Moore: Southern U.S. Races 'In Play' for Democrats, Party Needs Earlier Investment

Maryland Governor Wes Moore asserted Sunday that several statewide races in the Southern United States are currently competitive for Democrats, a shift he attributes partly to the party's past underinvestment in the region. Moore, speaking on ABC News' "This Week," indicated that states like Florida, Mississippi, and South Carolina are "in play" this election cycle.

Moore stated that the Democratic Party had largely overlooked these areas for an extended period, which he believes has limited the election of candidates who could make significant historical impacts. "I am the third African American ever elected governor in the history of the United States of America. That's not because I'm the third African American ever qualified. That's because oftentimes there's been chronic underinvestment," Moore said.

He noted that while Democratic candidates in more traditionally competitive states like Texas, Iowa, Kansas, and Alaska have shown strong poll numbers, recent surveys suggest statewide races in states considered more Republican-leaning are also closer than anticipated. Moore highlighted his campaign's personal investment in the Texas gubernatorial campaign of Gina Hinojosa as an example.

"The assignment is to win," Moore stated, referencing candidates like Hinojosa, Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia, and Jermaine Johnson in South Carolina. "The assignment is to do things like making sure that we can provide health care for people. The assignment is to make sure that we can end child poverty. The assignment is to make sure that we can raise wages."

Moore expressed optimism about the Democratic base, describing it as not only energized but also enlarged. He believes this broader support is evident in his home state of Maryland and during his campaign appearances for other candidates nationwide. He attributed this enthusiasm to a desire for leadership that offers a "new direction" beyond opposing the actions of former President Donald Trump.

When questioned about potential presidential aspirations in 2028, Moore reaffirmed his commitment to his current role as governor of Maryland. "I wouldn't be running for re-election if I was thinking about anything else, to be clear. My entire focus right now is on the people of Maryland," he said.

Moore also offered brief descriptions of other prominent Democrats, calling Senator Mark Kelly a "Remarkable veteran," former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg "Remarkably competent," Governor Josh Shapiro a "Really solid advocate," Vice President Kamala Harris a "Really decent person and great vice president," Governor Gavin Newsom a "Strong leader," and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez a "Passionate advocate."