Maryland Governor Wes Moore is rapidly gaining national attention — making appearances on popular TV shows like “The View,” giving commencement speeches at historically Black colleges such as Lincoln University in Pennsylvania, and preparing to address South Carolina Democrats later this month. The rising Democratic star is joining other party leaders in offering a vision for countering former President Donald Trump as he pushes forward with his second-term plans.
“We need to be a country that really gets to know each other again and works together and serves together,” Moore said following his recent commencement speech, where he encouraged unity through public service, even among people with different political views.
Moore’s optimistic tone comes as many Democrats express growing frustration with their party’s leadership. A recent poll found that only 38% of Democratic-aligned voters approve of how party leaders are performing, while 61% disapprove.
As Maryland’s first Black governor — and only the third Black person ever elected governor of any U.S. state — Moore has refrained from directly criticizing fellow Democrats but acknowledged the dissatisfaction felt by many voters.
“I think a lot of the frustration is justified. I get it. I don’t see how you can look at the situation that many people exist in, and think that everything is OK,” he said.
Moore advocates for a “culture of repair” — a strategy aimed at reconnecting with Americans who feel left behind. His approach includes several policies he has implemented in Maryland, such as raising the minimum wage sooner than scheduled, expanding apprenticeship opportunities, issuing mass pardons for cannabis-related offenses, and increasing taxes on the wealthy. While these policies have seen traction in a state with full Democratic control, they may be harder to advance in states with divided leadership.
During his Lincoln University address, Moore also leaned into patriotic themes — a message not commonly emphasized by many Democrats. As a combat veteran, he told graduates, “Patriotism is a responsibility of a lifetime,” while sharing the story of his grandfather, Rev. James Thomas, an alum of the university. Moore explained that his grandfather fled the U.S. as a child with his family to escape the Ku Klux Klan but later returned, believing the country “would be incomplete” without him.
“Loving your country doesn’t mean lying about its history,” Moore told graduates.
He described the nation as divided — not simply along political lines, but between those who weaponize patriotism and those who feel ashamed to show national pride. He called for an honest love of country that allows room for its complexities.
Across the Democratic Party, leaders are showing different approaches to Trump’s presidency. Some, like Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, have taken a confrontational stance, demanding a more aggressive response from Democrats. Others, such as Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, have sought collaboration where possible — including securing a new fighter jet mission for her state’s Air National Guard.
When asked whether Moore believes there’s room to work with the Trump administration, he expressed skepticism.
“While I will work with anyone, I will not bow down to anyone. We’re not built that way,” he said, adding that effective partnerships require mutual respect. Moore criticized what he described as attacks on Maryland by the administration, pointing to the impact of abrupt federal budget cuts on thousands of workers in the state.
Although Moore is preparing for reelection in Maryland, speculation is already building about a possible presidential run in 2028. During his appearance on “The View,” he repeatedly stated, “I’m not running,” when asked about a White House bid in the next election cycle. He emphasized his current focus: “My focus is exclusively on making sure this is going to be Maryland’s decade.”
He added, “I think anybody who is positioning themselves in 2025 for 2028 is not taking 2025 seriously.”
Later this month, Moore will travel to South Carolina — a crucial early primary state — to speak at a Democratic Party dinner. According to excerpts from his planned remarks, Moore is expected to highlight the importance of leadership during uncertain times.
“In this moment, our job is not to simply go into hiding until there’s another election. The measure of our success will be how we choose to lead,” he is expected to say.
