BREAKING: MDP Files Complaint Against Shadowy Group Likely Breaking Campaign Finance Law [BALTIMORE SUN]

“It’s one thing to lie to Marylanders; it’s another to skirt the law and do it behind anonymous social media accounts”

The Maryland Democratic Party filed a complaint with the State Board of Elections against a shadowy political organization that’s spreading misinformation about Gov. Wes Moore ahead of the 2026 elections. The shadowy group appears to be unlawfully engaging in political activity without disclosing who’s operating it and with what funds. It also has failed to register itself with the State Board of Elections. 

“Marylanders deserve to know who’s behind this shadowy group that’s spreading falsehoods about Governor Moore and his plans to cut taxes for a majority of Marylanders, grow our economy, and invest in our people,” said Maryland Democratic Party Executive Director Karen Darkes. “It’s one thing to lie to Marylanders; it’s another to skirt the law and do it behind anonymous social media accounts.”

The Maryland Democratic Party is urging the State Board of Elections to investigate the group, impose civil penalties, and refer the matter to the state prosecutor if the organization is indeed violating Maryland law.

Read more in the Baltimore Sun:

Baltimore Sun: “Maryland Democrats File Elections Complaint Against ‘Shadowy’ Campaign Targeting Gov. Wes Moore”

By Sam Janesch

March 7, 2025

• Maryland Democrats have asked the State Board of Elections to sanction what they are calling a “shadowy” and illegal campaign against Gov. Wes Moore ahead of his reelection bid next year.

• Daily posts that evoke Moore and sometimes refer to his election prospects are likely a violation of state campaign finance law because the group behind those messages has not registered with the state as a campaign entity, the Maryland Democratic Party argued in a complaint filed Feb. 26.

• The group’s website and social media posts have echoed some of the language in Hogan’s own public comments about the budget deficit.
  
• Its website discloses that it is “paid for by NoMoore.org,” though Democrats argue that “falls far short of what is required” under a state law mandating disclosures on campaign messages. In addition to the belief that “no such organization exists” called NoMoore.org, the disclosure is missing its address and whether its work is authorized by a candidate or ballot issue committee, according to the complaint.

• Proper disclosures and registration with the state would trigger the group to file independent expenditure reports, requiring it to describe its organizers, spending and donors. Registration should have occurred under the law within 48 hours of when “No Moore” spent more than $5,000, which the Democratic Party claims it “very likely” exceeded.