Maryland Governor Wes Moore Cites 64,000 New Businesses in Victory Speech

Governor Wes Moore declared Maryland prepared for the future following his reelection, citing the creation of 64,000 new local businesses over the past three and a half years. Speaking to a crowd in Annapolis on Tuesday, Moore presented the figure as a central metric of his administration’s economic strategy.

Moore, who assumed office in 2023, marked his tenure with historical firsts as the first Black governor of Maryland. He described his path to the top as an unlikely journey, noting that he did not come from a family accustomed to making policy but rather one that often suffered its consequences.

The governor attributed his governing philosophy to his time in the military, where he served starting at age 17. He stated that the principle of not leaving anyone behind evolved from a combat maxim into the core framework of his leadership.

Moore rejected what he called a false choice in politics that treats governance as a zero-sum game. He argued that traditional political narratives often leave the same groups with nothing, while his approach prioritizes collective advancement.

In his assessment of the state’s performance, Moore pointed to historic declines in violent crime across Maryland. He also acknowledged the economic challenges posed by federal policies, noting that the state lost more than 31,000 jobs as a result of national economic shifts.

The governor emphasized the importance of empathy in leadership, saying residents have had the chance to celebrate and mourn together. He expressed gratitude for the support that secured his reelection and reaffirmed his commitment to navigating upcoming challenges.

Moore concluded his address by thanking the citizens of Maryland. He stated that he felt honored to lead the state forward, ending with a direct declaration that the administration was ready to guide Maryland toward the future.