Wes Moore dives into 2028 race in South Carolina

COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA — Wes Moore’s Call to Action for Democrats

In a bold move that caught the attention of party insiders, Maryland’s first-term governor Wes Moore made an urgent appeal on Friday to a crucial Democratic constituency. He argued that the party must undergo significant adaptation and transformation to effectively counter the influence of President Donald Trump and to enhance the lives of the middle class if it hopes to regain political power.

“The era of being the party of bureaucracy, prolonged studies, and college debate club formalities is over,” Moore declared during his speech at the South Carolina Democrats Blue Palmetto Dinner. “We must embrace a new identity as the party of action.”

Historically, South Carolina has been a springboard for Democratic primary winners heading to the White House, and Moore’s prominent speaking engagement before the state’s politically connected elite only fuels speculation about a potential presidential bid in the near future.

In a state where Trump achieved an 18-point victory just months ago, Moore suggested that Democrats look to an unexpected source for inspiration: the president himself. “Urgency is the catalyst for change. And you know who grasps that concept exceptionally well? Donald Trump,” Moore stated. “Let me be clear: We can and must denounce Trump’s reckless behavior. Yet, it would be imprudent not to learn from his sense of urgency.”

Moore shared personal anecdotes about his connections to Charleston, where his grandfather was born, along with his military service and his record of fostering job creation and addressing crime during his tenure in Maryland. He underscored the precarious state of the nation and conveyed his “mission” to improve access to health care and ensure livable wages for those in need, contrasting this vision with Trump’s “reckless actions.”

At 46, Moore is regarded as one of the Democratic Party’s most promising emerging leaders, even catching the eye of Hollywood legend and Democratic megadonor George Clooney. While many Democrats are eager to move on from the disappointments of the last electoral cycle, Moore emphasized that the courage to fight must not be postponed until the next presidential election cycle. “Anyone fixated on 2028 lacks an understanding of the urgency we face in 2025,” he asserted.

Earlier that day, Moore visited the Scout Motors Production Facility in nearby Blythewood and had plans to attend a campaign-style fish fry following the dinner, further hinting at his aspirations for 2028.

However, his political journey has not been without controversy. As the only Black governor currently in the nation, Moore has faced backlash from some Democrats in both Maryland and South Carolina due to his veto of a reparations bill that aimed to examine historical racial inequalities in his state. This decision prompted state Rep. John King of South Carolina to call for Moore’s disinvitation from the gala. “The governor’s veto doesn’t just affect Maryland,” King stated, noting that it complicates the efforts of Black lawmakers nationwide. “It makes our jobs harder, and that’s something we cannot overlook.”

The reparations issue remains a contentious topic, with a 2022 Pew Research Center survey showing that 77% of African Americans support reparations, compared to fewer than 20% of white respondents.

In his veto letter, Moore suggested that given the economic challenges his state faces, funding “another study” on reparations is ill-timed. Moreover, like other Democrats eyeing the White House, he has been engaging in media appearances, including guest spots on podcasts, further solidifying his presence in the national conversation. Notably, he recently appeared on “The Breakfast Club,” discussing various topics including DOGE cuts and their implications for his state.

Despite limiting out-of-state engagements to focus on his responsibilities in Maryland, sources indicate that Moore still plans to hit the campaign trail in Virginia and New Jersey, both of which are gearing up for statewide elections this fall.