By Shawn Ware
AFRO intern
sware@afro.com
This July Maryland Gov. Wes Moore toured South Carolina, Georgia and Nevada in support of Black democratic candidates running for various elected offices. Moore has made it clear that he will not allow President Donald J. Trump’s recent comments towards leaders of color to prevent him from uplifting Black candidates.
“At a time when communities have been under direct attack from the Trump Administration, it’s never been more critical to stand with leaders who aren’t just pushing back but pushing forward,” said Moore, in a statement sent to AFRO News. “I am proud to support so many commonsense leaders all across the country–leaders who are dedicated to tackling the issues people care about: growing the economy, making life more affordable, keeping communities safe, strengthening public schools, and creating states that leaves no one behind.”
During Moore’s visit to South Carolina, he attended various meet and greets to support Black democrats, including U.S. Congressman Jim Clyburn, who represents South Carolina’s 6th District. Clyburn joined Congress in 1993.
Clyburn’s campaign for reelection highlights plans of making health care more affordable, relieving student debt and providing equal access to jobs and economic opportunities. Additionally, Clyburn wants to aid communities throughout South Carolina, New Mexico and Arizona that are below the poverty line with his 10-20-30 funding plan.
According to Clyburn’s campaign website, “Clyburn for Congress,” the 10-20-30 funding formula incorporates the following: “at least 10 percent of appropriated funds to communities where 20 percent or more of their populations have lived below the poverty level for the last 30 years.”
Clyburn took to Instagram and made certain to explain why voting during the Democratic primary election is significant.
“Vote as soon as you possibly can because as we are voting, the United States Senate is debating whether or not to allow congressional districts to remain as they currently are,” Clyburn warned his followers. “As many people that can vote, should vote, and challenge the process.”
Moore’s journey around the country continued to Georgia, where he campaigned for former mayor of Atlanta, Keisha Lance Bottoms who is running for governor of Georgia. Angela Alsobrooks, senator of Maryland, also showed support for Keisha Lance Bottoms’ campaign.
“This election is about all of us,” said Alsobrooks, in a video posted to Meta (Facebook).
“It is about all of our families.”
Lance Bottoms aims to lower the costs of healthcare by broadening Medicaid, making housing more affordable for Georgia citizens by building more homes.
Lance Bottoms has said she plans to prioritize Georgia’s education system by ensuring that it is completely funded. She also wants to protect farmers and producers from financial struggles that are out of their hands.
Another main focus for Lance Bottoms is women’s reproductive rights and the fight against any potential threats against democracy– including Trump.
If elected on Nov. 3, 2026, Lance Bottoms would be the first Black woman to ever become a governor in the United States of America.
Wes Moore took to Instagram to remind his followers why it is vital to have African Americans in office.
“Getting more Black leaders into higher office is personal for me,” said Moore. “That’s why I’ve been traveling the country to support candidates with a proven record of moving us forward, especially when times are tough. I’ve got their back because I know they’ll fight to make sure no one is left behind.”
