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Wes Moore, a Democrat and prolific author, made history in Maryland and will become the state's first Black governor, according to The New York Times. The Associated Press called the race, claiming Moore far-right Republican and state lawmaker Dan Cox Tuesday night (November 8). He's also the third Black American to become a governor in U.S. history.
Moore, a former nonprofit executive and Army veteran, campaigned with the goal to end child poverty in the state and more investment in public transit and renewable energy. The 44-year-old also promised to protect reproductive rights in the state if elected. He was backed by Oprah Winfrey and relied on his biography to gain traction.
Reporters say Cox, who was endorsed by Donald Trump, failed to gain support from his party and moderate voters. In a rare move, longtime Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan and major Republican donors actually backed Moore.
This is the first time in eight years Maryland had a Democratic governor. His running mate, lieutenant governor-elect Aruna Miller, will become the first immigrant to hold statewide office.
Moore hasn't made an official statement on his historic victory. Before Election Day, he made it clear he was focused on making an impact if he won.
"We're not in this race to make history. We're in this race because we have a unique opportunity to make child poverty history [...] We have a unique opportunity to make the racial wealth gap history," he told supporters last month, per NPR. "Now is our time."
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