Gov. Moore’s closed-primary jab sparks buzz, but office says Maryland current system stays

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Gov. Wes Moore’s comments on HBO last week about closed primaries quickly drew attention in Maryland, prompting his office to clarify that he is not seeking to change the state’s current system.

Speaking with host Bill Maher last week, Moore said, “I think the closed primary process has run its course.”

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He argued that closed primaries should be re-evaluated because millions of voters are no longer affiliated with political parties.

“The fastest growing party in this country right now is independents,” Moore said.

In Maryland, where there are more than 2 million Democrats, there are now almost as many Independent voters as there are Republicans. But because Independents have no party affiliation, they cannot participate in the primary process.

“You have a system where more and more people are disenfranchised, more and more people are taken out of the process, and so I think the whole idea of a closed primary is one that has to be re-evaluated,” Moore said.

Because if you believe in democracy then let people’s voices be heard.”

After the interview, a spokesperson for the governor said Moore was not calling for changes to Maryland’s closed primary system. In a statement, the spokesperson said that during the interview, the governor “was not opining on Maryland’s closed primary system. The Governor supports the state’s current closed primary system and believes in working within it to expand participation.”

Political analyst John Dedie questioned Moore’s intent, suggesting the comments were aimed at a broader audience.

I think it was more for show than for actual sincerity,” Dedie said.

Dedie said the idea of opening primaries can be popular with voters and may help candidates appeal to moderates.

“I think the reason he floated it out there is…you’re trying to reach moderate middle voters and a lot of voters who are looking at candidates might see an idea like that and say ‘that’s a good idea’…Moore’s appealing now,” Dedie said.

In Maryland, voters are suing the state, demanding public funds no longer be used to fund elections, which exclude independent voters.

Despite Moore’s national comments, Dedie predicts there will be little follow-up in Maryland.

“I don’t think he’ll do anything to pursue it at all. I think it’s dead on arrival,” Dedie said.