June 23rd, 2017 by WCBC Radio

A fifth Democrat has entered the race for governor next year. WBAL reports Attorney Jim Shea has never held elected office, but notes that his business experience and experience overseeing various state commissions gives him an advantage in what will be a crowded race. "I know how to get things done," Shea told Maryland's News This Week, in an interview that was recorded Wednesday, before Shea formally announced his candidacy. Shea is the former Chair of Venable LLP, the largest law firm in the state of Maryland. He is also the former Chair of the Board of Regents of the University System of Maryland, the Empower Baltimore Management Corporation, the Central Maryland Transportation Alliance and the Downtown Partnership of Baltimore. He has also served on the boards of the Greater Baltimore Committee and the Equal Justice Council.

Shea criticized Governor Larry Hogan for not adequately funding public schools particularly those in Baltimore City. He also criticized Hogan's decision to cancel the Red Line light rail project two years ago, and questions the effectiveness of the new Baltimore Link bus service unveiled this week by the Hogan Administration and the MTA. Shea says the MTA has not provided any data to show that the new bus system will be faster.

Earlier this week, Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker entered the race for governor. Former NAACP President Ben Jealous, former Hilary Clinton aide and entrepreneur Alex Ross, and activist Ralph Jaffe have also entered the race.

Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamentz is considering a run, as is Montgomery County State Senator Rich Madaleno, Congressman John Delaney, and former Attorney general Doug Gansler.

The primary will be on June 26, 2018.