Gov. Moore Holds Majority Approval, Leads Hogan in Polling

An early 2026 gubernatorial poll has Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) leading former Gov. Larry Hogan (R). 

The current governor maintains 45% of respondents compared to Hogan’s 37%, with 14% remaining undecided or neutral. 

Moore soundly defeated Dan Cox (R) in the 2022 gubernatorial general election, with more than double Cox’s vote total to become the nation’s sole Black governor in office and only the third elected in history. 

“His popularity has been well-earned and his leadership has been acknowledged across the aisle for his handling of the Key Bridge, navigating COVID and helping to reduce crime levels in Baltimore to the lowest levels we’ve seen in a generation,” lobbyist Daniel Carrington told The Informer. “I’m very glad I live in Maryland at this pivotal time for our nation.” 

A recent approval poll published by the Baltimore Banner shows 54% of respondents approve of Gov. Moore’s performance, while 36% of respondents disapprove and another 10% are neutral or not sure. Poll respondents rated his approach on transportation, education, and the budget as Moore’s strongest areas of focus. 

Some voters have also highlighted his strong stand in support of federal workers during the Trump administration’s layoffs and the ongoing shutdown. 

“If Gov. Moore can do anything, it’s to continue to provide compassionate leadership when it feels like a lot of people are left out to sea,” Baltimore resident Elizabeth Gall told the Baltimore Banner.

While Moore’s approval ratings have modestly improved since the summer, few respondents offered a particular achievement as Moore’s gubernatorial hallmark. In the Banner’s poll, more respondents were negative or neutral on Moore’s handling of rising utility costs, reparations for slavery, and housing costs.

“There is a sense about him that one starts to get in this poll that he hasn’t galvanized people, that he hasn’t done enough in their eyes, in these times,” said Steve Raabe of OpinionWorks, who conducted the statewide poll.

Support for the Current and Former Governors

While Hogan has not formally announced his candidacy, he teased a potential campaign in the past months, following his unsuccessful Senate campaign 2024. 

Moore attended the Tawes crab feast on the Eastern Shore in late September, a noted campaign stop for statewide candidates, while Hogan did not attend.

Part of Hogan’s past political success included registered Democrats and independents who voted for him over Democratic gubernatorial candidates, including in Prince George’s and Baltimore City. 

“Larry Hogan has always been a formidable politician. He does really well regarding retail politics and getting out and talking to voters,” said Mileah Kromer, the director of the UMBC Institute of Politics. “His particular strength has been in a blue state like Maryland; he’s been able to convince around 30% — at least in his two gubernatorial cycles— of Democrats to vote for him. That is no small feat in our really polarized country.”

With the governor fully on the campaign trail, the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA) endorsed Moore during their Oct. 18 convention in Ocean City. 

While speaking at the event, the governor touted his partnership with MSEA and record education funding during his term as governor.

“More than ever, our state, educators, and students need Wes Moore. Wes Moore is a champion for our public schools. The governor has worked with us to reduce the educator shortage by 25%,” said MSEA President Paul Lemle during the recent convention. “He has proved to us that he really will leave no one behind, investing historic resources to support our most vulnerable students and communities, and ensuring educators are at the table to address the most important issues in public schools. We are excited to stand shoulder to shoulder with him in this next election and continue our partnership.”