Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, was asked about ongoing speculation over a potential presidential run during a Sunday appearance on CNN, to which he responded that he’s focused on serving his state.

Why It Matters

Democrats suffered major losses in last year’s election, losing the Oval Office and ceding ground in the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate. Republicans, meanwhile, saw significant electoral success, with President Donald Trump returning to office after winning the popular vote and the Electoral College.

Trump and his allies have repeatedly teased the idea of him seeking a third term, despite most legal analysts agreeing it would violate the U.S. Constitution as all presidents are limited to two terms in office.

​Democrats will have to mount a strong campaign in 2028 to regain lost seats in Congress and reclaim the presidency, and Moore is a rising voice within the party.

What To Know

During a Sunday appearance on CNN’s State of the Union, host Dana Bash and Moore spoke about the state of the Democratic Party, Maryland, and Trump policies.

At the end of the conversation, Bash asked Moore, “Are you ruling out a 2028 run for president?”

Moore laughed and said, “I am not focused on anything, except for making sure this is Maryland’s decade, no.” He continued to detail a new tax cut in the state, adding that he’s “really proud of what Maryland is doing and I’m focused on making sure we keep that progress going.”

Bash responded: “That certainly sounds like something that would fit on a national platform campaign bumper sticker.”

Moore’s press team pointed to his past comments and interviews on the subject, with director of communications David Turner telling Newsweek, “He’s said ‘no’ plenty” when asked about a presidential run.

Moore previously told Bloomberg in January when asked if he was contemplating running for president: “No. I’ve got the best job around. And I love the momentum we’re actually seeing in the State of Maryland.”

Earlier this month at the annual Gridiron Club dinner, Moore pushed back the speculations: “If I actually wanted to be president, I wouldn’t do any of this. Instead, I would take my case directly to the people who are in charge of our democracy: the Kremlin.”

Although the governor backed former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris‘ presidential campaigns in 2024, he has pledged to collaborate with Trump but has also called the president out over certain executive orders.

“I am very clear that I will work with this administration and find ways of finding common-sense solutions that are going to uplift Maryland,” he said during the Bloomberg interview.

Moore was elected to the top state post in 2022, with over 64 percent of the vote. He is eligible to run for a second term in 2026.

What Happens Next?

The Maryland gubernatorial race will take place on November 3, 2026, while the next presidential race is November 2028.