Gov. Wes Moore doesn’t commit to full second term if reelected

Gov. Wes Moore would not commit to serving the entirety of a second term if reelected in November when asked during Maryland’s lone gubernatorial debate Tuesday.

Moore, a Democrat who has been the subject of speculation about a possible 2028 White House bid, gave a roundabout answer that left the door open for his future plans.

“Being the governor of Maryland has been the honor of a lifetime,” he said when asked if he would serve the full four years, “and I would not be running for reelection if I was not committed to the people of Maryland.”

Pressed for a yes or no by The Banner’s Pamela Wood, a debate panelist, Moore said: “I gave the answer. I am committed to the people of Maryland. That’s why I am running for reelection.”

Dan Cox, the Republican gubernatorial nominee, seized on Moore’s answer.

“This governor will not look you in the eyes and commit to not running for president,” Cox said.

Moore has said in recent weeks that he feels he should be part of the “national conversation” about the future of the Democratic Party, an apparent reference to the 2028 election. Additionally, he has traveled the country extensively, often for political events, and has regularly visited key states in the Democratic primary lineup, like South Carolina and Nevada. A Banner analysis of Moore’s travel in August found he had spent all or a portion of roughly 1 in 5 days traveling out of state.

While Tuesday’s debate, which was prerecorded and will air at 7 p.m. across the state, is unlikely to change the outcome of the race — polling shows Moore with a 2-to-1 advantage over Cox — it served as an opportunity for Cox and journalists to press Moore on his record in what has largely been a low-key campaign season.

Cox questioned Moore over the state’s budget deficit, his military record, Maryland’s economy and his ability to deliver big infrastructure projects, like the Key Bridge rebuild, on time and on budget.

For Moore, the debate served as an opportunity to test his message. He regularly pointed to President Donald Trump’s administration as the reason behind Maryland’s slow economy and consumer pain while simultaneously touting what he called “record investments” from businesses in Maryland.

When Cox offered rebuttals or attacked Moore’s record, the governor frequently responded that Cox was “lying,” and the two men regularly exchanged personal attacks. Moore particularly seized on Cox’s relationship with Trump and his support for and involvement with the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection at the U.S. Capitol.

Trump endorsed Cox in his 2022 run against Moore. Cox said in a post-debate news conference he didn’t ask the president for his support this time.

On whether he would raise taxes or cut spending, Moore lamented the fiscal habits of his predecessors “racking up the credit card and just passing it on.” He’s managed to cut spending and bring in billions of dollars in private investment into the state, he said.

“That has not happened over a generation inside of Maryland.”

Both candidates defended their pivots on data centers.

Moore signed a data center executive order routing development projects through a state review process after working for much of his term to “supercharge” the industry in Maryland. His action stopped short of a pause on data center development.

Moore said his “progression” on the issue came from “listening to the people,” and hastened as the Trump administration stripped environmental protections, making it easier for data center development.

As a state delegate, Cox voted for a 2020 data center tax break. He now backs a statewide moratorium and said as governor he’ll ensure he protects Maryland from the climate threats posed data centers.

Addressing affordability, candidates said they want to make Maryland more affordable for Marylanders. Moore said he would continue to make strides to diversify the state’s economy and bring in business investment. Cox said he’ll cut taxes and fees added by the Moore administration and approved by the legislature.

Cox brought his power bill to the debate tucked in the pocket of his suit coat. His bill had doubled in recent months, he said, and showed it to reporters during a post-debate news conference. He was ready to use it as a prop had panelists asked about the energy crisis and skyrocketing costs.

In his closing remarks, he said Marylanders trying to pay their bills are ”feeling left behind.”