Bipartisan Maryland Leaders Praise Governor Moore’s Fourth State of the State Address

ANNAPOLIS, MD — Maryland leaders across state and local government; education; health care; and business are praising Governor Wes Moore’s fourth State of the State address, delivered today before a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly. The governor’s address highlighted the historic work that the Moore-Miller Administration has delivered for Marylanders and the work ahead to protect our people from Washington, D.C.’s relentless attacks, to deliver tangible results that make Marylanders’ lives better, and to lead our state forward.

Here’s what Maryland leaders are saying about Governor Moore’s fourth State of the State address:

“I’m proud of the work that the Moore-Miller administration has accomplished in our first term, and we’re not done yet,” said Lt. Governor Aruna Miller. “Governor Moore’s State of the State address made clear that Maryland is not standing still. Our vision is rooted in action and results—from driving drug overdose deaths and roadway fatalities to 10-year lows, to protecting our most vulnerable neighbors from federal actions. We are focused on delivering real results that Marylanders can see and feel in their daily lives.”

“Much of what Governor Moore outlined today reflects a shared dedication to the House agenda on Affordability, Accountability, and Opportunity,” said House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk. “On the bread and butter issues around making life more affordable, I especially appreciate the Governor’s focus on energy, housing, and health care. Data centers should have to cover the costs of their own power needs rather than straining the grid and burdening the ratepayers. Maryland has and will continue to step up and make sure health care coverage is affordable and available in the face of federal cuts. And we will find innovative ways to build more housing supply. I was deeply touched by the heartfelt way Governor Moore spoke about Maryland being a state of immigrants and that diversity is what gives us our strength. While we hold violent offenders accountable and support our local law enforcement, we also hold ICE accountable and demand Constitutional policing. And the Governor’s focus on educational opportunity for our students, teacher recruitment, career readiness, and apprenticeships creates pathways to future prosperity for our people, our businesses, and our state.”

“Baltimore’s Renaissance is here, which makes it all the more important for our city to have a real ally in Annapolis,” said Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott. “Governor Moore understands that the success of Maryland depends on the success of Baltimore. We look forward to working with the governor to continue our progress on public safety, economic development, job creation, and housing—including to address the vacants crisis.”

“The Moore-Miller Administration has shown what’s possible when state and local governments work together through bold partnership and innovation,” said Rockville Mayor Monique Ashton. “I appreciate the focus on progress for every Maryland community to support job creation and economic development; affordability; education; and an unwavering commitment to protect our people. Maryland is proving that we can get big things done—even in the face of uncertainty when we work together with vision and courage.”

“Howard County and Maryland lead by getting things done through bold action, strong partnerships, and innovation that puts people first,” said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. “At a time when chaos and division persist in our community, Governor Moore’s leadership demonstrates that Maryland is choosing progress. From historic investments in education and public safety to protecting health care and food assistance to building a future powered by innovation, Governor Moore continues to embody what effective leadership looks like. With his vision, Maryland will continue to lead with courage, excellence, and a commitment to leaving no one behind.”

“I applaud Governor Moore’s State of the State Address,” said Prince George’s County Executive Aisha Braveboy. “I am confident that he will continue his commitment to strengthening partnerships across the state and to the goal of delivering for all Marylanders, including protecting families against the impact of federal cuts.”

“Maryland is navigating serious headwinds right now, and we are fortunate to have Wes Moore as governor, who is facing these challenges with both honesty and determination,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “As Marylanders, we don’t sit still when times are tough. We respond. We adjust. We govern. Governor Moore has a clear plan and path. Montgomery County looks forward to continued collaboration and partnerships with the Moore-Miller administration.”

“Governor Moore is working in partnership with local governments to protect essential services and create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive,” said Frederick County Executive Jessica Fitzwater. “Together, we remain focused on investments in education, economic growth, affordable housing, and public safety to create a brighter and more equitable future for all.”

“Delivering strong job growth, investments in our education system, and economic opportunities for all remains essential to Maryland’s long-term stability and competitiveness,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “We appreciate the Moore-Miller Administration’s continued focus on protecting our workforce and our communities, sustaining critical services, and partnering with local jurisdictions during a challenging budget year. Even in a difficult fiscal year, we look forward to working with the governor to prioritize responsible investments that support our residents and economy for the future.”

