Oprah-Backed Newcomer Eyes Upset in Maryland’s Crowded Democratic Gubernatorial Primary

Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore, a first-time candidate boosted by Oprah Winfrey, and his wife, Dawn, campaigns in Baltimore on July 13, less than week before facing off with eight party rivals in the July 19 primary. Courtesy of Wes Moore for Maryland Governor

Nine candidates on Maryland’s July 19 Democratic gubernatorial primary ballot seek the party’s nomination to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Larry Hogan in November’s general election.

As of early July, the nine had collectively amassed more than $8.5 million in campaign cash, with six garnering at least $1 million each as Democrats try to claim the governor’s seat in a deep blue state where Hogan enjoyed bipartisan popularity.