By Tashi McQueen
AFRO Staff Writer
tmcqueen@afro.com
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) delivered his fourth State of the State address Feb. 11 in Annapolis, Md. As Maryland’s first Black governor nears the end of his first term, his actions this legislative session are drawing close attention ahead of the June 23 primary and Nov. 3 general election.
During his speech he addressed administrative priorities and wins such as ensuring Maryland’s economy grows, lowering costs for Marylanders and protecting Marylanders in their communities countering wide-sweeping federal actions that are trickling down from the White House.
This annual speech aims to inform residents about the condition of the state and highlights the administration’s priorities.
Moore highlighted his administration’s successes in economic growth, public safety, education and innovation. He cited around 100,000 jobs created, a 50 percent drop in homicides statewide, artificial intelligence initiatives and the new Sphere venue in Prince George’s County, Md.
Prince George’s County, Md., a majority Black county, is home to nearly 1 million people. The new Sphere venue, only the second one to be created in the U.S., is expected to bring 2,500 jobs through construction and 4,750 jobs once it’s up and running. The governor’s office projects that it will create $1 billion annually.
“Today, I’m proud to announce that Maryland is investing $4 million to give our workers hands-on training to succeed in the AI economy,” said Moore. “AI will soon be used to help Marylanders navigate the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Medicaid, unemployment insurance and child care subsidies.”
He also used the speech to call on the State Senate to press forward with his mid-cycle redistricting effort.
“A few months ago, I reestablished the Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission,” said Moore. “Because at a time when other states are having a discussion about mid-decade redistricting, Maryland needs to be part of that conversation. After months of work, the Commission presented its recommendation.”
“The House of Delegates debated it,” said Moore. “They made adjustments, and then they passed the map. I know there’s disagreement right now between the House and the Senate. My ask is simple: Do not let the democratic process die in the free state. Debate it, discuss it, make adjustments if necessary, and put it to a vote. That’s how we settle our differences in Maryland.”
Some boos were heard in the crowd following his remarks.
The proposal follows efforts in other Democratic-led states responding to mid-cycle redistricting moves in Republican-led states that could weaken Democratic-held congressional seats ahead of the midterm elections.
Moore also highlighted several Black educators who are leading education in Maryland as guests at the address, including Danielle Crankfield, the 2026 American School Counselor Association National Counselor of the Year; Dr. Ryan Durr, the 2026 Maryland Principal of the Year; and ALonna Soward-Puryear, the 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year.
“At a time when the president is tearing apart the Department of Education, Maryland is delivering on our promise to have the public schools the best in the nation,” said Moore. “Dr. Ryan Durr is the Principal of Meade High School in Anne Arundel County. He is committed to academic excellence and has increased English Language Arts scores by 13 points.”
“Danielle Crankfield is a High School Counselor with Anne Arundel County Public Schools,” added Moore. “She is on the front lines of providing support, guidance and mentorship to students at Crofton High.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Moore acknowledged missteps.
“It’s taken time to build relationships and to learn Annapolis,” he said. “I am an outsider at heart––and I don’t see that changing. I know I haven’t always made life easy for the House or the Senate. I know there are times when you have not made life easy for each other. That’s democracy.”
“It’s messy,” added Moore. “It’s combative. It’s complicated. That’s not a flaw, it’s a feature.”
Moore also took aim at the White House.
“I am more self-aware than the President of the United States,” he said. “I do not give myself an A-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus-plus.”
“Washington is using this moment to attack and to limit and to retreat,” Moore added. “So in Maryland, we will use this moment to protect, deliver and lead.”
Senate Republican leadership shared their reactions to the governor’s speech.
“It’s telling that, with Marylanders facing skyrocketing energy bills and the highest cost of living they’ve ever seen, he spent the first 30 minutes of the speech before addressing these issues,” said Minority Whip Justin D. Ready (R-Md.-5). “When he did, his comments were tepid, offering warmed-over platitudes about what he’s been doing the past three years.”
According to David Schuhlein, director of communications for Senate President William “Bill” Ferguson (D-Md.-46), the president has echoed similar sentiments of discontent.
“We don’t think that the governor’s speech landed the way that he thinks it landed,” said Schuhlein.
Schuhlien shared with reporters that the Senate President’s Office was not expecting for the governor to include redistricting in his speech, especially towards the top of it, appearing to signal it as a top priority.
Despite this tension, his office maintains that Ferguson will remain respectful and will take in what the administration has to say regarding this issue, but will continue forth with the Senate agenda before, as shown by the cordial handshake after the speech.
On the other hand, State Del. Stephanie Smith (D-Md.-45) applauded Moore’s leadership and how he handled the speech.
“We saw what a real leader looks like,” said Smith. “It’s not about being perfect all the time, but being able to acknowledge where you can do more and work with people on all sides of the aisles to make things happen. We don’t see that down the street in D.C., we see a lot of finger pointing.”