By MDBayNews Staff
ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Green Party gubernatorial candidate Andy Ellis responded Thursday to Governor Wes Moore’s annual State of the State address with a tone that was less fiery rebuttal and more shrug.
In a campaign press release issued February 12, Ellis said “nothing in yesterday’s State of the State was surprising” and indicated that his campaign would devote only a short segment of its weekly livestream to discussing the speech.
Instead, Ellis said his campaign will continue focusing on what he calls breaking out of Maryland’s “two-party trap.”
“Our campaign has been doing the hard work of covering this administration through our weekly livestream so that Maryland voters have the information they need,” Ellis said. “Nothing in yesterday’s State of the State was surprising.”
The Ellis/Andrews campaign streams weekly on YouTube and is using the platform as its primary communication channel while seeking public financing and small-dollar donations.
A Different Kind of Response
While Republicans typically use State of the State addresses to sharpen contrasts on taxes, public safety, and spending, Ellis chose to emphasize structural political reform.
According to the campaign, upcoming livestream segments will focus on:
- “A safety net that meets the economic moment”
- “A democracy meant to include everyone”
Ellis and his running mate, Owen Silverman Andrews, are seeking the Green Party nomination and positioning themselves as an alternative to what they describe as a closed, two-party system.
The Broader Context
Governor Moore’s address focused on economic competitiveness, workforce development, and budget discipline amid rising fiscal pressures. While critics from the right have argued that Maryland remains overtaxed and overregulated, Ellis appears to be charting a different course — not attacking Moore directly, but challenging the underlying political framework.
That strategy reflects a reality in Maryland politics: third-party candidates face steep ballot access and fundraising hurdles. By building an audience through weekly digital programming, the Ellis campaign is attempting to bypass traditional media filters and speak directly to voters.
Can the Green Party Break Through?
Maryland has long been dominated by Democrats at the statewide level, with Republicans holding limited executive power over the past two decades. The Green Party has historically struggled to reach double-digit support in major statewide races.
Ellis argues that voter frustration with both major parties creates an opening. Whether that frustration translates into ballot support remains to be seen.
For now, the Ellis campaign appears less interested in rebutting Governor Moore line by line and more focused on advancing its broader message: that Maryland’s political system itself needs reform.
The Ellis/Andrews livestream airs Thursdays at 7 p.m. at youtube.com/@GoGreen2026.
Keep MDBayNews Reporting Free
MDBayNews exists to help Marylanders understand decisions made by state and local leaders — especially when those decisions affect daily life, rights, and public services.
If this article helped clarify what’s happening or why it matters, reader support makes it possible to keep publishing clear, independent reporting like this.
Have a tip or documents to share?
We review submissions carefully and confidentially. Anonymous tips are welcome when appropriate.
Need background research, policy analysis, or legislative clarity?
MDBayNews offers independent research and legislative analysis services, including bill summaries, issue memos, district-level context, and fact-checked opposition research. This work is informational and non-advocacy in nature.
Independent · Confidential · Non-coordinated
Candidate Services | Legislative Services | Sponsored Profiles
Want more?
For deeper analysis, strategies, playbooks, deep dives, and more, subscribe to our premium newsletter, The Blue Heron.
Discover more from Maryland Bay News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.