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History has been made in Maryland after the Democrat-dominant state elected its first Black governor, Wes Moore, 44, NBC reported.
Moore, a best-selling author, ran against and defeated Republican opponent Dan Cox, returning the governor’s office to blue. Prominent figures like former President Barack Obama and Oprah Winfrey endorsed Moore, while former President Donald Trump endorsed Cox.
The 44-year-old combat veteran announced he was running for governor in February 2021 and ran under the slogan “leave no one behind.” A few weeks ago, Cox and Moore engaged in a political debate, and Moore gave an open statement about where the slogan originated and his intentions as governor.
“This could be Maryland’s moment,” Moore started his statement. “We have amazing people and incredible potential, but not everybody’s in a position to succeed, and I understand that. I was raised by an immigrant single mom after my dad died. I joined the army and learned a basic principle, ‘leave no one behind.’ And as your governor, that will be the new mission for the state of Maryland.”
Moore’s campaign mainly focused on creating equal opportunities for the state of Maryland. Some of the issues he mentioned are the economy, transportation, gender equality, LGBTQ+, education, civil rights and social justice, veterans, abortion, health care, employment, and equal opportunities for Black families.
Cox only received 37.1% of Maryland’s votes (562,331 votes), while Moore got more than half of Maryland’s votes—59.8% (906,765 votes).
During the debate, Cox said that he was the only candidate with more governmental experience, taking a hit at the fact that it was Moore’s first time running for public office. The Republican continued stating he has “stood with” Maryland Governor Larry Hogan’s policies and called Moore a phony.
“We’re watching a perfect indication as to why Governor Hogan called you unfit to lead,” the Alpha Phi Alpha member clapped back. “We’re watching a perfect indication as to why Governor Hogan has said, ‘Not only will I not support Del. Cox, I won’t even give him a tour of the governor’s office.’ Frankly, I’m standing on stage right now with an extremist election denier whose rhetoric and whose policies are not just dangerous and divisive but will take our state backward.”
Cox’s attendance at the Jan. 6, 20221 “Stop the Steal” rally was brought up, which occurred before Trump’s supporters invaded the Capitol.
Watch the whole debate below.