John Myrick Emerges as Early Front-Runner in Baltimore County GOP Straw Poll

Baltimore County, Maryland — Former Harford County Deputy Sheriff John A. Myrick emerged as the clear favorite in a Republican gubernatorial straw poll held during the Baltimore County Republican Clubs Governors Debate on Thursday evening, April 23, 2026.

Four Baltimore County Republican clubs hosted the event, drawing more than 150 attendees. Of the nine Republican candidates currently running in the 2026 primary, five participated in the debate.

At the conclusion of the event, organizers conducted a simple straw poll of attendees, allowing participants to vote among all nine declared candidates. Myrick secured approximately 67% of the vote, an overwhelming majority of those participating.

The winner of the Republican primary will go on to face unpopular incumbent Governor Wes Moore in the general election.

Myrick, a former Harford County Deputy Sheriff and U.S. Air Force Reserve veteran, has a background in national security and intelligence, including advisory roles with multiple federal agencies.

While straw polls are informal and not predictive of election outcomes, they often provide an early snapshot of enthusiasm and organizational strength among engaged party members.