Democratic primary field for Maryland governor crowded, experienced and 'mostly unsettled'

There are decades of governmental experience and public service among them. Connections they’ve established with voters and relationships with powerful allies have deep roots. Millions in campaign donations are flowing their way.

Maryland’s 10-man field is set in the race for the Democratic nomination for governor. But in such a crowded pack of viable candidates, the race is anything but settled less than three months before the July 19 primary.

The Democratic candidates — more than half of them reasonably well-funded or boasting substantial political résumés — are vying to be the party’s nominee with hopes of retaking the governorship after eight years under Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who is finishing his second and final term.

Fundraising hauls, recent sniping among the candidates and a smattering of internal campaign polls point to a few potential leading candidates — but also highlight just how fractured the field remains. Traditional party power brokers haven’t coalesced behind a front-runner because none has emerged. Instead, the candidates in a relatively deep field of potential contenders are still trying to build wider bases of support and break from the pack.

Read more: https://www.baltimoresun.com/politics/bs-md-pol-gov-race-opener-20220501-6bbzauweszgnxp5g5lsjsccsxq-story.html