Moore and Cox trade sharp attacks in Maryland's only governor debate
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Republican Dan Cox clashed Tuesday over taxes, data centers and the Key Bridge in their only scheduled debate. Cox promised no tax or fee hikes, while Moore tied Cox to President Trump. A poll released before the debate showed Cox trailing by 27 points.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore and Republican Dan Cox met Tuesday for what is likely their only debate of the governor's race. The hour-long debate at Maryland Public Television's studios in Owings Mills was a rematch. Moore beat Cox four years ago.
It turned heated about 15 minutes in. Cox called Moore a tax-and-spend liberal and at times accused him of lying. Moore tied Cox to President Donald Trump at nearly every turn. He quoted former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who once called Cox a "Q-Anon whack job."
Cox opened on costs, including high electric bills and business closures. Moore blamed Trump's tariffs, "endless foreign wars" and health care cuts. Asked if he would raise taxes to close large budget gaps, Moore talked about drawing more private investment. Cox said the governor dodged. "I will not raise taxes and fees on my watch," Cox said.
Data centers came up often. Capital News Service counted the phrase 17 times. Cox backed tax breaks for data centers as a state delegate in 2020 but now wants a statewide pause. Moore recently signed an order calling for closer state review and said he would push to repeal their tax credits.
They also fought over the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Its rebuild is now set for 2030, two years later than first planned. Moore said it will open "in record time." Cox said, "People can't drive on a website. They need a bridge."
Both men dodged some questions. Cox called a question about Jan. 6 and the 2020 election "political TMZ," but said he regretted calling then-Vice President Mike Pence a traitor online. Moore, often named as a possible 2028 candidate, would not promise to serve a full term. "I'm committed to the people of Maryland," he said.
A University of Maryland, Baltimore County poll released Tuesday morning showed Cox down 27 points. Two third-party candidates were left out after falling short of the 10% polling bar.
What we know: Neither candidate offered much new policy detail.
What we don't: Whether Cox gets another debate, as he asked for one at a historically Black college.
Where outlets agree Maryland Matters and WYPR both report that Moore would not give a clear answer on raising taxes to close the budget gap, while Cox pledged no tax increases.
Where they differ Moore blames Maryland's money troubles on Trump's tariffs and federal cuts, while Cox blames Moore's own spending and taxes.