Lawmaker calls Gov. Moore’s town hall ‘political theater’

BALTIMORE (WBFF) — In a pre-taped town hall in Cambridge, Md., Governor Wes Moore addressed a range of topics with CBS’ Nora O’Donnell, including President Joe Biden, immigration, Jeffrey Epstein, and his political aspirations for 2028.

When directly asked whether he’s running for president in 2028, Moore was clear.

“I’m not running for president,” he said, but some critics remain unconvinced.

Republican Del. Kathy Szeliga, also a member of the Freedom Caucus in Maryland, criticized the town hall as “political theater” and suggested that Moore’s actions indicate he may be positioning himself for a future presidential or vice-presidential run.

“Lots of sound bites and it just looked like Wes Moore was auditioning for president or vice president,” Szeliga said.

Szeliga criticized the event for not having enough accountability for Moore’s handling of local matters, including the death of a foster care child, 16-year-old Kanaiyah Ward. She also noted Maryland’s string of audits – including the foster care system – were not brought up.

“He got softball questions. No one asked him about his failure to hold someone accountable,” she said.

Moore did address Maryland’s rising utility costs during the town hall, but follow-up questions were scarce. Despite specifics, Szeliga argued Marylanders are aware of how Gov. Moore has governed throughout his tenure.

“We know that he’s raised our taxes,” she said, questioning whether Moore is more focused on running the state or seeking higher office. “We know that he’s auditioning for president, and he’s leaving every Marylander behind.”