 Like most state chief executives in the United States , the Governor is elected by the citizens of Maryland to serve a four @-@ year term . Under the Constitution of Maryland , the Governor can run any number of times , but not more than twice in a row . This makes it possible for a two @-@ term governor to run for the office again after remaining out of office for at least one term . An eligible candidate for Governor must be at least 30 years old , and also a resident of and a registered voter in Maryland for the five years preceding the election . If a candidate meets this minimum requirement , he or she must file his or her candidacy with the Maryland State Board of Elections , pay a filing fee , file a financial disclosure , and create a legal campaign financial body . The Governor , like all statewide officials in Maryland , is elected in the even @-@ numbered years in which the election for President of the United States does not occur . 
