 The Governor appoints almost all military and civil officers of the State government , subject to advice and consent of the Maryland State Senate . The Governor also appoints certain boards and commissions in each of the 24 Counties and in Baltimore City , such as local Boards of Elections , commissions notaries public , and appoints officers to fill vacancies in the elected offices of Attorney General and Comptroller . Should a vacancy arise in the General Assembly , the Governor also fills that vacancy , though the Governor must choose from among the recommendations of the local party organization to which the person leaving the vacancy belonged . Any officer appointed by the Governor , except a member of the General Assembly , is removable by him or her , if there is a legitimate cause for removal . Among the most prominent of the Governor 's appointees are the 24 secretaries and heads of departments that make up the Governor 's Cabinet , also known as the Executive Council . 
