Maryland Gov. Wes Moore has just dropped a bombshell by swearing off a 2028 presidential run. In a world where every politician seems to be eyeing the White House, Moore’s decision to stay put in Annapolis is a rare display of restraint.
Fox News reported that during an appearance on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” on NBC, Moore tackled head-on the buzz about his potential candidacy for the Democratic nomination in 2028, only to firmly shut it down while pledging to focus on Maryland if reelected as governor in 2026.
Appearing before host Kristen Welker, Moore faced the inevitable question about his plans. “Do you rule out a run for president, governor?” Welker pressed, clearly fishing for a headline.
Moore didn’t dodge, but conservatives might wonder if this is just a clever sidestep from a rising star in the progressive machine.
“Yeah, I'm not running for president,” Moore declared, plain as day. Now, that’s a statement you don’t hear often from a Democrat with national buzz—most would rather keep their options open than nail their colors to the statehouse mast. But is this genuine dedication or a calculated move to build trust before a bigger play?
When Welker doubled down with, “You rule it out completely?” Moore didn’t flinch, reaffirming his stance. For those of us skeptical of political promises, it’s hard not to admire the clarity, even if we question the motives behind it. After all, in today’s climate, a “no” can easily become a “maybe” when the winds shift.
Moore also expressed enthusiasm for his current role, stating he’s eager to serve a full term if reelected in 2026. He’s banking on Maryland voters to give him another shot, and while conservatives might not align with his policies, there’s something to be said for a leader who prioritizes local duty over national limelight. Or is this just good PR?
Moore didn’t shy away from touting his record, pointing to Maryland’s unemployment rate of 3.4% as of July 2025, tying for the 14th lowest in the nation.
That’s a decent stat, but let’s not pop the champagne—slightly higher than the prior month, it shows there’s still work to do in a state that leans hard into progressive economic policies. Conservatives might argue that a freer market approach could shave off even more of that percentage.
On crime, Moore has some bragging rights with Baltimore recording just 201 homicides in 2024, the lowest in a decade per police data.
It’s a step in the right direction, no doubt, but with Maryland’s violent crime rate still 17.1% above the national average, there’s little room for complacency. Tough-on-crime advocates would likely say softer policies aren’t helping close that gap.
Moore’s passion for his state shone through as he highlighted these stats, claiming Maryland is “moving” forward. While it’s hard to fault a governor for optimism, conservatives might see this as glossing over deeper systemic issues tied to years of left-leaning governance. Progress is progress, but at what cost to law and order?
Even with Moore bowing out, the 2028 Democratic field is already a crowded circus of progressive heavyweights. Names like California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, 2024 nominee Kamala Harris, and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are swirling in the speculation mill.
A recent Emerson poll put Newsom in the lead with 25% support among potential Democratic contenders, trailed by Buttigieg at 16% and Harris at 11%, with 23% undecided.
Moore wasn’t even on the radar in this survey, which might sting for his supporters but reinforces his claim of focusing on Maryland. Still, in politics, absence from a poll doesn’t mean absence from ambition.
Moore’s decision to step back from the national stage—at least for now—might be a strategic retreat rather than a full surrender. Conservatives watching this unfold can’t help but wonder if he’s playing the long game, building a stronger state-level resume before reconsidering. After all, politics is a marathon, not a sprint.
“I'm excited about re-election,” Moore said, doubling down on his commitment to Maryland’s future. It’s a noble sentiment, but conservatives might question whether his excitement translates to policies that prioritize individual freedom over government overreach. Time will tell if his vision aligns with the values many of us hold dear.
Moore also boasted about the state’s progress, from unemployment drops to crime reductions, as reasons to seek another term.
While the numbers offer some credibility, skeptics on the right might argue that true progress means rolling back progressive agendas that often burden taxpayers and businesses. Is this growth sustainable, or just a temporary win?