By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) officially launched his re-election campaign for 2026 during the early morning hours of Sept. 9. The governor made the announcement alongside Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller (D), who he will keep as his running mate for a second term.
“I am incredibly excited to go back in front of the people of Maryland, because I think we have an important story to tell,” said Moore, standing in front of reporters in Annapolis, Md., on Sept. 9. “I think the people of the state of Maryland know and see that our priority is here, our priority is them. I’m excited to ask them for another term.”
During Moore’s media availability he addressed questions about his campaign.
Moore responded to concerns about having his eyes set on the presidential seat in 2028 during the middle of his second term, if he were to be re-elected.
He said he has never expressed interest in the presidential role.
“I appreciate that the people in Maryland, the people around the country are paying attention to the progress we’ve made,” said Moore. “But, I am very clear and laser focused on making sure that the people of our state are going to be okay.”
The Moore-Miller campaign touted their record from their first two years in office, citing 100,000 new jobs, reduced crime through law enforcement investment and $9.8 billion invested in K–12 schools.
“I served in the legislature under the old governor, I know first-hand we can not afford to go back to the old Maryland way where we kick the can down the road for the next person,” said Miller, in a statement. “We need leaders of action, and Governor Moore’s leadership is proof we work across party lines to give people a better way forward and we will continue this work when we earn your vote next November.”
Moore also underscored success in cutting middle-class taxes and leading the state through the Francis Scott Key (FSK) Bridge collapse, which is expected to reopen in fall 2028.
Support for the re-election bid quickly followed.
“Governor Wes Moore has been a tremendous leader who has stood up for working families across our great state, made our communities safer and strengthened our public schools,” said U.S. Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-Md.) in a statement. “Even in these difficult times, he led with humility and a laser focus on his North Star: bettering the lives of Marylanders. I’m proud to endorse him as he seeks re-election.”
Baltimore City Council Vice President Sharon Green Middleton (D-District 6) also praised Moore’s leadership, pointing to his record of standing with Baltimore.
“As a councilmember for more than a decade, I’ve been grateful to have a governor who is committed to the success of Baltimore City and the people I represent,” said Middleton in a statement. “When it comes to state investments into historically disenfranchised communities, his dedication to our region after the collapse of the FSK Bridge, and his commitment to stand with the city to address public safety, Governor Moore continues to have Baltimore’s back and I’m proud to have his.”
Howard County Executive Calvin Ball III (D) echoed that support, referencing Moore’s focus on inclusivity.
“He has consistently focused on expanding economic opportunity for families, growing small businesses and supporting our students and educators,” said Ball in a statement. “His campaign for re-election is another way he is showcasing his unwavering commitment to our state. I remain an ecstatic partner as we continue our work together to build a stronger Maryland for all.”