John Myrick

John Myrick

Republican Party

Candidate, Governor of Maryland

Elections and appointments

Next election

June 23, 2026

Education

Bachelor's

Excelsior College, 2021

Military

Service / branch

U.S. Air Force Reserve

Years of service

1985 - 2008

Personal

Birthplace

Havelock, N.C.

Religion

Catholic

Profession

Government contractor

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

John Myrick (Republican Party) is running for election for Governor of Maryland. He declared candidacy for the Republican primary scheduled on June 23, 2026.^[source]

Biography

John Myrick was born in Havelock, North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from 1985 to 2008. He earned a bachelor's degree from Excelsior College in 2021. His career experience includes working as a government contractor. Myrick has been a member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Elections

2026

See also: Maryland gubernatorial and lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2026

General election

The primary will occur on June 23, 2026. The general election will occur on November 3, 2026. Additional general election candidates will be added here following the primary.

General election for Governor of Maryland

Andy Ellis is running in the general election for Governor of Maryland on November 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Andy Ellis (G)

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Governor of Maryland

Incumbent Wes Moore is running in the Democratic primary for Governor of Maryland on June 23, 2026.

		Candidate
		Wes Moore

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Governor of Maryland

Ed Hale and John Myrick are running in the Republican primary for Governor of Maryland on June 23, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Ed Hale
		John Myrick

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	There are no incumbents in this race.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Myrick received the following endorsements. To send us additional endorsements, click here.

• Veterans for America First

2024

See also: United States Senate election in Maryland, 2024

General election

General election for U.S. Senate Maryland

The following candidates ran in the general election for U.S. Senate Maryland on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Angela Alsobrooks (D)	54.6	1,650,912
		Larry Hogan (R)	42.8	1,294,344
		Mike Scott (L)	2.3	69,396
	Submit photo	Patrick Burke (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	879
		Billy Bridges (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	70
	Submit photo	Robin Rowe (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	17
	Submit photo	Christy Helmondollar (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	3
	Submit photo	Irwin Gibbs (Unaffiliated) (Write-in)	0.0	2
		Other/Write-in votes	0.2	5,755

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 3,021,378
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Moshe Landman (G)
• Nancy Wallace (G)
• Shaunesi Deberry (Unaffiliated)
• Keith Packer (No Party Affiliation)
• Emmanuel Osuchukwu (Unaffiliated)
• Michael Sigmon (Progressive Party)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Maryland

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate Maryland on May 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Angela Alsobrooks	53.4	357,052
		David Trone	42.8	286,381
		Joseph Perez	0.7	4,688
		Michael Cobb Sr.	0.7	4,524
		Brian Frydenborg	0.5	3,635
		Scottie Griffin	0.5	3,579
		Marcellus Crews	0.5	3,379
		Andrew Wildman	0.3	2,198
		Robert Houton	0.3	1,946
		Steven Seuferer	0.2	1,664

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 669,046
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Juan Dominguez (D)
• William Jawando (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. Senate Maryland

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate Maryland on May 14, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Larry Hogan	64.2	183,661
		Robin Ficker	27.8	79,517
		Chris Chaffee	3.2	9,134
		Lorie Friend	2.1	5,867
		John Myrick	1.7	4,987
		Moe Barakat	0.8	2,203
		Laban Seyoum	0.3	782

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 286,151
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• John Teichert (R)
• Christopher Puleo (R)
• Ray Bly (R)
• John Thormann (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Myrick in this election.

Campaign themes

2026

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

John Myrick has not yet completed Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey. Send a message to John Myrick asking him to fill out the survey. If you are John Myrick, click here to fill out Ballotpedia's 2026 Candidate Connection survey.

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You can ask John Myrick to fill out this survey by using the buttons below or emailing johnmyrickforgovernor@gmail.com.

