Posted on 05/08/25
| News Source: FOX45
Annapolis, MD - May 8, 2025 - Governor Wes Moore could face a primary challenge in 2026. Longtime city banker and owner of the Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team, Ed Hale, announced his candidacy for the democratic nomination on Thursday. Returning to his East Baltimore roots, the press conference was held in front of the Sparrows Point home Hale grew up in.
"I was the worker kid, cutting the grass, painting houses, things like that," he said.
The self-made businessman has a wide range of professional experience. With no family money or college education, he went on to join the military before becoming the CEO of First Mariner bank, which went bankrupt during the Great Recession and was later acquired by Howard Bank. Hale also ran several shipping companies and is credited for developing the Canton Waterfront after building the 17-story tower that currently houses CareFirst.
Now setting his sights on the state’s highest political seat, the life-long Marylander says his decision to run came after briefly considering a move to New Hampshire.
“I was thinking about over the last, I guess the last two or three years, that I was going to leave here because I can't stand the taxation and just the way that the government is run. To the extent that I really was unhappy,” he said, “And really thinking about it, I didn't want to leave because I am all in for Maryland.”
Fearing for the state’s fiscal future, as the current administration attempts to close a $3 billion gap in next year’s budget with a proposed $1.6 billion tax and fee package, Hale was critical of Wes Moore’s handling of the economy.
‘Six flags is leaving. The FBI decided not to come, after Senator Cardin and Senator Mikulski worked for decades tirelessly to get that to come here, they're not going to be here. And now, the Washington Commanders are going to move out of the state. So, that was just over the last month. I really believe that we could do better, and we should be a little bit more business friendly,” Hale said.
Hale also took issue with a rise in juvenile crime, saying a lack of consequences is leading to a revolving door of young offenders.
“With kids stealing cars, your car, damaging them and getting released before the police finish their report, it’s a major problem,” he said, “There is no deterrent, and we need to have something that can be done, and I’d like to be able to help with that.”
But political analyst John Dedie predicts an uphill battle ahead.
“I think Hale probably will get about 20% of the vote in a primary. If things get too chaotic with the economy, maybe up to about 30%. But that's about where he's going to be,” said Dedie.
While recent polling shows Moore’s approval rating slipping slightly, it remains above 50%. Moore also has a formidable $4 million war chest and will be 47 next summer, compared to Hale’s 79.
“It’s a Biden problem,” says Dedie, “The Democratic Party has been trying to move itself more towards finding people that are at least under 60.”
“I'm not afraid to take anybody on,” Hale said.
Despite the official announcement, Hale is still pulling together the paperwork needed to officially enter the race, but says it should be done shortly.
“It's all in draft,” he said, “It's underway. Let's put it that way.”
So far, Republican John Myrick of Prince George’s County is the only gubernatorial contender to file his candidacy papers. Meanwhile, many are still waiting to see if former Governor Larry Hogan will throw his hat in the ring.
Governor Moore’s campaign declined to comment on Hale’s candidacy announcement.