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Gov. Moore Holds Majority Approval, Leads Hogan in Polling

October 22, 2025

A recent poll for Maryland's 2026 gubernatorial race shows Democratic Governor Wes Moore leading former Republican Governor Larry Hogan by 45% to 37%, with 14% of respondents undecided. Moore, who is currently the nation's only Black governor in office, enjoys a 54% approval rating, with voters particularly appreciating his handling of transportation, education, and budget matters. While Moore recently received an endorsement from the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) and has been praised for his leadership during crises like the Key Bridge incident, some voters feel he hasn't sufficiently addressed issues like rising utility costs, reparations for slavery, and housing affordability.

Who is affected

  • Maryland voters and residents
  • Governor Wes Moore
  • Former Governor Larry Hogan
  • Maryland's educational system, students, and educators
  • Federal workers supported by Moore during Trump administration layoffs and shutdowns
  • Vulnerable students and communities receiving resources
  • Baltimore residents experiencing reduced crime levels
  • Marylanders dealing with rising utility costs, housing costs, and other economic challenges

What action is being taken

  • Governor Moore is campaigning for re-election with a focus on education funding and partnerships
  • The Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) has formally endorsed Moore at their October 18 convention
  • Moore is attending campaign events like the Tawes crab feast on the Eastern Shore
  • Polling organizations are conducting approval surveys and election polls to track public sentiment
  • Moore is working to reduce the educator shortage, which has decreased by 25% according to MSEA

Why it matters

  • The race represents a contest between Maryland's current Democratic governor and a popular former Republican governor
  • Moore's position as the nation's only Black governor in office and only the third elected in history holds historical significance
  • The outcome will determine leadership during a "pivotal time for our nation" as described by one observer
  • The election could impact funding and policy priorities for education, transportation, and economic issues
  • Hogan's potential candidacy tests whether his cross-party appeal can still attract Democratic voters in Maryland's predominantly blue political landscape
  • Moore's handling of key issues like the Key Bridge incident, COVID, and crime reduction in Baltimore has shaped his reputation

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer