While casting his early ballot, Maryland Governor Wes Moore made a notable endorsement in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, but remained neutral in another hotly contested race – the Baltimore City mayoral primary.

Moore voiced his support for Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County Executive, who is running against Congressman David Trone in the Senate primary. The governor praised Alsobrooks’ “integrity” and “grace,” stating, “I have seen her lead in difficult times. I have seen her lead during COVID, I have seen her lead when negotiations are difficult for multiple parties.”

However, when asked about the Baltimore City mayoral race, where incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott faces stiff competition from challengers like former Mayor Sheila Dixon, Moore remained impartial. Recent polling shows Scott with a narrow lead over Dixon, with 38% and 35% of the vote respectively.

“As an Annapolis resident, I think that what is going to happen in Baltimore City is going to be a very important race to pay attention to and follow,” Moore said. “We are looking for the right partners for the long term. I’m thankful for the partnership we have currently with Mayor Scott, but I have chosen not to endorse in that race.”

Political analyst John Dedie noted that Scott did not endorse Moore during the gubernatorial primary, but expressed surprise at the governor’s decision not to back the incumbent mayor. “I think it hurts the incumbent Mayor Brandon Scott more,” Dedie said. “I would be more concerned if I was the Scott Campaign because I think most people thought that endorsement was in the bag.”

Dedie speculated that the lack of endorsement could lead some voters to question the relationship between Moore and Scott, suggesting a potential “clash” between the two politicians.

As Primary Day approaches, Governor Moore’s endorsement in the Senate race and his neutrality in the mayoral contest have added an intriguing dynamic to these high-stakes elections in Maryland.