OWINGS MILL, Md. (AP) – A Democratic candidate for governor of Maryland has died.

Baltimore County police announced early Thursday that County Executive Kevin Kamenetz died early Thursday, following a cardiac arrest. He was 60.

A press release says Kamenetz was at home in Owings Mill when he awoke around 2 a.m., complaining of felling ill. He was hospitalized at St. Joseph Medical Center, where he was declared dead at 3:22 a.m.

The two-term county executive was a fixture in Maryland politics for nearly a quarter-century. He also served as a councilman.

He was one of seven candidates for the Democratic nomination to oppose Republican Gov. Larry Hogan this fall. He had chosen Montgomery County Councilmember Valerie Ervin as his running mate. The Democratic primary is scheduled for June 26.

Shocked and incredibly saddened to hear the news of the death of Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz. Sending prayers of comfort and strength to his wife Jill, his two young sons, and all of his family and loved ones.

— Brian Frosh (@BrianFrosh) May 10, 2018

The prayers of @PrinceGeorgesMD are with our neighbors in @BaltimoreCoMD & the family and friends of CE Kevin Kamenetz. Sad, shocking news.

— Rushern L. Baker III (@CountyExecBaker) May 10, 2018

Kevin Kamenetz was an energetic public servant who cared about making a difference for those he served. MD and I both just lost a friend.

— Senator Ben Cardin (@SenatorCardin) May 10, 2018

Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. (PHOTO: Kamenetz for Governor website)