Detroit — Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, who’s viewed by some as a rising star in Democratic politics, wouldn’t say during stops in Michigan Monday whether he plans to run for president in 2028.
In the past, Moore ruled out such a move. But while campaigning in support of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s bid to be Michigan’s next governor, Moore, 47, avoided answering whether he would be back in the state after November seeking votes as a presidential candidate.
“I still have a reelection I’ve got to win,” Moore told reporters. “And I’m focusing on making sure that my friends make it across the finish line.”
A combat veteran and the third African American elected governor in U.S. history, Moore spoke in support of Benson during an event at Morningside Cafe on Detroit’s east side. About 40 people were in attendance. Benson didn’t appear at the function. Moore is up for reelection this fall against Republican nominee Dan Cox, whom Moore defeated in 2022.
During his remarks, Moore said Benson would fight with intensity for affordability and for creating pathways to wealth for everyone.
He touted his own efforts to help the city of Baltimore and said Benson would do the same to boost Detroit, working collaboratively with Mayor Mary Sheffield.
Sheffield endorsed Benson, who lives in Detroit, earlier this month.
“I do think you’re going to have a unique opportunity where you’re going to have a dynamic mayor in Detroit and you’re going to have a dynamic governor, in the secretary of state,” Moore said. “Do not miss that opportunity.
“Because when that opportunity shows itself, that means it’s time to move.”
Dr. Eric Ayers, interim chairman of pediatrics at Wayne State University, was among those in the crowd for Moore’s appearance. He asked the Maryland governor about access to health care for children.
Moore said governors across the country are having a conversation right now about how to expand insurance coverage. Benson would look at ways to grow rural access to health care and aid small businesses, Moore said.
“I loved the event,” Ayers said afterward. “I loved that fact that it addressed the importance of small business. Small businesses are the forefront of employment of a lot of people.”
Benson, a former law school dean at Wayne State, is in her second term as secretary of state. Michigan’s current governor, Democrat Gretchen Whitmer, can’t seek reelection because of term limits.
Benson has one Democratic opponent, Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, in the Aug. 4 primary election.
Moore said he was going “all in” for Benson and hoped to come back to Michigan before the Nov. 3 general election.
Ted Goodman, spokesman for the Michigan Republican Party, criticized the Benson campaign event on Monday, calling on the secretary of state to address allegations that the Southern Poverty Law Center, a nonprofit she was on the board of, used paid informants to infiltrate hate groups.
“Instead of bringing in out-of-state politicians to get ahead of the growing Southern Poverty Law Center scandal, Jocelyn Benson should explain to the public what — if anything — she knew about the serious allegations of fraud and wrongdoing at the SPLC during the very same time she served on the board,” Goodman said.
Benson previously told The Detroit News her role with the Southern Poverty Law Center was “mostly ceremonial.”
cmauger@detroitnews.com
This article originally appeared on The Detroit News: Maryland Gov. Wes Moore avoids question on 2028 plans in Michigan
Reporting by Craig Mauger, The Detroit News / The Detroit News
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By Craig Mauger, The Detroit News | USA TODAY Network