“Today’s State of the State Address reminded Marylanders that in order to win, you must play both defense and offense,” said Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman. “Governor Moore is protecting us from federal cruelty and lawlessness while aggressively pursuing the kinds of economic growth that leave no one behind.”

“I have seen firsthand Governor Moore’s unwavering commitment to protecting Marylanders in every corner of our state—regardless of party,” said Westernport Mayor Judy Hamilton. “In our time of need, he has been a true partner to Westernport, providing the support and resources necessary for our community to continue our recovery. Because of his partnership, Westernport is not just rebuilding—we are building a stronger, more resilient future for every family who calls this town home.”

“The City of Annapolis looks forward to working collaboratively with Governor Moore and Lieutenant Governor Miller,” said Annapolis Mayor Jared Littman. “I appreciate their tireless efforts to make housing more accessible, promote economic growth, and reduce crime across our state. Together, we can build on our existing partnership to achieve shared goals.”

“Economic development is where results matter most, and as a Republican mayor, I believe in giving credit where it’s earned,” said Rising Sun Mayor Travis Marion. “Under the Moore-Miller Administration, Maryland has made real progress in job creation and business growth that supports Main Street and local communities. Growing our economy should never be a partisan issue, and I appreciate an approach that recognizes strong local economies as the foundation of strong communities.”

“This is great news for our state’s veterans and it is a credit to the staff at Charlotte Hall who have worked to improve the quality of care that our veterans receive,” said Senator Jack Bailey. “I am happy to see that their efforts and the collaboration between the governor, the Department of Veterans and Military Families, the General Assembly, and so many others in our community has resulted in improved care for our veterans, and I look forward to seeing this improvement continue in the years to come.”

“Governor Wes Moore is committed to the long-term growth and prosperity of our state,” said Senator Karen Lewis Young. “As the fastest growing county in the state, the governor has recognized that Frederick has the key requisites for success in contributing toward this goal. His strategic investments in AstraZeneca’s facilities and the Downtown Hotel and Conference Center are critical components of maximizing economic opportunity.”

“The speech was awesome and showed what a visionary leader the governor is,” said Delegate Aaron Kauffman.

“I think the governor did a great job highlighting the accomplishments of his administration,” said Delegate Nicole Williams. “I think he discussed the affordability concerns and rising utility bills that we are hearing from everyday Marylanders.”

“The Moore-Miller Administration’s commitment to transformative investments like Southern Maryland Rapid Transit demonstrates a clear understanding that economic growth, workforce access, and quality of life are all connected,” said Board of Charles County Commissioners Vice President Ralph Patterson. “I stand firmly in support of these efforts and I look forward to partnering with the administration to deliver real, lasting progress for Charles County residents. Governor Moore’s bold, forward-looking agenda reflects exactly the kind of leadership Maryland needs at this extraordinary moment in history.”

“I appreciate Governor Moore’s focus on economic development that creates family-sustaining wages and financial stability,” said Howard County Councilmember Christiana Rigby. “His commitment to expanding housing options is essential to ensuring everyone can afford to live and thrive here. When we connect stable housing with quality jobs, we build a stronger and more prosperous state for every Marylander to call home.”

“I’m proud of the demonstrated leadership of Governor Moore to ensure local and state governments are aligned in delivering real results for Baltimore’s District 10 and communities across Maryland,” said Baltimore City Councilwoman Phylicia Porter. “Together, we are protecting families from harmful federal cuts, easing rising energy costs, and confronting the housing crisis head-on. That’s what leadership demands—values-driven solutions built through thoughtful dialogue and decisive action.”

“Sphere Entertainment is looking forward to partnering with Governor Moore and stakeholders to make the vision of Sphere National Harbor a reality,” said Sphere Entertainment Executive Vice President David “Digger” Granville-Smith. “Through this partnership, we can deliver a transformative project for the State and the region.”

“We thank Governor Wes Moore for his strong statement in his State of the State address about the importance of protecting the Medicaid program from federal attacks,” said Maryland Health Care For All Coalition President Vincent DeMarco. “We urge the General Assembly to make no cuts to the governor’s strong Medicaid and other health care budget items, and provide the resources needed to protect Marylanders enrolled in Medicaid from new federal restrictions on the programs.”

