Moore kicks off 2026 reelection bid with high-energy rallies and promises to ‘finish the job’

By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to The AFRO

Several hundred supporters of Maryland Gov. Wes Moore waved signs, shouted words of encouragement and participated in line dances along to “grown folks” tunes played by local personality DJ QuickSilva, while anxiously awaiting Moore’s arrival at Prince George’s Community College in Maryland on May 2.

Over the last several weeks, Moore has been crisscrossing the state, taking the pulse of Maryland voters, touting his administration’s accomplishments over the past four years, and vowing to “finish the job” if given the opportunity. 

And on May 2, appearing first in Baltimore at the B&O Railroad Museum, and later in Prince George’s County, Moore officially launched his 2026 reelection campaign. 

Moore, joined by Lt. Gov. Aruna Miller, as well as their spouses, Dawn Moore and David Miller, respectively, said he’ll continue to focus on community safety, education and economic development during his second term. 

Moore promised – harkening back to the mantra he said he first learned at 17 when he joined the U.S. Army – to continue fighting and to “leave no one behind.”

“My mother, who’s here today, along with other family members and friends, often told us, ‘If you never forget who you’re fighting for, you’ll never stop fighting for them,’” he said. “And Maryland, I will never stop fighting for you.” 

Moore’s running mate, the former Maryland state delegate who spoke before Moore took the podium, said she knows what it’s like to fight for one’s self and for others. 

“I came to this country at the age of 7 and did not speak a word of English,” Miller said. “When you’ve spent your life as the underdog, you never forget who has helped you along the way. And you never stop fighting for others, especially those just like you.”

She highlighted the work their administration has accomplished, including reducing drug overdose fatalities and making roads safer for construction workers, but said as “an engineering nerd,” she’s most proud of the inroads they’ve secured in education.

“We continue fighting to increase opportunities in STEM education and STEM careers so young women and people of color can see themselves becoming scientists, engineers or entrepreneurs,” Miller said. “We want our children to believe they can be anything they want to be and Governor Moore and I will never stop fighting for you, for your kids, or for your future.” 

Senior citizens salute their governor

A small contingent of senior citizens, all friends who live in the same community, sat in a section reserved for them and agreed they’re pleased with the improvements they’ve seen since Wes Moore was elected governor. 

“I met Wes Moore when he was just making up his mind to run for office and I was immediately impressed,” said Marcia Milton, 67, who lives in Mitchellville, Md. “He cares about people – everyone – and he can relate to all kinds of folks. We have a lot of dishonest people in government today but I believe in Wes Moore.”

“Sure, tough decisions have to be made sometimes,” she continued, “but he’ll make the right ones because unlike so many others, he doesn’t have a hidden agenda. Nor does he have to pay others back for favors.” 

Upper Marlboro, Md. resident Betty Mayes, 77, said she’s always liked Moore because he served his country. 

“I am a retired veteran and former officer in the Army, so I like to believe we think alike,” Mayes said. “Of course, I need the governor to help reduce taxes and costs, because it’s getting harder for me to make ends meet. I suppose I could move to Delaware where the taxes are lower. But I like it here, and I like the job our governor is doing. So, I’m staying. Do I support him? Definitely.” 

Partnerships make the difference for successful outcomes 

Aisha Braveboy, the county executive of Prince George’s County, said having a partner like the governor has been instrumental in the achievements she made since assuming her position in June 2025 following a special election. 

“We were facing some tough challenges when I started: a $170 million structural deficit, the loss of Six Flags, the Commanders’ announcement that they were leaving, and the president’s desire to furlough or dismiss federal workers,” Braveboy said. “But I had a partner: Wes Moore. So, I put my head down and got to work.

“Within six months, we were able to zero out the deficit. After that, we realized we needed to grow our economy so we wouldn’t have to face similar financial challenges again. Under the governor’s leadership, we’ve secured a new project, the Sphere National Harbor, that will generate $1.6 billion in economic benefits for Prince George’s County. With his help, our county will become the tech hub of this region. We’re on the way, thanks to Governor Wes Moore.” 

Dawn Moore, the first lady of Maryland, highlighted statistics related to economic development within the county and significant investments statewide, before sharing a more personal assessment of the governor. 

“He goes to bed every night thinking about how to run things tomorrow better on your behalf, he never gets tired, and he never breaks his word,” she said. “He’s my North Star, the only sitting Black governor in the United States, and my best friend. And he’s just getting started.” 

The post Moore kicks off 2026 reelection bid with high-energy rallies and promises to ‘finish the job’ appeared first on AFRO American Newspapers.