Maryland Governor Wes Moore delivered his fourth State of the State address on February 11, 2026, before a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis, marking a pivotal moment in both his administration and the state’s political landscape. As the first Black governor of Maryland nears the end of his first term, Moore’s speech was closely watched, not just for its policy announcements but for its tone and vision as the June primary and November general election loom.
Moore opened his address by acknowledging the historic presence of House Speaker Joseline Peña-Melnyk, the first Afro-Latina to serve in that role, and paid tribute to a legacy of leaders who, he said, always put Maryland first. The governor’s remarks set the stage for a sweeping review of his administration’s accomplishments, as well as a candid reflection on ongoing challenges and the path ahead.
Central to Moore’s message was an emphasis on economic growth and job creation. According to The AFRO, Moore highlighted that Maryland has created around 100,000 new jobs during his tenure and seen over 35,000 new businesses open across the state. He attributed this progress to deliberate investments in public schools, universities, community colleges, and innovative career pathways, including a first-in-the-nation Service Year Option. “We cut the red tape. We launched programs to get liquidity in the hands of entrepreneurs,” Moore said, underscoring his administration’s focus on making Maryland “the best place in the world to change the world.”
Public safety was another major theme, with Moore touting a nearly 50 percent drop in homicides statewide—a historic decline that, as he noted, means Baltimore’s murder rate is at its lowest since before he was born. He credited the ENOUGH Initiative, which channels funding to neighborhoods most affected by intergenerational poverty, and highlighted the importance of addressing the root causes of violence. “You cannot address violent crime if you aren’t addressing the failed conditions in communities where violence is living at,” Moore stated, as reported by The AFRO.
Moore also celebrated the transformation of the Charlotte Hall Veterans Home, which went from a one-star to a four-star rated facility, and pointed to procurement reforms that have reduced wait times for state contracts while advancing over $4.3 billion to minority-owned and disadvantaged businesses. “We’ve delivered enormous progress together. But there is still work to do,” he said, according to his prepared remarks.
One of the most closely scrutinized parts of Moore’s address was his call for the State Senate to advance his mid-cycle redistricting efforts. The Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission, reestablished months ago, presented its recommendations, leading the House of Delegates to pass a revised map. However, disagreement persists between the House and Senate. Moore was unequivocal: “Do not let the democratic process die in the free state. Debate it, discuss it, make adjustments if necessary, and put it to a vote. That’s how we settle our differences in Maryland.” The AFRO noted that some boos were heard following these remarks, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue.
The redistricting debate in Maryland mirrors similar moves in both Democratic- and Republican-led states nationwide, as parties seek to shore up their congressional seats ahead of the midterm elections. Senate President Bill Ferguson’s office expressed surprise at the prioritization of redistricting in Moore’s speech, but indicated a willingness to remain respectful and engaged, even as the Senate pursues its own agenda.
Moore’s address did not shy away from criticism of the federal government. He cited the loss of 25,000 federal jobs in Maryland over the past year—the largest such cut in any state—and warned that up to 180,000 Marylanders could lose health care, with more than 680,000 at risk of losing food assistance under the President’s domestic policy agenda. “Washington is using this moment to attack and to limit and to retreat. So in Maryland, we will use this moment to protect, deliver, and lead,” Moore said, drawing a sharp contrast between state and federal priorities.
To counter these federal actions, Moore announced that Maryland is filling a $40 million gap in SNAP funding and has proposed $14 billion for Medicaid, which serves over 1.4 million residents. Importantly, he emphasized that these investments were made without raising taxes or fees, and that his proposed budget for the coming year is smaller than the previous year’s General Fund.
Moore also addressed the pressing issue of rising costs, particularly energy prices. He noted that energy prices are up 13 percent nationwide, and that Marylanders are feeling the pinch. Last year, the state provided $200 million in direct energy rebates, and this year, Moore has introduced legislation for an additional $100 million in rebates. “To all Marylanders who are worried about skyrocketing energy prices, I am here to say in a loud and a collective voice: We hear you, and help is on the way,” he declared.
Innovation and future-readiness were also front and center. Moore announced a $4 million investment in hands-on training for workers to succeed in the artificial intelligence economy, and detailed how AI would soon help Marylanders navigate SNAP, Medicaid, unemployment insurance, and child care subsidies. The new Sphere venue in Prince George’s County—only the second of its kind in the U.S.—is expected to bring 2,500 construction jobs, 4,750 operational jobs, and generate $1 billion annually, further boosting Maryland’s economic prospects.
Education was another highlight, with Moore recognizing Black educators such as Danielle Crankfield (2026 American School Counselor Association National Counselor of the Year), Dr. Ryan Durr (2026 Maryland Principal of the Year), and ALonna Soward-Puryear (2026 Maryland Teacher of the Year). “Dr. Ryan Durr is the Principal of Meade High School in Anne Arundel County. He is committed to academic excellence and has increased English Language Arts scores by 13 points,” Moore said, according to The AFRO. The governor also announced a historic $10 billion investment in public schools, emphasizing targeted initiatives like the new Academic Excellence Program and efforts to cut teacher vacancy rates in half.
Reactions to Moore’s address were mixed along party lines. Senate Republican Minority Whip Justin D. Ready criticized the governor for not addressing high energy bills and the cost of living more directly, calling his comments “tepid” and “warmed-over platitudes.” Meanwhile, State Delegate Stephanie Smith praised Moore’s leadership and willingness to work across the aisle. “We saw what a real leader looks like. It’s not about being perfect all the time, but being able to acknowledge where you can do more and work with people on all sides of the aisles to make things happen,” Smith told The AFRO.
Reflecting on his time in office, Moore was candid about the challenges of building relationships in Annapolis and navigating the complexities of democracy. “It’s messy. It’s combative. It’s complicated. That’s not a flaw, it’s a feature,” he said, capturing the spirit of a state—and a leader—determined to press forward, no matter the obstacles.
As Maryland heads into a consequential election year, Moore’s State of the State address offered both a celebration of progress and a call to action, laying out a vision that is at once ambitious, pragmatic, and deeply rooted in the belief that Maryland’s best days are still ahead.