Carl Brunner
Carl Brunner
Maryland Republican Governor nominee?
$74.9K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleSmall business owner
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
GenderMale
LocationMaryland
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BackgroundSmall business owner
Notable personal detailsCarl A. Brunner, Jr. ran for Governor of Maryland as a Republican in the 2026 primary election with Kevin L. Rhodes, Sr. as his running mate. He has described himself publicly as a lifelong Marylander, small business owner, and public safety professional, and has also described being born and raised in Baltimore City. He has been associated with Carroll County in election materials.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
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
Carl Brunner is in the news because Maryland’s Republican gubernatorial primary has been held, and only partial unofficial results have been reported so far. The race also drew attention after Maryland election officials had to send corrected mail-in ballots because of a vendor error, prompting criticism from some Republican candidates and party figures. More broadly, Brunner is running in a primary where Republicans are being urged to adopt a more centrist, statewide strategy ahead of future elections.
Maryland State Board of Elections starts sending out corrected mail-in ballots after error
Here's what you need to know to vote in Maryland | 2026 Md. Election Guide
Maryland election results 2026 primary
Republicans must pivot to relevance in Maryland | GUEST COMMENTARY
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising