Hale Cites Pragmatism as He Switches Party Affiliation to Run for Md. Governor

Wes Moore’s primary rival switches to GOP, hoping to boost chances of beating Maryland ‘machine’

Ed Hale, who is challenging Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) in the state’s 2026 gubernatorial primary, announced on Wednesday that he will switch parties to run against the Maryland governor as a Republican. A longtime Democrat known as the former chairman…

Wes Moore’s primary rival switches to GOP, hoping to boost chances of beating Maryland 'machine’

Ed Hale, who is challenging Gov. Wes Moore (D-MD) in the state’s 2026 gubernatorial primary, announced on Wednesday that he will switch parties to run against the Maryland governor as a Republican.  A longtime Democrat known as the former chairman and CEO of 1st Mariner Bank, Hale was initially set to mount a primary challenge against Moore, a fairly popular governor viewed as one of the Left’s rising stars, as a member of his native Democratic …

Hale cites pragmatism as he switches party affiliation to run for Md. governor

Ed Hale Sr., a Baltimore businessman, sports team owner and longtime Democrat, ended speculation about his party affiliation and declared he will run for governor as a Republican.

Democrat switches party to Republican to run against Wes Moore

Maryland gubernatorial candidate Ed Hale said he's changing parties because he doesn't believe he could defeat Moore in the primary.

State Roundup: Ed Hale announces run for governor as a Republican; Maryland sees 10-year high number of heat-related deaths

ED HALE TO RUN FOR GOVERNOR AS A REPUBLICAN: Retired banking executive Ed Hale Sr. is switching parties to become a Republican as he hopes to unseat Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in 2026. Hale, who owns the Baltimore Blast soccer team and was CEO of the former First Mariner Bank, announced his party switch Wednesday morning at Canton Waterfront Park, in the shadow of an office tower where he once ran the bank. Pamela Wood/The Baltimore Banner. Hale…

Lifelong Democrat announces Republican candidacy for governor

Ed Hale, a lifelong Democrat, already said he intends to run for governor next year. Now, he is switching parties.