2024

John Myrick completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Myrick's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I'm not a politician; I'm a public servant; an ordinary Marylander looking to make a difference. For far too long, career politicians have been more interested in protecting their own positions and blaming each other for the way things are. Our country deserves better - you deserve better. I have no interest in making politics a career and pledge to serve only one term in the U.S. Senate. The founding Fathers never envisioned serving in Congress as a lifetime job. I have spent my entire adult life defending Maryland and our Nation. I served 23 years in the U.S. Air Force Reserves before retiring as a highly decorated combat veteran. While serving in the Reserves, I was a highly decorated and respected Civilian Senior Intelligence Officer in the U.S. Intelligence Community; considered an expert in asymmetric threats. I have lectured at major universities on National Security Policy Issues, presented testimony on dozens of occasions to Congressional Committees and individual Members, briefed NATO leadership, and served as a keynote speaker for an international conference on counterterrorism hosted by the Australian Federal Police. my experience has given me a unique perspective of how National-level Decision-makers approach issues. Since leaving Federal Civil Service, I have been a Contract Senior Advisor for the Departments of Defense, Justice, and Homeland Security.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Our Nation’s problems are not going to be solved through partisan politics. As your U.S. Senator, I would work with any and all like-minded people - regardless of political party or affiliation. The lack of effective border control has allowed illegal drugs and millions of undocumented migrants to flow freely into our country; causing a grave risk to National security. Maryland one of the highest rates of fentanyl overdoses in the country. I will work to secure our borders, to enforce immigration and customs laws, and to hold those responsible for flooding our streets with illegal drugs accountable.
• Our country is far less safe than at any point in modern history - facing threats from terrorists, rouge states, and near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. Our military is no longer in a position to defend our global interests. We cannot afford to continue to allow declining recruitment, social experimentation, ineffective leadership, and defense contractors whose major interest is profits, to impact our military readiness. I will work to improve the quality of life issues plaguing our military that effect are ability to recruit qualified volunteers; to hold the leadership of the Department of Defense accountable for every dime of YOUR tax money that is spent; and seek to improve how we procure and purchase weapon systems.
• Far too many of our legislators have spent decades in office. Has this longevity solved any of the issues effecting the average American? I think not. I will only serve one term in the U.S. Senate. I would work with the Maryland Governor and leaders in the State House to promote your priorities - not those of a particular political party or special interest. I will introduce legislation for term limits for Congress - limiting time in Congress to 12 years. I will work with other like-minded Members to hold Members accountable for their conduct.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The opportunity to continue giving back to Maryland as a U.S. Senator would be a great honor. The concept of public service has been missing from our representatives for far too long. Maryland deserves a Senator who truly represents them, not a political party or other special interests.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I always looked up to my Mother and Grandmother above all others. I was raised primarily by them and marvel at the love and sacrifices that they made in order for us to have the essentials.
I admire several historical figures such ad George Washington, Benjamin Franklin, and Abraham Lincoln. These leaders understood the importance of duty and service before self.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I haven't patterned my political philosophy on any one individual or party. I would recommend a book, though, entitled, "Lincoln on Leadership." I have always found it to be enlightening.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Integrity matter. Our representatives need to be held to the highest ethical standards. They represent us - and should conduct themselves with our best interests above all else.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I understand the importance of public service, and of putting the interests of those we serve above our own. I think that this has been missing from our representatives for a very long time.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

I believe that our Senator must be willing to work with anyone - regardless of party affiliation or political views - to accomplish the business of the people of this Nation. Representing the views and interest of their constituents is their only responsibility.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I hope to be remembered as a man of integrity; a man who served; and as a loving Husband and Father.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I clearly remember watching Neil Armstrong set foot on the moon in 1969. I was 5 years old at the time.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first job was as a Attendant at a go-cart track in White Marsh, MD. I worked there for over a year while in high school.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

I feel that competition from China is perhaps our biggest challenge; militarily, economically, and strategically.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

I fully support a Constitutional Amendment setting term limits on members of Congress at a total of 12 years. I will work to make this a reality.

What qualities does the U.S. Senate possess that makes it unique as an institution?

Originally, Senators were appointed by Governors to represent the interests of the states at the Federal level. It wasn't until the 20th century that Senators were elected. The Senate was designed to be a source of continuity for legislative affairs. Additionally, its role as giving advice and consent to the Executive Branch for everything from Treaties to Executive Appointments makes it a unique body.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for senators to have previous experience in government or politics?

No. I believe that Senators need to have a firm understanding of their responsibility to represent their respective state in the best way that they can. They also need to understand the need to work with others that do not necessarily share the same political views to accomplish the work of the people.

What do you think of the filibuster?

The filibuster has a very long and storied tradition. It has a use, though like other tools of government, it has been abused from time to time.

Is there a particular senator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I am my own man and choose not to pattern myself after any one individual. I have a great deal of respect for a number of former Senators, including Senators John McCain and Charles "Mac" Mathias.

