ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WBFF) — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore wants another four years in office, but with Election Day approaching, voters still don’t have direct answers to consequential questions.
Will he serve the full four-year term if reelected? And will Marylanders pay more in taxes and fees if he wins?
WHEATON, MD – NOVEMBER 05: Democratic Gubernatorial Candidate Wes Moore arrives at a campaign rally on November 5, 2022 in Wheaton, Maryland. Moore will face off against Trump-backed Republican Dan Cox in the general election on Tuesday. (Photo by Nathan Howard/Getty Images)
One of those unanswered questions raises yet another: Is Lt. Governor Aruna Miller prepared to lead Maryland through January 2031 if Moore successfully pursues national office?
Another question is how the state will pay its bills when lawmakers return to Annapolis in January, as the state stares down multibillion-dollar deficits through fiscal 2031.
Spotlight on Maryland has asked these questions in recent months and reached out again to Moore’s campaign on Friday, seeking answers for voters.
The campaign did not respond.
In September 2025, Moore was unequivocal. Asked on NBC’s “Meet the Press” whether he would complete a second term, he said: “Yes, I’ll be serving the full term.” He also dismissed a 2028 presidential run.
During Maryland’s Oct. 6 gubernatorial debate, the Democrat had another opportunity to make that commitment.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Maryland Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wes Moore talks with city residents after helping at a food distribution center at the Ruth Kirk Recreation Center September 16, 2022 in Baltimore, Maryland. Moore is running against Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
He did not and instead evaded a moderator’s push for a direct answer.
“I think I gave the answer. I’m committed to the people of Maryland, and that’s why I’m running for reelection,” Moore said.
Moore has repeatedly denied presidential ambitions, while expanding his national political appearances and out-of-state fundraising. His allies argue the national exposure can benefit Maryland.
Democratic strategist Len Foxwell told Spotlight on Maryland that the governor can “walk and chew gum at the same time.”
But if Moore resigns to seek higher office, Miller would automatically become governor. There would be no special election.
On Wednesday, Spotlight on Maryland asked Miller at a public event whether she is prepared to lead the state. She appeared to hear the question from a distance but did not respond.
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 26: Maryland Democratic lieutenant gubernatorial nominee Aruna Miller holds a campaign rally at the Stamp Student Union on the campus of the University of Maryland on October 26, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. If elected, Miller would be the Asian-American and immigrant to hold state-wide office. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
Del. Ryan Nawrocki, a Baltimore County Republican, told Spotlight on Maryland on Friday morning that these unanswered questions are reasons why he believes Moore has not “met the transparency standard Marylanders deserve.”
On questions about his own record, his administration, and his political future, the governor should welcome scrutiny and provide clear, complete answers,” Nawrocki said. “Public trust is earned through accountability.”
Del. C.T. Wilson, a Charles County Democrat, told Spotlight on Maryland by text that he has “had (and continue to have) disagreement on policy and approach,” but said he believes Moore is well-intended.
“While I may have issues with some of his cabinet secretaries, HE [Moore] has never misled or obfuscated his views and goals,” Wilson wrote on Friday. “I have never had any doubt that his intentions are to help our state.”
“This is an important distinction in Annapolis, with so many of my colleagues merely focused on personal ambition and self-aggrandizement,” Wilson added.
SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 22: Maryland Governor Wes Moore speaks to attendees during a get out to vote rally outside the polling center at the Silver Spring Civic Building on October 22, 2026 in Silver Spring, Maryland. Local candidates joined voters on the first day of early voting in Maryland. (Photo by Finn Gomez/Getty Images)
But Moore’s Republican challenger, former Del. Dan Cox, disagrees.
“Gov. Wes Moore owes Marylanders honest answers,” said Cox, who represented Frederick County in the state House. “He previously promised to serve a full four-year term but now refuses to clearly commit. He promised affordability, but raised taxes, increased fees, and presided over skyrocketing electric bills and multibillion-dollar budget deficits.”
“Serious questions remain about his false Bronze Star claim, government spending, and the failure to rebuild the Key Bridge,” Cox added.
In 2025, Moore signed a budget package that included nearly $1.6 billion in tax and fee increases, such as higher vehicle-related charges and a tax on certain technology services.
Since then, Moore has sidestepped questions about the significant increases that directly affect Marylanders’ wallets, saying he provided a “tax cut for the middle class.”
Those eligible for the claimed cut under Moore’s plan saw a few dollars in monthly savings on their state taxes or no change at all. Those same households also saw fee increases.
COLLEGE PARK, MARYLAND – OCTOBER 26: Maryland Democratic gubernatorial nominee Wes Moore addresses a campaign rally at the Stamp Student Union on the campus of the University of Maryland on October 26, 2022 in College Park, Maryland. An Army veteran, television host and former investment banker, Moore, who is leading Republican nominee Dan Cox, would be the first Black governor of Maryland if elected in November. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)
This year’s $70.8 billion budget avoided widespread tax and fee increases, but the next one presents a different challenge.
The administration has not announced another tax hike, but it will release its next budget proposal after Election Day.
Maryland’s legislative analysts project a $2.57 billion structural deficit for fiscal 2028. The Moore administration has been planning against a gap closer to $3 billion.
At the Maryland State Fair on Sept. 4, Spotlight on Maryland pressed Moore to promise no more tax or fee hikes during the 2027 legislative session. He declined, pointing instead to tax cuts and affordability measures.
We cannot do it on the backs of working families,” Moore said.
During the October debate, Moore again emphasized spending restraint and private investment rather than ruling out tax increases. Cox pledged not to raise taxes or fees.
The financial pressure also collides with unfulfilled promises like Baltimore’s Red Line. A proposed $96 million over six years would fund more planning, not construction of the long-delayed transit project Moore revived in 2023.
Moore would not answer Spotlight’s questions on Wednesday about whether the Red Line will be built in Baltimore.
Gov. Wes Moore, left, and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller unveil the Red Line signage after announcing the decision to make the Red Line a light rail project. (Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun)
Both Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Joseline Pena-Melnyk’s offices were asked if they believe Moore has been “honest and transparent” about the many unanswered questions dogging his administration.
Neither office responded on Friday.
Do you have any tips or information related to this story? Send news tips to gmcollins@sbgtv.com or contact Spotlight on Maryland’s hotline at (410) 467-4670.
Follow Gary Collins on X and Instagram. Spotlight on Maryland is a collaboration between FOX45 News, WJLA in Washington, D.C., and The Baltimore Sun.
This post was originally published on Fox 45 by Sinclair Media Group.
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