Annapolis, Maryland (AP) – Often spotlighted among Democrats, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has occasionally been discussed as a possible presidential candidate, although he has repeatedly stated he is not pursuing a run for the White House in 2028.
Nevertheless, the ongoing speculation about his political ambitions persists, particularly as he ventures beyond Maryland, raising his national visibility. This Friday, he will be attending a Blue Palmetto dinner for South Carolina’s early presidential primary.
When questioned about the 2028 election, Moore was unequivocal.
“I’m not running,” he told the Associated Press in an interview on Wednesday, adding that he is also not angling for a potential vice presidential position.
His trip to South Carolina will include discussions about business prospects, Moore shared.
“People can expect me to travel across the country to bring business back to Maryland, as that is my priority while I’m serving as governor,” Moore remarked following the memorial dedication of former Rep. Palen Mitchell, Maryland’s first black legislator.
Entering his third year in office, Moore is set to campaign for reelection next year representing Maryland’s significant Democratic base. He emphasized his commitment to focusing on his role as governor during these trying times.
This includes addressing the substantial federal downsizing challenges from the Trump administration, which have markedly impacted Maryland’s economy. State analyses indicate that a considerable number of federal employees are affected in the capital’s shadow.
Earlier this month, Maryland saw its Triple A Bond rating downgraded by Moody’s Economic Rating Agency. For over 50 years, state officials have touted this rating as a marker of robust financial stewardship that allows the state to secure lower borrowing costs for infrastructure funding. However, two other agencies, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch, have upheld the state’s Triple A bond rating.
Moore and several prominent state Democrats have attributed Moody’s downgrade to the Trump administration’s actions.
This legislative session has presented significant challenges for the governor. Faced with a daunting $3.3 billion budget deficit, he collaborated with a Democrat-controlled Congress to achieve a balanced budget, which involved approximately $2 billion in state spending cuts and $1.6 billion in new revenue from tax increases and fees.
The majority of the tax increases affected higher-income individuals, including new taxes for those earning over $500,000 and a 2% tax on capital gains for incomes exceeding $350,000. While Moore indicated that most Maryland residents wouldn’t see tax reductions, some may experience modest cuts. Meanwhile, Maryland Republicans expressed concerns about the tax hikes, which could be a key issue for the next GOP gubernatorial candidate.
At 46, Moore stands as the state’s first black governor and is currently the only black governor in the nation. He is the former CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, a nonprofit focused on poverty alleviation. Additionally, he is a Rhodes scholar and a combat veteran, having served in Afghanistan.
Since making his debut in public office with a landslide victory in 2022, Moore’s popularity has surged following his win in a competitive Democratic primary against prominent figures such as former Labor Secretary Tom Perez.
With Maryland’s population being roughly 30% black, Moore recently faced criticism from the state’s legislative black caucus for rejecting a bill that proposed studying potential reparations for slavery. He stated that while the concept has been thoroughly examined, the focus now should be on “the work itself” aimed at fostering an equitable economy. This entails addressing the racial wealth gap, promoting homeownership, supporting entrepreneurs of color, and tackling pervasive disparities in areas affecting education and food security.
Democrats in Maryland outnumber Republicans two to one, creating a relatively secure environment for Democratic incumbents.
However, questions loom around former Republican Governor Larry Hogan, who won his first term by campaigning vigorously against tax cuts initiated by his Democratic predecessor, raising speculation on whether the popular Hogan might consider running for governor again. While Maryland law limits governors to two consecutive terms, Hogan could opt to take a break and seek another term after sitting one out.
Source: apnews.com