Christopher Bouchat
Maryland Republican Governor nominee?
$16.1K
JUN 24, 2026Primary Election
Party selects its nominee.
Overview
Current roleState Representative
PartyRepublican
Political ideologyConservative Republican
Age58 years old (Oct 2, 1967)
GenderMale
Show moreShow less
LocationMaryland
BackgroundMaryland state delegate
EducationSt. Augustine Catholic School (Elkridge, Maryland)
Notable personal detailsChristopher Eric Bouchat is a Republican member of the Maryland House of Delegates representing District 5 (Carroll and Frederick counties), first elected in 2022 and sworn in January 2023. He previously served on the Carroll County Board of Commissioners (District 4) from 2018 to 2022. His background includes business leadership as founder and chair of Bouchat Industries, Inc., and he has served on the House Judiciary Committee.
SourcesShowHide
Positions
Economy & Taxes
Supports major tax reductions including a proposal to replace Maryland’s current tax structure with a 3% flat tax on income, capital gains, and sales and has sponsored bills to cut income and sales tax rates. Has also cosponsored legislation to reduce corporate income tax rates. These positions emphasize large, across-the-board tax rate cuts and smaller government revenue.
Healthcare
Opposes government-imposed COVID-19 mandates (masks and vaccine requirements) and emphasizes individual choice and limited government in public-health measures. Positions favor personal freedom over mandates and align with a limited-government approach to health policy. No sources found indicating support for major public expansions like a public option or single-payer.
Show moreShow less
Immigration & Border
The candidate opposed legislation that would prohibit counties from entering into 287(g) agreements with ICE and framed the bill as prioritizing concerns of undocumented immigrants over Maryland public safety, signaling support for local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and stronger enforcement measures.
Climate & Energy
The candidate supports rolling back or eliminating Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP) and has sponsored legislation to repeal the program and/or reduce related fees. His public comments frame the program as outdated, costly to taxpayers, and unnecessary given modern vehicle manufacturing. He emphasizes reducing regulatory costs rather than pursuing stronger emissions regulation through state testing programs.
Public Safety & Guns
The candidate has sponsored and cosponsored legislation that expands firearm rights (bills described as protecting the right to purchase/possess/carry firearms) and backed measures favored by gun-rights advocates. Legislative activity shows support for loosening restrictions on who may buy/possess/carry firearms and for bills addressing business signage related to firearms policies. These actions indicate a pro-Second Amendment, pro-carry orientation while still participating in the legislative process rather than explicitly advocating maximal deregulatory positions in available sources.
News
Christopher Bouchat is in the news as a Republican candidate in Maryland’s June 23 gubernatorial primary, which is still undecided. Recent coverage has focused on the race itself and on election problems, including a vendor error that forced Maryland to send corrected mail-in ballots to voters. He is also being discussed in the broader Republican push on issues like affordability, taxes, public safety, and gas prices.
Here's what you need to know to vote in Maryland | 2026 Md. Election Guide
Data center expansion looms over midterm elections
Progressive states revive push to tax the rich as wealth disparity deepens across the US
States plan measures to require voters’ IDs
New updates coming soon
We're monitoring and will update when new data impacts the race.
- Polls
- Endorsements
- Fundraising