Prediction Edge
Republican
Carl Brunner

Carl Brunner

Overview

Current roleFirearms instructor

PartyRepublican

Political ideologyConservative Republican

LocationMaryland

BackgroundFirearms instructor

Show more

EducationHigh School Diploma, Southern High School (1996)

Notable personal detailsCarl A. Brunner Jr. is a Republican candidate for Governor of Maryland in the 2026 election cycle. He has worked in the security field since 1991 and has experience including fugitive recovery, private investigations, and firearms instruction. He is associated with Paradigm Firearms Training as an owner and has also been affiliated with private security companies in leadership and ownership roles. His running mate for lieutenant governor is Kevin L. Rhodes Sr.

SourcesShow

Positions

LiberalConservative

Economy & Taxes

The candidate supports lowering taxes and policies to help small businesses, and emphasizes making Maryland more affordable through pro-growth measures. His campaign materials prioritize tax reduction and economic relief for working families and businesses.

Public Safety & Guns

Carl Brunner emphasizes support for law enforcement and frames himself as a Second Amendment advocate; his background as a firearms business owner informs a pro-gun-rights orientation while his campaign materials stress public safety and backing police. Public statements and reporting show advocacy for gun rights rather than expanded firearm restrictions.

News

AINews Summary
Last updatedMar 14, 2026

Carl A. Brunner, Jr. is being mentioned as one of the Republican candidates in Maryland’s 2026 governor’s race. The field is taking shape after Senate Minority Leader Steve Hershey said he will not run for governor and will stay in the state Senate. The contest is also sharpening as Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller have filed for re-election, setting up a general-election target for GOP challengers.

elections.maryland.gov+47

New updates coming soon

We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.

  • Polls
  • Endorsements
  • Fundraising