Wes Moore’s 2025 Report Card: A Centered Assessment of Maryland’s Governor

By Michael Phillips | MDBayNews

As Maryland closes the books on 2025, Governor Wes Moore faces growing scrutiny from center-right critics who argue his first full year of governance accelerated spending, increased tax burdens, and prioritized partisan ambitions over fiscal discipline and competitiveness.

While Moore retains solid approval among Democratic voters and touts progress on crime and long-term investments, skeptics say his record represents a sharp departure from the restraint that defined the previous administration — and a warning sign for Maryland’s economic future.

Fiscal Policy: From Surplus to Structural Deficit

Perhaps the most consequential critique centers on fiscal management.

Moore inherited Maryland in historically strong shape after eight years under Larry Hogan, who left office with a combined surplus and rainy-day fund exceeding $5 billion. Yet by mid-2025, Maryland faced a projected $3 billion structural deficit for FY2026, with additional shortfalls looming in future years.

Center-right analysts argue the cause is clear: rapid spending growth driven by education mandates, entitlements, and expanded government programs — without corresponding restraint.

Record Tax and Fee Increases

The FY2026 budget and Budget Reconciliation and Financing Act introduced more than $1.6 billion in new or restructured taxes and fees, widely described as the largest tax hike in state history. Key provisions included:

• New top income tax brackets (6.25% on $500k–$1M; 6.5% above $1M)
• A 2% capital-gains surtax
• A 3% sales tax on data, IT services, and software
• Higher excise taxes on cannabis, gambling, and sports betting
• Increased vehicle and EV registration fees
• Raising the local income-tax cap to 3.3%

Supporters emphasize that roughly 94% of filers saw no direct income-tax increase. Critics counter that these policies disproportionately burden job creators, investors, and consumers — ultimately weakening Maryland’s competitiveness in a region already struggling with out-migration.

Compounding concerns, Moody’s downgraded Maryland’s credit outlook in 2025, citing long-term spending pressures and insufficient restraint — a rare development for the state.

Economy and Competitiveness: Lagging the Region

Moore points to job creation and growth in “lighthouse industries” such as quantum computing, cybersecurity, and life sciences. However, center-right critics argue these long-term bets do little to address immediate affordability, wage stagnation, or business climate concerns.

Maryland’s economic growth in 2025 lagged neighboring states, and high combined tax rates continue to place the state among the least competitive in the Mid-Atlantic. Critics warn that layering new taxes on services and capital risks accelerating the departure of businesses and high-income earners.

Public Safety: Progress, but Not Transformation

On public safety, the record is more mixed.

Baltimore recorded multi-decade lows in homicides during 2025, continuing a downward trend that began before Moore took office. State police surges and coordination deserve credit, even from skeptics.

Still, center-right observers argue Moore failed to deliver the decisive shift he promised. Juvenile crime, auto thefts, and repeat offenses remained top voter concerns, while legislation such as the Second Look Act fueled perceptions of leniency rather than accountability.

Concerns also persisted over immigration enforcement, as Moore resisted stronger state-level cooperation with federal authorities amid national debates over sanctuary policies.

Partisanship and Governance: Redistricting Backlash

One of the year’s most controversial moves was Moore’s push for mid-cycle congressional redistricting.

In late 2025, the governor formed a Redistricting Advisory Commission widely seen as aimed at eliminating Maryland’s lone Republican House seat held by Andy Harris. Center-right critics labeled the effort a blatant partisan power grab — particularly ironic given Democratic criticism of gerrymandering in red states.

The initiative stalled amid legal concerns and resistance from Democratic legislative leaders, but the episode reinforced perceptions that Moore prioritized national party strategy over governance and fairness.

Biography Controversies and Optics

As Moore’s national profile rose, renewed attention fell on past discrepancies in his biography, including questions around his early portrayal of Baltimore roots and a long-delayed Bronze Star award (formally issued in late 2024).

While none of these issues resulted in formal wrongdoing, critics argue they contributed to trust and authenticity concerns — especially as Moore is increasingly mentioned as a future national Democratic figure.

The 2025 Report Card (Center-Right View)

Category	Grade	Rationale
Fiscal Responsibility & Taxes	F	Record tax hikes, rising deficits, and credit-rating concerns after inheriting a surplus
Economy & Competitiveness	D-	Lagging regional growth, high tax burden, limited near-term relief
Public Safety	C	Crime declines continued, but no bold accountability reforms
Governance & Partisanship	D	Redistricting push and veto conflicts undermined trust
Leadership & Focus	C-	Steady messaging, but optics and national distractions raised concerns

Overall GPA: C- (1.3)

Bottom Line

From a center-right perspective, Governor Wes Moore’s 2025 performance reflects a return to tax-and-spend governance in a state that had benefited from years of fiscal restraint. While crime trends improved and long-term investments advanced, critics argue these gains came at the cost of competitiveness, taxpayer trust, and financial stability.

Supporters credit Moore with protecting core services and navigating federal uncertainty. But skeptics warn that unless spending discipline returns, Maryland risks long-term stagnation — and a growing bill for families and businesses already feeling squeezed.