ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The running mate of a Maryland gubernatorial candidate who died suddenly last week has hours to decide whether she'll run for governor in his place.

Valerie Ervin has until 5 p.m. Thursday to decide.

She could run herself in a crowded Democratic primary, choose someone else to lead the ticket or end the campaign.

Her running mate at the top of the ticket was Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. He died last week of a heart attack.

Ervin is a former member of the Montgomery County Council.

Prince George's County Executive Rushern Baker and former NAACP head Ben Jealous are among those seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Republican incumbent Larry Hogan.

The primary is June 26.