Gov. Wes Moore was asked Tuesday during a gubernatorial debate hosted by Maryland Public Television whether he would serve a full four-year term if reelected, but did not answer yes or no.

About 10 minutes into the debate, Moore said, “I would not be running for reelection if I was not committed to the people of Maryland,” but did not directly answer whether he would serve all four years.

He then discussed Maryland’s role in what he described as a larger national conversation, saying the state has been “the most affected state — and arguably the most effective state in terms of pushing back and pushing forward” during President Donald Trump’s administration.

Republican challenger Dan Cox accused Moore of preparing to run for president, renewing earlier speculation that the governor could seek the White House.

“You’re ready to run against (Pennsylvania Gov. Josh) Shapiro and (Michigan Gov. Gretchen) Whitmer and (California Gov. Gavin) Newsom, but the people of Maryland need someone who has their concerns first,” Cox said.

Cox opened the debate with a series of attacks on Moore, including an inaccurate claim that former Gov. Larry Hogan left Maryland with a $5 billion budget surplus. Moore countered, calling the statement “factually incorrect.”

Cox’s claim about the $5 billion surplus conflates different measures of Maryland’s finances.

When Moore took office, Maryland had billions of dollars in cash and other available balances. Maryland Republicans claim that Hogan’s policies were responsible for this money, but the state had also received billions in federal pandemic assistance during Hogan’s final years in office, according to a 2022 report by the Maryland Department of Legislative Services.

Responding to Cox’s criticism of his tax and spending record, Moore said he has “cut taxes for the middle class and military families.”

His administration and the General Assembly also enacted new taxes and fees in 2025, including a tax on digital advertising and increases in some vehicle-related fees.

The candidates also clashed over data centers, SNAP benefits and immigration enforcement.

Data center policy shifts

Both candidates were asked about their changing positions on data center construction in Maryland.

Cox recently called for a full ban on data centers, after years of supporting them. The Republican candidate in 2020 voted for legislation that would exempt data centers from paying sales and use tax. Lawmakers intended for the tax exemption to incentivize data center construction in the state.

Moore has also shifted his approach, signing an executive order to regulate data center construction and establish greater transparency around projects.

Neither candidate directly explained the changes in their positions. Instead, they attacked each other’s records.

Cox pointed out Moore’s ties to tech companies and argued that Moore’s policies have not addressed the costs that large data centers could impose on the electric grid, while the governor said Cox was lying.

“Mr. Cox, the reason that I invited you to debate was to have a conversation that the people of Maryland deserve, and not to watch you lie to them for an hour,” Moore said.

Medicaid and SNAP Cuts

Asked about federal cuts to SNAP and Medicaid, both candidates said Marylanders should maintain access to the programs.

But Cox accused the governor of mismanaging state funds, pointing to a recent state audit that found $6.4 million in Medicaid payments involving 2,397 people who were incarcerated when the payments were made. The audit also found that thousands of records for deceased recipients had not been investigated promptly.

“That’s on his watch. That’s far more than any cuts that Medicaid might be looking at,” Cox claimed.

Moore criticized the federal law known as the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” saying its changes to Medicaid and SNAP would hurt Maryland residents.

“The support of this Trump agenda — an agenda that you have said that you support 100% — is brutal. It is brutality, and we have to make sure we are protecting the health and the welfare and the safety of our people,” Moore said to Cox.

Immigration enforcement

Moore was asked whether a bill that predates his time in office, the Maryland Dignity Not Detention Act, which restricted state and local involvement in immigration-related detention, was a mistake. Critics of the legislation have long said it results in detainees being sent to out-of-state facilities away from their families and legal counsel.

The law was enacted in 2021 after the General Assembly overrode former Gov. Larry Hogan’s veto.

Moore did not say whether he believes the law was a mistake or outline a plan for keeping immigration detainees in Maryland. Still, he said there has to be a “reconsideration about the way that ICE is moving inside of our communities, all throughout the state of Maryland.”

In February, Moore signed a law barring most new 287(g) agreements, formal arrangements allowing local law enforcement officers to assist federal immigration authorities with deportations. The law includes an exception for violent offenders.

Moore did not sign two other immigration bills, allowing them to take effect without his signature. One, the Community Trust Act, restricts local officers’ informal, everyday cooperation with federal immigration agents. Another bars federal immigration agents from wearing face coverings while on duty.

Cox also did not say whether he believes the Dignity Not Detention Act was a mistake. He said his administration “will work with all partners” to address violent offenders and keep communities safe.

Jan. 6 and a Bronze Star

Cox addressed his support for the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection, when a mob breached the building as Congress met to certify the 2020 presidential election results.

The Republican candidate attended Trump’s rally in Washington before the Capitol attack. Cox called then-Vice President Mike Pence a “traitor” for not overturning the election results, but has said he did not go to the Capitol as the crowd became violent.

During the debate, Cox said he regretted his social media tweets on the issue, adding that discussion of the topic during the debate “is political TMZ in my view.” He followed with another challenge to Moore for two more debates at Morgan and Coppin State universities. Moore declined without explaining why.

Cox also criticized Moore over the controversy surrounding his receipt of a Bronze Star, alleging that the governor embellished his military record. Moore has said he received the Bronze Star for his military service in Afghanistan, but the award was presented nearly 20 years after he completed his service.

“That’s a problem for many veterans talking to me, and that’s only the tip of the iceberg,” Cox said.

Moore responded briefly: “It’s difficult to rebut when it’s not true.”

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