UMBC poll shows Gov. Moore’s approval dips below 50% for first time

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — Gov. Wes Moore’s approval rating slipped below 50% for the first time of his tenure as he seeks a second term in office, according to a new poll from the University of Maryland Baltimore County.

The UMBC Poll showed 48% approve of Moore’s job performance, while 42% disapprove, and 9% are unsure. The poll surveyed 804 Maryland adults from March 17 through March 22, and 731 indicated they were registered voters. The margin of error is +/- 3.6%.

Of the people who indicated they don’t like how Moore has handled the state, 27% cited increased taxes and fees as the reason, 14% pointed to the state’s budget deficit, too much spending, and fiscal mismanagement, and 12% said it was due to the rise in cost-of-living expenses, including utility bills.

“Listen, it’s April Fool’s Day, but I think those polling results are accurate,” said House Minority Whip Jesse Pippy.

Pippy, a Republican representing Carroll and Frederick Counties, said policies from Annapolis under Moore’s time as governor are reasons why people are growing frustrated and aren’t as supportive of the first-term governor.

“I think they see that the Moore Administration has done very little to make Maryland more affordable,” he added.

The poll also showed 24% of people who disapprove of Gov. Moore’s job performance describe poor leadership and dishonesty as a reason not to support him. Moore has faced several stories over the years about his background and military history; FOX45 News first reported about his bronze star controversy on the campaign trail, and then again after the New York Times obtained copies of Moore’s White House Fellowship application.

FOX45 News also reported on Moore’s educational record during his time at Oxford University, which was also highlighted on the White House Fellowship application.

“Yeah, I mean, look, all of those issues are all self-inflicted,” Pippy said. “I think, the combination between, maybe some of his personal flaws, but also just the results in the state.”

Democrats were quick to push back on the poll results, pointing to economic anxiety across the country. Del. Nick Allen, D-Baltimore County, said people across the country are “feeling economic squeeze.”

“What we’re seeing is Marylanders in general, just like everyone else, is again feeling the economic pressure,” Allen said during an interview with FOX45 News. “But when it comes to Gov. Moore and what we’re doing in Maryland, especially, I think, you know, people should really feel a lot of confidence.”

Allen, and Moore’s campaign spokesperson Carter Elliott, pointed to policies coming from Washington as well as an explanation for economic uncertainty. President Trump “stripped away” SNAP and healthcare from people Elliott said, and 25,000 Marylanders lost their jobs.

“Of course, Marylanders aren’t happy right now,” Elliott said. “Every single day the president is directly attacking them.”

The budget this year didn’t include tax or fee increases, Elliott noted, and energy rebates are part of an energy package that lawmakers are poised to pass in the final days of the General Assembly session. The budget last session, however, did include $1.6 billion tax and fee increases.

“The Governor has a strong record of delivering on lowering costs and creating affordability despite the fact that Trump’s policies have created a worse economy, and we are confident that he will win big in November,” Elliott said.

The blame game won’t go over well with voters though, Pippy said. Marylanders look to the person leading the state, and right now, that’s Gov. Moore, he added.

“There are certainly some challenges coming from the federal government, but the majority of Maryland issues that we’re facing are self-inflicted from this administration,” Pippy said. “The fact that he can only come up with blaming others is just not acceptable.”

He’s the leader of the state. I think people expect him to lead, and he’s just not doing that, Pippy added.

The poll showed 59% of Marylanders believe the state is on the wrong track, while 30% believe it’s heading in the right direction.

Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook. Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.