Baltimore Businessman Hale Switches to Republican, Runs for Maryland Governor

Ed Hale Sr., a Baltimore businessman, retired bank executive, and owner of the Baltimore Blast soccer team, has switched his party affiliation from Democrat to Republican to run for Maryland governor in 2026, citing political pragmatism as his main motivation. Hale believes he cannot overcome incumbent Democratic Governor Wes Moore's strong political machine as a Democrat and sees a better chance running as a Republican. He announced his candidacy at Canton Waterfront Park, emphasizing his focus on job creation, cutting red tape for business permits, and energy projects including small nuclear plants, while pledging to serve only one term. Despite his party switch, Hale described himself as a moderate and expressed some distance from former President Donald Trump, highlighting the unpopularity of Trump in Maryland. Republican leadership offered a cautious welcome, with some skepticism about his switch, but acknowledged his business record and community engagement. The Maryland gubernatorial race is shaping up with multiple Republican candidates and at least one Democrat having filed for the primary.