Gov. Wes Moore won Maryland’s Democratic gubernatorial primary on June 23, 2026, securing the party’s nomination as he seeks a second term in the state’s top office. The Associated Press called the race for Moore, clearing the path for his general election campaign this fall.
While Moore’s path to renomination proved straightforward, Maryland’s House races told a different story. Several Democratic primary contests tightened significantly, with two races drawing particular attention and spending from wealthy candidates.
In Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, incumbent Democratic Rep. April McClain Delaney faced an expensive challenge from former Rep. David Trone, who was attempting a comeback after a failed 2024 Senate run. The race between the two wealthy Democrats became one of the most expensive primary battles in the state, with both candidates spending millions on advertising and campaign infrastructure. According to NBC News, McClain Delaney held a 44.2% lead to Trone’s 40.1% with about one-third of votes counted.
The retirement of longtime Democratic Rep. Steny Hoyer, who had represented Maryland’s 5th Congressional District since 1981, opened a crowded field to succeed him. More than 20 candidates competed in the Democratic primary to replace Hoyer. Adrian Boafo, a Maryland state delegate, had won Hoyer’s endorsement and was among the frontrunners. With 35.8% of votes counted, Boafo led the field with 32.1% of the vote, according to NBC News data from the primary.
Moore’s victory sets him up for a November general election matchup against a Republican nominee selected in Tuesday’s GOP primary. The governor, who was first elected in 2022, had faced no serious Democratic opposition in his renomination bid.
Sources
- NBC News — Live results from Maryland House and gubernatorial primaries, including District 5 and District 6 vote tallies
- Fox 5 DC — Confirmation that Wes Moore won the Democratic gubernatorial primary via AP call
- Capital Gazette — Report on Moore clinching the Democratic nomination
- Washington Post — Coverage of the expensive race between Trone and McClain Delaney
- NBC4 Washington — Details on House races, including Hoyer’s retirement and the crowded District 5 primary
