BALTIMORE, MD—Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) firmly ruled out a presidential run in 2028 during an appearance on NBC’s “Meet the Press” Sunday, emphasizing his commitment to serving a full second term as governor if re-elected in 2026.
Moore, 46, has been widely viewed as a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination, with his leadership during the 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse earning national attention. However, when pressed by host Kristen Welker about his ambitions for higher office, Moore was unequivocal.
“Yeah, I’m not running for president,” Moore said, responding affirmatively when asked if he was ruling out a 2028 bid. He reiterated his focus on Maryland, highlighting achievements such as reducing the state’s unemployment rate to 3.4% as of July 2025, one of the lowest in the nation, and achieving a ten-year low in Baltimore’s homicide rate in 2024.
“I’m excited about re-election,” Moore said. “Our population is growing, Maryland is moving, and so I’m really excited about going back in front of the people of my state and asking for another term.”
The first-term governor, who became Maryland’s first Black governor in 2022, also addressed ongoing tensions with President Donald Trump, who recently threatened to send National Guard troops to Baltimore to address crime. Moore rejected the proposal, noting that violent crime in Baltimore has dropped significantly without military intervention. He welcomed federal support from agencies like the FBI and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives but criticized Trump’s proposed budget cuts to those agencies.
Moore also signaled openness to mid-decade redistricting in Maryland, following a Republican-led push in states like Texas.
“All options are on the table,” he said, suggesting Maryland would not “sit on their hands” if other states redraw congressional maps to favor one party.
Speculation about Moore’s presidential ambitions has persisted despite his consistent denials, including earlier statements on ABC’s “The View” and CNN’s “State of the Union.” Political analysts note that Moore’s charisma, military service as an Afghanistan combat veteran, and Rhodes Scholar background make him a compelling figure for national office. However, his current focus remains on Maryland, where he faces re-election in 2026 in a heavily Democratic state.
Moore’s comments come as Democrats look to rebuild after significant losses in the 2024 elections. Other potential 2028 Democratic candidates include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. A recent Emerson poll showed Newsom leading with 25% support among Democratic primary voters, though 23% remain undecided.
While Moore’s decision closes the door on 2028, some observers note that politicians, including former President Barack Obama, have reversed similar pledges. For now, Moore appears focused on Maryland’s challenges, including navigating federal downsizing under the Trump administration and addressing a $3.3 billion state budget deficit.
“I’m excited about what I’m going to do for the people of Maryland,” Moore said, underscoring his commitment to his state over national ambitions.
