What’s Moving In Maryland 

For Immediate Release

October 17, 2025

Contact: [email protected]

What’s Moving In Maryland
Poll Of Likely Voters Shows Hogan Down 14 Points Against Gov. Wes Moore, Maryland Democrats Continue To Stand Up To Trump Amidst Government Shutdown, And Maryland Dems Launched Contest Every Seat Initiative  

ANNAPOLIS, MD – This week, the Baltimore Banner released a poll showing Larry Hogan is down 14 points among likely voters in a head-to-head match up with Governor Moore, Maryland Democrats showed up all around the state to fight against Trump and protect our federal workers following the government shutdown, and the Maryland Democratic Party launched the contest every seat initiative.

The Baltimore Banner released an OpinionWorks poll of likely voters showing Governor Wes Moore demolished Larry Hogan by fourteen points in a hypothetical match up.

“It’s no surprise Larry Hogan doesn’t have a response to him being down 14 points among likely voters against Governor Moore because there’s no good answer for it,” said Karen Darkes, Executive Director of the Maryland Democratic Party. “No matter what way you cut this poll the results are clear: if Larry Hogan runs against Governor Moore he will lose.”

It’s clear that a strong majority of Marylanders approve of the job Governor Moore is doing, and in some of the most recent polling the governor has a near 60% approval rating. Even since the last poll in August from the Baltimore Banner his support has grown across the state. In areas like education, public safety, transportation, and the state budget, voters know Governor Moore fought to protect and support Maryland families.

Senator Angela Alsobrooks slammed Donald Trump’s lies as he continues shutting down the federal government.

Senator Alsobrooks delivered a fiery speech calling out Donald Trump for his lies and attacks on the State of Maryland as the government shutdown continues to disproportionately impact Maryland.

Senator Chris Van Hollen said Democrats stand united against Trump’s “lawless activity.”

Senator Van Hollen set the record straight telling people that “Democrats have voted four times to reopen the government. We want to reopen the government without giving Donald Trump a blank check to continue his lawless activities.”

The Maryland Democratic Party sent a clear message to the state: We want a Democratic candidate in every 2026 race.

“This is an opportunity for the Democratic Party to increase its numbers and get everybody on the ballot so there is a choice for people,” said Maryland Democratic Party Chairman Steuart Pittman.

“Contest Every Seat is about bringing everyone with us,” said Governor Wes Moore. “Voters will see that while Washington is more divided than ever, we are showing people there’s a better way forward. I urge any Democrat that wants to make a difference in their community to consider running for office—the stakes are too high to have anyone on the sidelines.”

The “Contest Every Seat” campaign is already underway, with recruitment focused on areas where Republicans have gone unchallenged for too long. The Party is calling on Democrats from all backgrounds to step up and run for office.

The initiative is led by the State Party in partnership and coordination with representatives on the ground in the 18 counties where Democrats have not always run a full slate against Republicans. Additionally, we have partnered with organizations like Run for Something, Contest Every Race, and Emerge Maryland to supercharge our efforts.

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