How would you evaluate a judicial nominee?

I would ask that any Judicial Nominee have a record of fairly and impartially evaluating the evidence put before them and rule accordingly. Our country does not need judges that attempt to legislate from the bench or try to push their own personal agendas.

What kind of relationships would you build with other senators?

I would be willing to work with any and all other Senators in order to accomplish the work of the people.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is absolutely essential to policymaking. One can never get everything they want every time. Understanding the art of compromise is essential to anyone serving in a position within our government.

How should the U.S. Senate use its investigative powers?

The Senate should use its investigative powers sparingly - only when absolutely necessary to reach the truth.

What criteria would you apply when deciding whether to confirm presidential appointees to their Cabinet?

I would require that Cabinet Nominees have appreciable experience in the area for which they have been nominated. Far too often, nominees are novices in the subject matter for which they are seeking to lead.

What committees interest you?

As a career Intelligence Officer, the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence is of great interest. Also, Armed Services and Foreign Affairs committees are desirable.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Government needs to be fully accountable to the people. With some notable exceptions of classified programs and operations, financial transparency is a necessity. All of the money spend by our government comes from the people - it's our money, not the governments. They need to be good stewards of the public trust.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

Myrick’s campaign website stated the following:

“	Proposing Real Solutions for Real Problems Our Nation is facing several major issues that negatively impact Marylanders every day. These problems need real solutions and are not going to be solved through partisan politics. As your U.S. Senator, I would work with any and all like-minded people - regardless of political party or affiliation - focusing on these major issues: Our Southern Border Crisis Our Southern Border Crisis is a catastrophe. Let me say that I fully support legal immigration - NOT illegal immigration. The border crisis can be fixed, but it will take bi-partisan agreement. I will work to secure our borders by supporting policies that end the “Catch & Release” policy of the current Administration. I will see that our immigration and customs laws are enforced and will hold responsible any official who refuses to do so. I will introduce legislation requiring State and Local authorities to cooperate in the enforcement of Federal laws. I will work to strengthen criminal penalties for drug and human trafficking and will hold those responsible for committing these heinous acts accountable. I will seek to introduce legislation easing the restrictions on those seeking to emigrate to the U.S. who have lawful U.S. relatives willing to sponsor them. A More Dangerous World Our country is far less safe than at any point in modern history - facing threats from terrorists, rouge states, and near-peer adversaries like China and Russia. I will work to improve the quality of life issues plaguing our military that affect our ability to recruit and retain qualified volunteers. Increase pay and benefits so that no Service Member will ever need apply for Food Stamps to feed their family. Ensure that issues plaguing military housing are corrected; providing decent housing to our Service Members and their families. Establish incentive programs to retain highly qualified experts in critical skillsets needed to defend our nation. I will work to end the practice of social experimentation within our military and ensure that the focus is returned to developing warfighting skills. I will work to repeal programs within our military that are aligned with any political positions. I will seek to hold the leadership of the Department of Defense accountable for every dime of YOUR tax money that is spent and seek to improve the way in which we procure and purchase weapon systems. Returning Congress to You The Founding Fathers never envisioned service in Congress as a career. They understood that representatives needed to be rotated from time to time in order to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to deal with the Nation's business. Far too many of our Representatives and Senators have spent decades in office. Has this longevity solved any of the issues effecting the average American? I think not. I will introduce legislation for a 12 year total term limit for Congress. I will only serve one (1) term in the U.S. Senate. I will work with the Maryland Governor and leaders in the State House to promote your priorities - not those of a particular political party or special interest. I will work with other like-minded Members to hold Members accountable for their conduct. Working to Control Inflation Prices of everything from food, to housing, to fuel have skyrocketed over the past several years. Congress' so-called solutions to this have only made things for the average American worse. I will work to restore America's energy independence, because it all starts with the cost of moving products from point A to point B. I believe that this can be done while still protecting the environment. I will seek to repeal any legislation that further damages the economy and makes things for us more expensive. I will serve as a advocate for Maryland products and services to be included in any proposed economic legislation.	”
—John Myrick’s campaign website (2024)

Campaign finance summary

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Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

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John Myrick campaign contribution history

Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. Senate Maryland	Lost primary	$8,019	$7,359
Grand total			$8,019	$7,359
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

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