Posted on 05/07/24
| News Source: FOX45
While casting his ballot, Gov. Wes Moore made it clear who he’s supporting in the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Maryland, but also made it clear he’s not getting involved in another hotly contested race in the state – the Baltimore City mayoral primary.
Mayor Brandon Scott is seeking re-election and remains in a hotly contested primary as he faces several challengers, including former Mayor Sheila Dixon. Recent polling from FOX45 News, The Baltimore Sun, and the University of Baltimore, shows Scott has 38% of the vote, while Dixon has 35%; the margin of error was 4.7% in the poll, which was conducted April 7-11.
Monday, Gov. Moore voted early at the Pip Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis. He was asked if he planned to endorse a candidate in the Baltimore City mayoral primary.
“Now, 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,” Gov. 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 in Moore’s gubernatorial primary, Mayor Scott did not endorse him, but said it was still somewhat surprising Gov. Moore did not back Mayor Scott.
“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.”
At the polling location, Gov. Moore spoke about his support for Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive who is running in the U.S. Senate Democratic primary against Congressman David Trone. Gov. Moore said he believes Alsobrooks has “not just integrity, but also a grace that our state deserves.”
“I see the mettle of people when times are tough. 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,” Moore said.
But Gov. Moore made it clear that he plans to stay out of the mayoral race, which according to Dedie, could lead to some voters asking questions about why.
“In public, most politicians will talk about how much they love each other and how they support each other, but in private they may just not be able to get along with each other,” Dedie said. “It could lead people to wonder is there a clash?”
“I think when you have this non-endorsement, it may lead people to wonder, why isn’t the governor supporting him,” Dedie added. “The Moore endorsement would push this race over the finish line for whoever gets it.”
But as it stands right now, with just over one week until Primary Day, it appears like no one will get the backing of Gov. Moore in the race to be Baltimore City’s next mayor.