Democrat Governor Signals He May Run In 2028 Race

Now that Joe Biden has ridden off into the sunset and Kamala Harris suffered a humiliating defeat in November, the Democratic Party is left without a major contender to go against JD Vance in the 2028 election.

When it comes to potential Democratic presidential candidates, several names come to mind immediately, and they are former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez of New York, and Governor Gavin Newsom of California.

However, one name left off the shortlist is the Democratic Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore.

Governor Wes Moore’s recent move shows that he’s testing the waters for a potential presidential run.

Check out what Politico reported:

Wes Moore made an early and urgent appeal Friday to one of the nation’s most important Democratic constituencies.

The first-term governor of Maryland said Democrats must adapt and change to counter President Donald Trump and improve life for the middle class if they have any hope of returning to power.

“Gone are the days when we are the party of bureaucracy, multi-year studies, panels and college debate club rules,” Moore said in a speech before party insiders at the South Carolina Democrats Blue Palmetto Dinner. “We must be the party of action.”

South Carolina has a track record of vaulting Democratic primary winners to the White House, and Moore’s premium speaking slot before the state’s well-connected party leaders does little to tamp down speculation he’s kicking the tires on an upcoming presidential bid.

In a state where Donald Trump cruised to an 18-point victory nearly seven months ago, Moore said Democrats must also take cues from an unlikely instructor: the president himself.

“Urgency is the instrument of change. And do you know who understands that really well? Donald Trump,” Moore said. “I want to be clear: We can — and we must — condemn Donald Trump’s reckless actions. But we would also be foolish not to learn from his impatience.”

Moore talked about his roots in Charleston, where his grandfather was born, his Army service and record on crime and job creation in Maryland. He also spoke about the perilous times the country faces, and told the crowd that he is on a “mission” to help deliver adequate health care and livable wages for those who need them.

Is Wes Moore Running For President In 2028? pic.twitter.com/KeYwyzR6Eu

— Berney Flowers (@Berney_Flowers) May 8, 2025

Former Democratic Vice Presidential nominee Tim Walz was with Moore in South Carolina.

Take a look:

COLUMBIA, SC — Gov. Wes Moore rallied the Democratic troops at key political events in this early presidential primary state while insisting he’s not a candidate. https://t.co/q1y5HPgkCP pic.twitter.com/EEe0IMxMRt

— Sam Janesch (@samjanesch) May 31, 2025

Moore, however, has downplayed a possible run and told Maryland Matters he’s not running:

This year was no different, even if Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz — Kamala Harris’ 2024 running mate — said they’re not running for the 2028 nomination.

“I know I’m not running,” Moore told reporters Friday. “But the thing I’m also very clear about is that anyone who’s talking about 2028 is not taking 2025 very seriously.”

Moore and Walz, as well as Clyburn and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Jaime Harrison of Columbia, emphasized the importance of focusing on what’s happening now in Washington, D.C.

Proposed cuts to government safety nets like Medicaid and billionaire Elon Musk’s efforts to rapidly slash federal spending were among the topics the governors touched on Friday during speeches at the fish fry, as well as the state Democratic Party’s Blue Palmetto Fundraising Dinner the same night.

What’s your take?

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