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Ed Hale Sr., a prominent Baltimore businessman and lifelong Democrat, has officially announced his candidacy for Maryland governor in the 2026 election. This will set up a primary challenge against incumbent Gov. Wes Moore.

At 78, Hale is best known as the former chairman and CEO of 1st Mariner Bank. Though he stepped away from the struggling institution in 2011, he remained its largest shareholder until its eventual sale. Beyond banking, Hale built a reputation in shipping and real estate, notably contributing to the development of Baltimore’s Canton Waterfront.

He’s also been a civic leader, serving as chairman of Visit Baltimore, and is currently the owner of the championship-winning Baltimore Blast indoor soccer team. His life story was chronicled in a biography by author Kevin Cowherd.

In a 2012 interview with WJZ, Hale revealed his former covert work with the CIA, saying his global business ventures provided the perfect cover for his role as a non-official cover (NOC) operative from 1991 to 2001. He claims to have been involved in the early hunt for Osama Bin Laden, leaving the agency shortly after the 9/11 attacks.

In 2011, Hale made headlines after being caught with a loaded firearm in his carry-on luggage at BWI Airport. He was fined and sentenced to probation.

Hale announced his gubernatorial run Thursday in the Baltimore neighborhood where he grew up before joining the military. He cited concerns over high taxes, poor governance, and a lack of business-friendly policies in Maryland as his primary motivations.

“I did not want to leave because I am all in for Maryland,” Hale said. “But we need change.”

He pointed to a string of high-profile business departures — including Six Flags America, the FBI headquarters relocation, and the Washington Commanders’ planned return to Washington, D.C. — as signs the state is struggling to retain investment.

Hale also criticized Maryland’s juvenile justice system, arguing that lenient consequences for young offenders have created a lack of accountability. “There’s no deterrent,” he said. “We need to fix that.”

He proposed tax reform as a key policy goal: “Instead of raising taxes, cut them, 5%, 6%, whatever it takes to offset the coming shortfall.”

Ed Hale Sr. Launches 2026 Bid for Maryland Governor  was originally published on r1wolbbaltimore.staging.go.ione.nyc