formally announced his run for governor in August 2025 with goals of making Maryland safer and more business-friendly. During an initial campaign announcement in May 2025, Hale said he was a lifelong Democrat, but during a new conference in August, he announced a change in his party affiliation to Republican. Hale has indicated that he is "not a Donald Trump guy," but also said he "would work with him" if elected.

  • Hale formally announced his run for governor in August 2025.
  • Hale is expected to announce his choice for lieutenant governor on Thursday, February 19, 2026.

The players

Ed Hale Sr.

The Republican candidate for Maryland governor and a longtime Baltimore businessman who previously ran shipping companies and served as CEO and chairman of 1st Mariner Bank until 2011.

Wes Moore

The incumbent Democratic governor of Maryland who is running for re-election.

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What they’re saying

“If I become governor, I am not going to poke at him because I'm running for some other office.”

— Ed Hale Sr. (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The election will be held on Nov. 3, 2026.

The takeaway

Hale's lieutenant governor pick will be a key factor in the Maryland gubernatorial race, as it could impact his chances of winning and influence his policy platform if elected.