Blue State Governor And Rumored 2028 Contender Rules Out Presidential Run

Governor Wes Moore (D-MD) declared his intention to remain in his home state and seek reelection, telling NBC anchor Kristen Welker that he did not have it in mind to seek the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028.

Moore, who has been floated as a possible contender on numerous occasions, has recently been involved in a public exchange-of-words with President Donald Trump over violent crime rates in big cities like Baltimore — and once even dared the president to walk the streets in his state to prove that it was safe.

But despite rumblings within his party that he might be a top choice going into 2028, Moore said unequivocally on Sunday’s “Meet the Press” that he planned to seek reelection in Maryland — and that he intended to serve another full term as governor.

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Wes Moore: “I’m not running for president” pic.twitter.com/j0JJ5AhRFH

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“Before I let you go, you have not announced if you are running for reelection,” Welker prompted the Maryland governor. “If you do, do you commit to serve a full term?”

“Yes, I will be serving a full term,” Moore declared. “I’m excited about reelection, I’m excited about what I’m going to be able to do for the people of Maryland.”

“Do you rule out a run for president, Governor?” Welker pressed for a more definitive answer.

“Yeah, I’m not running for president,” he confirmed.

Welker appeared shocked by the declaration: “You rule it out?”

“Yes,” Moore was insistent. “I’m not running for president.”

“You completely rule it out?” she asked again.

“I’m so excited about what we’re doing,” Moore continued. “We’ve gone from 43rd in the country in unemployment to now one of the lowest unemployment rates. We’ve had amongst the fastest drops in violent crime anywhere in the United States of America. Our population is growing, Maryland is moving, and so I’m real excited about going back in front of the people of my state and asking for another term.”