Maryland's Wes Moore maintains he's not pursuing a presidential bid, yet frequent high-profile appearances fuel ongoing speculation.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore, often speculated as a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race, reiterates his denial of presidential aspirations. Moore has consistently maintained that he is not running for the White House and has no intention of seeking a vice presidential candidacy.
On Friday, Moore is scheduled to speak at the Blue Palmetto Dinner in South Carolina, a key event in an early presidential primary state, fueling ongoing speculation about his political plans. However, Moore clarifies that his trip to the state is primarily for business meetings, with a focus on attracting investment to Maryland. He emphasizes that people should expect to see him traveling across the country to promote their state's interests.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Moore confirmed, "I'm not running." He remains committed to his duties as Maryland's governor, aiming to navigate the challenges of dramatic federal downsizing under the Trump administration – an economic issue of great importance to the state, home to a significant number of federal workers.
Maryland lost its triple-A bond rating earlier this month, a downgrade attributed to the Trump administration's federal downsizing. State officials have traditionally viewed the rating as a sign of strong fiscal stewardship, enabling the state to secure lower rates when selling bonds for infrastructure projects. However, Moody's downgrade has been challenged by two other rating agencies, Standard & Poor's and Fitch, which have affirmed the state's triple-A bond rating.
Moore, who is entering his third year in office, is preparing for his reelection campaign next year. He has faced a challenging legislative session, working with the legislature to address a $3.3 billion budget deficit. The balanced budget agreement included about $2 billion in spending cuts across state government and approximately $1.6 billion in new revenues through tax and fee increases. High-income residents were primarily targeted for tax increases, with the implementation of two new higher tax brackets for those making over $500,000 and a new 2% tax on capital gains for those with income over $350,000.
As the first Black governor of Maryland, Moore has been criticized by the state's Legislative Black Caucus for vetoing a bill proposing the study of potential reparations for slavery. Moore, however, believes the issue has been sufficiently studied and advocates for a focus on addressing the racial wealth gap, expanding homeownership among underrepresented groups, uplifting entrepreneurs of color, and closing foundational discrepancies leading to inequality.
Democrats hold a 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans in Maryland, making the state largely safe for incumbents. However, former Republican Governor Larry Hogan, who won his first term by campaigning against tax increases, has sparked speculation about a possible return to the governorship, as Maryland limits a governor to two consecutive terms. If Hogan chooses to run again, he could seek another term after sitting out one.
- Despite the ongoing speculation about his political future, Maryland Governor Wes Moore reiterates his denial of presidential aspirations, stating, "I'm not running."
- While traveling across the country to promote Maryland's interests, Moore emphasizes that his visits, including the upcoming Blue Palmetto Dinner in South Carolina, are largely for business purposes.
- The economy, particularly the impact of dramatic federal downsizing under the Trump administration, is a significant challenge that Moore faces in his role as governor, a challenge that has recently resulted in Maryland losing its triple-A bond rating.
- In the face of a budget deficit, Moore has had to navigate difficult legislative sessions, implementing about $2 billion in spending cuts and approximately $1.6 billion in new revenues through tax and fee increases, primarily targeting high-income residents.
- The political landscape in Maryland, with Democrats holding a 2-to-1 advantage over Republicans, presents a relatively safe environment for incumbents. However, the possible return of former Republican Governor Larry Hogan to the governorship could shake up the political weather, especially considering Maryland's rule limiting a governor to two consecutive terms.