“This year’s challenging respiratory season reminded us how quickly rising patient volumes can strain emergency departments and inpatient units,” said Maryland Hospital Association President and Chief Executive Officer Melony G. Griffith. “Each year, Maryland hospitals and health systems care for more than 4.9 million people, and during this respiratory surge, our teams once again worked around the clock to meet rising demand. We thank Governor Moore and his team for partnering with hospitals, through the Health Services Cost Review Commission, to deliver critical respiratory surge funding that helps ensure continued access to care. We are grateful to this administration for recognizing that Care Takes All of Us and for their support for hospitals and the communities they serve across Maryland.”

“In a time of unprecedented challenges for healthcare systems in Maryland and nationwide, collaboration is essential; Governor Moore’s recent visit to University of Maryland Capital Region Health was a clear and powerful reminder of how partnership is the foundation of a strong healthcare system,” said University of Maryland Medical System President and Chief Executive Officer Mohan Suntha, MD. “By delivering critical resources during the recent surges in respiratory illnesses, the State and the University of Maryland Medical System are continuing our history of working together to keep communities, patients, and frontline team members safe and resilient in the face of public health challenges. UMMS remains fully committed to working alongside the Moore Administration and all of our partners at the State as we continue to strengthen access to world-class care for every Marylander.”

“Good policy and strong investments set the stage for real progress,” said Maryland State Education Association President Paul Lemle. “Thanks to the governor’s focus on education funding and educator-informed policies that will make education a viable career for everyone, we’re seeing significant progress in closing the educator shortages that have persisted in schools across the state for years. And when we see more educators in our schools, more high-level credentials, and fewer vacancies, then the result is greater support and success for our students.”

“Maryland is making a necessary shift to diversify its economy,” said Greater Baltimore Committee President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Anthony Thomas. “For decades, federal investment flowed to this state because of the same assets that make us attractive to private industry and long-term growth. Building on those strengths to expand private-sector opportunity is the next logical step. We commend Governor Moore for prioritizing that shift and for treating business as a true partner in the work. Now the focus turns to disciplined execution, aligning capital, industry, and institutions, particularly in the Baltimore Region, to drive sustained economic growth,”

“The Semiquincentennial is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Maryland to tell its own unique story in an inclusive statewide observance of 250 years since the founding of our nation,” said Maryland 250 Commission Director Michele W. Johnson. “Guided by the themes of history, civics, and service, the MD 250 Commission is proud to partner with state and local government, ethnic commissions, heritage areas, nonprofits, and service organizations in support of 250th events, programs, exhibits, and untold stories statewide. With a commitment to ensuring every Marylander feels a part of the 250th, we thank Governor Moore for his steadfast leadership and look forward to our continued partnership in bringing this celebration of Maryland to life.”

“As a principal, I know firsthand that the success of our students depends entirely on the strength and support of our educators,” said 2026 Maryland Principal of the Year Dr. Ryan Durr. “Governor Moore’s State of the State address offers a visionary path forward, prioritizing the investments needed to recruit, retain, and empower a world-class teacher workforce. These resources are essential for leaders at schools like Meade High School to provide every child with a high-quality education, and I am encouraged by the governor’s continued support of our teachers—who lay the foundation of our children’s future.”

“I'm deeply honored to be recognized as Maryland’s Teacher of the Year, and I am inspired by the direction our state is moving under Governor Moore’s leadership,” said 2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year ALonna Soward-Puryear. “His historic investment in K–12 education reflects a clear understanding of what educators have always known. Every child deserves access, opportunity, and the support they need to thrive. By prioritizing our classrooms, he’s not just investing in schools, he’s investing in equity, workforce readiness, and a future where every student has greater access to the resources, support, and confidence needed to reach their full potential.”

“As a school counselor, my focus is on amplifying the potential in every student—academically, socially, and emotionally,” said 2026 American School Counselor Association National Counselor of the Year Danielle Crankfield. “Governor Moore's historic investment in public education, backed by his initiatives to build a strong educator workforce, provides a critical foundation for every Maryland student to not just succeed, but thrive in and beyond the classroom.”

“It is an honor to serve the veterans who call Charlotte Hall home,” said Charlotte Hall Veterans Home Assistant Administrator Emily Kanavage. “The progress we’ve made—from a one-star to a four-star CMS rating—reflects the dedication of our entire team and the strong partnership between the Maryland Department of Veterans and Military Families and Pruitt Health. I’m grateful for Governor Moore’s commitment to ensuring our veterans receive the dignity, respect, and quality care they deserve.”

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