A critical function of the Maryland Green Party is nominating candidates for public office. Many organizations are working on the same environmental, social justice, and economic issues that we promote, but none of them have the capability of nominating candidates for office. Here is some information about running for office as a Green.

As a candidate for public office, you must make sure that any actions you take are appropriate under state law. The Maryland State Board of Elections provides resources for candidates for public office. (Note: under Maryland law, Green Party candidates are considered “Non Principal Political Party Candidates”.) The Summary Guide to Maryland Candidacy and Campaign Finance Laws is a comprehensive resource, available here.

Please pay special attention to the requirements for filing a campaign finance entity, what is considered campaign activity, requirements for raising and spending funds, and deadlines for reporting campaign finance activity.

Questions regarding the legality of campaign activities should be directed to the Maryland State Board of Elections.

As a non-principal party, the Maryland Green Party is legally prohibited from participating in state-administered primary elections. The party holds its own primary elections for most offices. Information on the party’s processes can be found in the party’s bylaws, particularly Articles 5 and 10. For 2026, the Maryland Green Party will hold primary elections for any statewide office (Governor/Lt. Governor, Comptroller, and Attorney General) and U.S. House and Senate. The primary elections will be held immediately following the state deadline for recognized non-principal party candidates to file a Declaration of Intent to seek nomination (July 6, 2026).

Candidates must file the Declaration of Intent to seek nomination with the Maryland State Board of Elections in order to be placed on the Green Party’s primary ballot.