By Charlotte Ormond, Calista Sybrant, Joe Wicke

Capital News Service

BALTIMORE _ Gov. Wes Moore won his reelection bid Tuesday defeating his Republican opponent Dan Cox and securing his second term as Maryland’s governor.

“We’ve endured a lot, but together we’ve persevered,” Moore told the crowd at his victory party in Baltimore. “And tonight, I’m humbled to lead Maryland into the future.”

The race was called early by the Associated Press, soon after polls closed at 8 pm. The contest was a rematch of a 2022 battle when Moore beat Cox with nearly two-thirds of the vote.

“I just want you to know, there is hope,” Cox said in a concession speech Tuesday night. “There is hope in the fact that your voices will not be silenced.”

He urged Moore to “listen to the people of Maryland. They’re fed up. They’re overtaxed, overfeed. They cannot afford this state.”

This election Moore focused much of his campaign on addressing affordability, investing in education and pushing back against President Donald Trump’s policies.

Moore has also urged voters to support a constitutional amendment on the ballot, known as Question 3, that would change the rules for how congressional maps are drawn in Maryland. Voters approved the amendment Tuesday.

“Maryland voted to protect the great gift of democracy,” he told the crowd.

Cox has criticized Moore’s policies, saying people are leaving Maryland because of the high cost of living. Cox focused his campaign on affordability and lower taxes. He also pushed for a statewide moratorium on data centers and speeding up the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

“Do you know what we have that Wes Moore doesn’t have? We have people,” Cox said at a campaign event last week. “We have the people and they are concerned, and they are absolutely working hard with us, for us, and they’re ready for change.”

Critics have questioned Moore’s commitment to serving out his second term, with some speculating a potential run for president. In the only gubernatorial debate last month, Moore, however, would only say he was “committed to the people of Maryland.”

“That’s why I’m running for re-election,” he said.

At Moore’s victory party Tuesday, some supporters cut the governor off during his remarks yelling “President!” The crowd cheered.

During the campaign, Moore has touted his accomplishments during his first term as governor, including a reduction in teacher vacancy rates, an increase in private investments in the state and a significant drop in violent crimes.

“I know our goals are ambitious. I know they’re audacious. But if that’s not why we’re here, then why bother?” Moore told the crowd after his win. “Because I want to be clear. America is tired of these mealy-mouthed, weak-kneed, so-called leaders who tell us that running fast on a treadmill is somehow taking us somewhere.”

Moore’s running mate, Aruna Miller, also won re-election for lieutenant governor.

“Here’s the thing I want Donald Trump to know as well, never bet against Wes Moore,” Miller told the crowd. “And never bet against Maryland.”

Earlier Tuesday night, more than a thousand supporters gathered early for Moore’s Election Night Watch Party at M&T Bank Exchange in downtown Baltimore.

The crowd cheered when other races were called for Democratic candidates across the nation on the big television screens behind the stage.

“The projections are exactly what we knew would happen,” Steuart Pittman, chair of the  Maryland Democratic Party, told the crowd. “Is that the state of Maryland, the voters of Maryland, want four more Moore years.”

Before the event, a line of smiling people stood outside while staff members held up Moore and Miller signs, directing drivers where to park for the event.

Inside, red lights lit up the room as music blared. Maryland flags were scattered across the venue. Around the room guests took pictures and videos, while others danced. Large television screens broadcast election results from other states.

People began cheering and pumping their fists in the air as the clock ticked closer to the 8 p.m. start of the event.

Moore supporters said they weren’t surprised Moore won and praised the governor’s character.

“I didn’t expect a challenge at all,” Tashea Brodgins said. “Maryland is a blue state, and I think [Moore’s] done a great job.”

Erica Breslau had a wide smile as she said how excited she was.

“He’s fantastic,” Breslau said.

Douglas Colbert agreed.

“I think we were just really fortunate to have someone like Wes as our governor,” he said.  “I’ve known him for many years. He’s a real person of integrity … He’s what we call an all-around person.”

Earlier at Cox’s election party in Towson, Mark Novak from Abingdon said he was frustrated that the race was called for Moore so early.

“I think more people should be a little upset that so many news outlets would call the race with 0% of the precinct reporting,” Novak said. “It’s just weird to me.”

Novak said he preferred the Republican’s energy policy over Moore’s and believed that energy utility rates were too high.

“We’re all getting squeezed with utilities, and that’s all artificially created through bad green energy policy,” Novak said.

Still, Moore said he was excited about his second term.

“Four years ago, we started this journey together,” he said. “Tonight,Four years ago, we started this journey together.

Tonight, the work continues — for our people, for our state and for our country! — for our people, for our state and for our country!”

Rhiannon Evans contributed to this report.