By Tashi McQueen, AFRO Political Writer,
Report for America Corps Member,
tmcqueen@afro.com
The Goucher College Poll, released by The Sarah T. Hughes Center for Politics at Goucher College on Sep. 19, unveiled new projections in the Maryland gubernatorial race. Likely voters were surveyed across Maryland, which resulted in a 22 percent lead for Moore.
Roughly 53 percent said they would vote for Moore and 31 percent disclosed they were ready to vote for Cox.
“The Democratic nominee Wes Moore is viewed favorably by a majority of state voters, and perceptions of his mix of progressive and moderate politics aligns with how many Maryland voters view themselves,” said director of The Sarah T. Hughes Center for Politics, Mileah Kromer, in the report.
Moore is set to appear at the Maryland Public Television (MPT) gubernatorial debate alongside Republican candidate Dan Cox next month.
A group of four panelists, includes AFRO News Editor Alexis Taylor, who will ask Moore and Cox an array of questions to help adequately inform voters ahead of Election Day on Nov. 8.
The two nominees will face off in the televised debate on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.
“Marylanders deserve to understand the clear contrast and the stakes of this election,” said Carter Elliott, Moore’s communications manager to the AFRO. “We are looking forward to the televised debate with Cox.”
A large portion of Moore’s supporters identify as progressives and liberals, but he received some votes from the far-right – two percent – and five percent from conservatives. Moore also received more votes from residents who consider themselves “moderate voters.”
“This poll clarifies that Dan Cox’s values are not Maryland’s. That’s why the stakes of this election are so high. While it’s clear Wes Moore has the momentum, we can’t take our foot off the gas for even a second,” said Elliott. “If Dan Cox wins, he’ll try to ban abortion, undermine our fair and free elections, and defund our public schools.”
Cox’s main supporters are those of far or extreme-right political ideology, though he has support from moderates to the extreme left. He received 12 percent from voters who are moderate, four percent from progressives and liberals, and five percent from far or extreme left. Nine percent were undecided.
“Dan Cox’s endorsement from former President Donald J. Trump and his political views secured his primary win but remain at odds with the Democratic and Independent voters he needs to build a winning coalition,” said Kromer.
Cox is undeterred by detractors.
“At this time eight years ago, the New York Times-CBS poll showed Anthony Brown up twenty-two points over Larry Hogan. Hogan went on to win,” says Cox in a statement released in response to the Goucher College Poll.
“We see Marylanders are not happy with the direction of our taxes and the economy. We know they will vote for lower taxes and lower inflationary spending,” he stated. “Marylanders want to regain their parental [sic] for their children’s education. They are also pleading for a reduction in crime. The people of Maryland will vote for the Maryland Freedom ticket–Dan Cox for Governor, Gordana Schifanelli for Lt. Governor.”
Still, Democrats are likely to sweep the ballot this election season, according to Kromer.
Third-party candidates on the ballot include David Harding, Working Class Party; David Lashar, Libertarian Party and Nancy Wallace, Green Party. They received below ten percent of the vote respectfully, according to the poll.
The top concerns poll participants identified as essential issues are economy and taxes, crime and public safety, and public schools and education.
The poll does not look good for Trump-supported Cox, with 61 percent of Marylanders not in favor of the former president.
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