Moore Talks Jobs, Dem Future in South Carolina \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Maryland Gov. Wes Moore reiterated he’s not running for president in 2028, even as his appearances outside the state fuel speculation. Speaking at a key Democratic dinner in South Carolina, Moore called for urgent action on job creation and education. He says his focus remains on governing Maryland.
Quick Looks
- Moore visits South Carolina, sparking more 2028 chatter.
- Governor says he’s not running for president or VP.
- Urges Democrats to be the “party of action” now.
- Addresses donors at Blue Palmetto Dinner in Columbia.
- Toured Scout Motors facility to promote Maryland’s economy.
- Criticized Trump’s impulsive use of power in speech.
- Faces $3.3 billion budget gap back home in Maryland.
- Pushed progressive tax reforms targeting high-income earners.
- Blames Trump-era downsizing for state’s bond downgrade.
- First Black Maryland governor, combat veteran, Rhodes scholar.
Deep Look
Though Maryland Governor Wes Moore insists he is not running for president in 2028, his growing national presence and resonant rhetoric continue to fuel speculation. On Friday, Moore delivered a powerful speech at the Blue Palmetto Dinner in Columbia, South Carolina, a marquee event in the early presidential primary state. His call to action, emphasis on Democratic values, and presence in key battlegrounds raised eyebrows across the political spectrum.
“I’m here on a mission,” Moore told a crowd of South Carolina Democrats, calling on the party to become the “party of yes and now” instead of “no and slow.” His remarks were met with standing ovations, a sign of the warm reception he’s received beyond Maryland’s borders.
While Moore has been clear in public interviews — “I’m not running” — his recent appearances, including meetings with businesses like Scout Motors and engagements with influential party leaders, indicate that he’s keeping doors open while building his leadership credentials.
Earlier in the day, Moore visited Scout Motors’ electric SUV facility in Blythewood, calling the trip a “fact-finding mission” to strengthen Maryland’s economy by attracting similar investments. In a social media post, he positioned his visit as part of a larger goal to “keep bringing business back to Maryland.”
Though it’s only the third year of his first term as governor, Moore has consistently shown a willingness to engage with national issues, particularly in times of economic and political instability. His critique of Donald Trump’s impulsive leadership drew some of the most forceful applause of the evening. “Donald Trump doesn’t need a study to use the Constitution like it’s a suggestion box,” Moore quipped, sharply contrasting what he portrayed as reckless leadership with the need for swift, thoughtful action from Democrats.
Despite all the presidential buzz, Moore is adamant: his eyes are on Annapolis, not Washington. He’s running for reelection in 2026, and his top priority is steering Maryland through economic headwinds. His administration just concluded its toughest legislative session to date, grappling with a $3.3 billion deficit. Moore worked with a Democrat-controlled legislature to produce a balanced budget that included over $2 billion in spending cuts and about $1.6 billion in new revenue, mainly through progressive tax hikes on high-income earners and capital gains.
Moore’s fiscal policy aligns with national progressive priorities, but has drawn fire from Maryland Republicans, who argue that the tax increases will stifle economic growth. The GOP is expected to make these tax measures a central issue in the 2026 gubernatorial election.
The financial challenges are compounded by Moody’s recent downgrade of Maryland’s bond rating, ending a 50-year run of triple-A status. Moore and other state Democrats have blamed federal downsizing under Trump’s administration for the shift, pointing to Maryland’s large population of federal employees and its economic reliance on government jobs.
Nonetheless, Moore remains confident. “People should get used to me traveling across the country bringing business back to Maryland,” he said this week during a ceremony for the state’s first Black congressman, Rep. Parren Mitchell.
Still, the speculation continues. Moore has already addressed the South Carolina Democratic delegation during last year’s DNC in Chicago and continues to court national exposure. Some observers believe his consistent visibility in early primary states could be laying groundwork, even if unintentionally, for future opportunities.
A combat veteran, Rhodes scholar, and former CEO of the Robin Hood Foundation, Moore’s résumé is as compelling as his charisma. His 2022 landslide win in Maryland — his first-ever political campaign — solidified his status as a rising star within the Democratic Party. Moore has long been viewed as a potential national figure, representing a new generation of Democrats focused on equity, economic growth, and pragmatic governance.
But he maintains that the urgency is not in 2028, but 2025 — a not-so-subtle reminder that he sees the next presidential term, regardless of the occupant, as a pivotal one for American democracy.
For now, Moore says he’s committed to Maryland. Whether that changes before 2028 remains one of the most closely watched storylines in Democratic politics.
Moore Talks Jobs
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