(WBFF) — On Tuesday, a Republican gubernatorial candidate rolled out a broad policy agenda in Annapolis.
Standing in front of the state house, businessman Ed Hale unveiled a sweeping set of proposals he’s dubbed his “Contract with Marylanders.”
“It’s nice to be in Annapolis with everybody,” Hale said. “Help is on the way.”
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Hale’s long list of promises are wide-ranging, but he said public safety is his top priority, followed closely by rising costs for Maryland residents.
“I think that safety is number one. Everybody wants to feel safe, going to school, going shopping, going to work and your leisure,” he said. “But I’m telling you, people are really upset about the electric bills, that’s number two.”
Among his proposals, Hale called for eliminating Maryland’s Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program (VEIP), arguing modern cars already meet stricter federal standards.
“What’s the point? It is a money grab that should be stopped,” he said.
Hale also pledged to prioritize major infrastructure projects, citing Key Bridge construction as a top focus.
“That’s near and dear to my heart. I grew up down around Bethlehem Steel. I worked at Bethlehem Steel when I was a kid,” Hale said. “You have people that really need this bridge. They need to get it done. And nobody, nobody is really paying attention to it.”
Another issue dominating conversations in Annapolis this week is balancing the budget. As the state stares down another billion-dollar deficit, Hale took aim at what he called overspending and government bloat.
He pointed to hiring decisions made during Governor Wes Moore’s first two years in office. During that time, Gov. Moore added more than 5,000 state jobs, including over 3,000 executive branch positions. But last summer, the administration reversed course, imposing a hiring freeze and offering buyouts that more than 500 employees accepted. Moore blamed what he called “fiscal storms” and financial headwinds from the federal government.
“I’m a business guy and I would step in and I would change things,” Hale said.
Hale said he would approach the state’s finances differently, vowing not to raise taxes and instead rely on spending cuts, shrinking government, and increased oversight. However, he declined to share specifics.
“I know of certain places that would be cut, but I don’t want to say that now, because I would make people very nervous,” Hale said.
As the 2026 election cycle begins to take shape, recent polling showed Gov. Moore’s approval rating remains above 50%, though support has softened compared to earlier in his term. Hale said he believes voters are ready for an alternative.
“I think I have a shot,” Hale said. “People are fed up with this.”
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