Tom Perez, the former chairman of the Democratic National Committee and Secretary of Labor under President Obama, is readying a run to be governor of Maryland, attempting to flip a state that was led by a Republican for the last eight years, Politico reports.
A resident of Takoma Park, Maryland, Perez would enter the race with perhaps the highest name recognition in the state. Other Democrats, including state comptroller Peter Franchot and Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker, enjoy strong pockets of support in various places of the state.
The winner of the Democratic primary is believed to have an advantage at winning the governorship, succeeding Republican Larry Hogan, who is term limited. Hogan is expected to mount a challenge for the Republican presidential nomination in 2024.
Current state Commerce Secretary Kelly Schulz is the only Republican to have announced a campaign for the Republican nomination. Former Maryland Lt. Governor and chairman of the Republican National Committee Michael Steele is said to be considering a run.