Dan Cox
Maryland Republican Governor nominee?
$22.2K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleFormer State Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age51 years old (Aug 9, 1974)
GenderMale
Show moreShow less
LocationMaryland
BackgroundAttorney
EducationMount St. Mary's University (attended, 1992–1995)
Notable personal detailsDaniel Lewis Cox is an American politician, attorney, and former member of the Maryland House of Delegates. He was the Republican nominee for Governor of Maryland in 2022, running with Gordana Schifanelli as his lieutenant governor running mate. Cox has also been a candidate for the U.S. House in Maryland’s 6th congressional district. His education includes a B.S. in government and politics and a J.D. from Regent University School of Law.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Advocates major tax cuts including elimination of the state income tax and other tax reductions, suspension of the gas tax, and tax relief for retirees and businesses; supports expanding tax credits for employers and reducing corporate, personal, and property tax rates. Platform materials and past campaigns also include proposals for large spending cuts and replacement of federal/state tax structures.
Healthcare
Dan Cox has expressed opposition to the Affordable Care Act and has supported repeal efforts in past campaigns, while also supporting expanded Medicaid coverage for at-home long-term care and opposing certain pandemic-related public-health mandates. His public statements combine market-oriented positions on federal health policy with selective support for state-level Medicaid expansions and expanded services for seniors and opioid treatment.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
Supports strict enforcement-first immigration policies including restoring Remain in Mexico, ending catch-and-release, funding deportation of undocumented immigrants, defending states’ ability to close borders, eliminating perceived asylum fraud, and prioritizing a merit-based system that limits illegal entry.
Abortion & Reproductive Rights
Dan Cox identifies as pro‑life and has repeatedly supported measures to restrict abortion access, including co-sponsoring fetal heartbeat legislation and seeking to remove public funding for abortion. In a candidate survey he answered that abortion should be allowed “Never,” including saying other lifesaving measures should be sought rather than permitting abortion when the mother’s life is at risk. He praised the Supreme Court decision in Dobbs and has said he would continue efforts to limit abortion access if elected.
Climate & Energy
Rejects the scientific consensus on climate change, opposes major emissions-reduction legislation, and supports an "all-of-the-above" energy approach that includes expanded use of oil and gas and rolling back restrictions on fossil-fuel development.
Public Safety & Guns
Opposes most new gun restrictions and describes himself as pro-gun; rejects assault-weapon bans and argues background checks and bans will not reduce gun violence. Has opposed state bills that would restrict firearms and praised the U.S. Supreme Court Bruen decision expanding gun rights.
News
Dan Cox is being mentioned as one of the Republican candidates in Maryland’s 2026 governor’s race. The field is taking shape as Gov. Wes Moore and Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller have filed for re-election. Cox remains in the mix on the GOP side alongside other named contenders, as potential entrants like Sen. Steve Hershey have decided not to run.
Maryland GOP State Sen. Hershey: Won't Be Running for Governor
Moore, Miller officially file for second term: 'We've got more work to do'
Marylanders deserve to have faith in their elections | GUEST COMMENTARY
Maryland election board unveils new systems to boost campaign finance transparency
Fundraising
Latest report: Cycle 20262024
2026
LatestCycle 2024
Cycle 2026
Source: FEC
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements