Maryland Governor’s Approval Dips: What the Polls Reveal About State’s Future Energy and Economic Landscape
As Maryland Governor Wes Moore’s approval ratings show a continued decline in recent polling, a deeper dive into the data reveals a public increasingly concerned with tangible economic issues and the state’s energy strategy. The “Maryland Now” poll, conducted in late July, indicates that only 50% of respondents view Moore’s performance as “good” or “excellent,” with a significant 42% rating it “not so good” or “poor.” This sentiment mirrors a broader trend observed since the start of 2025, suggesting a growing disconnect between the administration’s narrative and public perception.
Shifting Perceptions: From Initial Optimism to Economic Concerns
The initial optimism surrounding Governor Moore’s tenure, reflected in a positive swing in a March Gonzales Research and Media poll, appears to be waning. While the Democratic Governors Association (DGA) points to job creation and falling unemployment as key metrics, a substantial portion of the electorate is focused on other pressing concerns. The poll highlights that 67% of surveyed Marylanders believe they are paying too much in state taxes, and 54% view the state’s economy negatively. These figures suggest that the administration’s approach to fiscal management and taxation is a significant factor influencing public opinion.
The Taxation Debate: A Strained Budget and Public Sentiment
The narrative around Maryland’s fiscal health is complex, with Governor Moore asserting he inherited a structural deficit from his predecessor, Larry Hogan. However, nonpartisan analysis from the Maryland Department of Legislative Services (MDLS) painted a different picture in 2022, projecting a structural surplus. Despite efforts to address a significant deficit for fiscal year 2026 through tax increases and spending cuts, the state is projected to face a growing structural deficit, reaching $1.9 billion by fiscal year 2028. This fiscal reality, coupled with tax hikes, is clearly resonating with voters, as evidenced by the “too much in state taxes” sentiment.
Republican strategist Doug Mayer, formerly with the Hogan administration, directly linked the polling numbers to the governorship’s perceived effectiveness, stating, “Wes Moore’s poll numbers are anemic because his governorship is anemic.” He further criticized the administration for what he termed “all smiles and no action,” implying a lack of tangible results beyond tax increases. This sentiment was echoed by Del. Matt Morgan, chairman of the Maryland House Freedom Caucus, who suggested that the declining poll numbers might be a reaction to increased taxation.
Energy Policy Under Scrutiny: Beyond Solar and Wind
Beyond economic anxieties, the “Maryland Now” poll also shed light on public opinion regarding the state’s energy policies, particularly concerning rising energy prices. Respondents identified a “lack of in-state generation” as the most significant contributor to higher prices, rating it an average of 7.2 out of 10. Furthermore, concerns about the insufficiency of Maryland’s electric transmission grid and a perceived failure by leaders to plan for extreme weather and growing demand received high importance ratings as well.
Maryland Senate Minority Whip Justin Ready voiced a common critique, stating, “The governor and the Democratic majority have kept blundering down the road of putting all our eggs in the solar and wind basket for new electricity generation and have done nothing to protect and stimulate growth in reliable sources of energy like natural gas and coal.” This suggests a public desire for a more balanced and diversified energy portfolio, one that prioritizes reliability and addresses the immediate concerns of energy affordability and infrastructure resilience.
The involvement of lobbying firms like Blended Public Affairs and Perry Jacobson, both with documented ties to energy interests such as PSEG and US Wind, adds another layer to the discussion. Their role in conducting and partnering on the poll, while not inherently compromising the results, underscores the complex interplay of policy, public opinion, and industry influence in the state.
Looking Ahead: Navigating the Crosscurrents of Public Opinion
The current polling data presents a critical juncture for Governor Moore’s administration. Addressing public concerns about taxation and the economy will be paramount, but the growing sentiment around energy policy suggests a need for a broader reassessment of the state’s energy strategy. The demographic breakdown of the poll, with a majority identifying as female and a significant portion holding postgraduate degrees, indicates a highly engaged and likely discerning electorate.
As Maryland looks towards the 2026 elections, the administration must demonstrate a clear understanding of these evolving public priorities. The connection between fiscal policy, economic stability, and energy security is becoming increasingly evident to voters, and a failure to address these interconnected issues could have significant implications for the governor’s future political standing.
What are your predictions for Maryland’s economic and energy future based on these trends? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
