Poll: Maryland Governor Moore's Approval Rating Drops Below 50%

First-term Democrat loses support among independent voters, raising concerns about re-election chances

Apr. 1, 2026 at 8:01am

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A photorealistic painting depicting the Maryland State House, a stately government building, bathed in warm, golden sunlight with deep shadows. The scene conveys a sense of quiet contemplation and nostalgia, reflecting the changing political dynamics in the state.As Governor Moore's approval rating dips, the iconic Maryland State House stands as a symbol of the state's political landscape in flux.Baltimore Today

In the latest UMBC Institute of Politics Poll, Maryland Governor Wes Moore's job approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time in his term. The poll of 804 Marylanders found 48% approve of the Democrat's performance, 42% disapprove, and 9% don't know. Moore has lost support from some Democrats and a majority of unaffiliated voters, though he still maintains strong backing from his party's base.

Why it matters

Governor Moore's declining approval numbers, especially among independent voters, could signal trouble for his re-election bid in November. While Maryland remains a Democratic stronghold, the governor will need to shore up support from swing voters to fend off a potential Republican challenger. The poll also indicates growing dissatisfaction with the direction of the state and the economy, which could further complicate Moore's political fortunes.

The details

The UMBC Institute of Politics Poll found Moore's approval rating has dropped from 52% in October 2025 and 54% in October 2024. The disapproval rate has risen slightly from 44% in the previous poll. Moore has lost support from 78% of Democrats to 69%, while the majority of unaffiliated voters (50%) now disapprove of his performance, up from 42% in October. The poll also found 59% of respondents believe Maryland is headed in the wrong direction, up from 48% in the prior survey, and 76% rate the state's economy as 'fair' or 'poor', compared to 69% previously.

  • The UMBC Institute of Politics Poll was conducted from March 17 to March 22, 2026.
  • Governor Moore's approval rating was 52% in October 2025 and 54% in October 2024.

The players

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland, who is serving his first term.

Mileah Kromer

The director and pollster at the UMBC Institute of Politics, which conducted the survey.

Dan Cox

The former Republican delegate who was Moore's opponent in the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Ed Hale

A Republican candidate in the 2026 Maryland gubernatorial primary.

Eric Felber

The sole Democratic primary challenger to Governor Moore in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“That puts him still above water, but certainly at a place where he wasn't last year.”

— Mileah Kromer, Director, UMBC Institute of Politics

“Unaffiliated voters have basically flipped on their approval-disapproval of the governor. Right now about 50% disapprove of the way he handles is job, while 39% approve.”

— Mileah Kromer, Director, UMBC Institute of Politics

“The real question is, can the Republicans put up a candidate who can put up a coalition to defeat Governor Moore.”

— Mileah Kromer, Director, UMBC Institute of Politics

“Donald Trump has fired 25,000 Marylanders, ripped away healthcare and SNAP benefits from hundreds of thousands of people in our state, and gas, grocery, and utility prices have soared–of course Marylanders aren't happy right now, every single day the president is directly attacking them.”

— Carter Elliott, IV, Spokesman, Governor Moore's campaign

“Governor Moore has worked tirelessly to combat these direct hits from Washington by providing energy rebates to put money back in the pockets of hard working Marylanders, push forward a budget this year in Maryland that doesn't raise taxes, and spur economic development through job growth and business creation.”

— Carter Elliott, IV, Spokesman, Governor Moore's campaign

What’s next

The 2026 Maryland gubernatorial election will be held on November 5, 2026. Governor Moore will face the winner of the Republican primary, which features several candidates including his 2022 opponent Dan Cox and Baltimore Blast owner Ed Hale.

The takeaway

Governor Moore's declining approval ratings, especially among independent voters, suggest he may face a tougher re-election battle than expected. While Maryland remains a Democratic stronghold, the governor will need to regain the confidence of swing voters to fend off a potential Republican challenger. The poll results also indicate growing dissatisfaction with the state's economy and direction, which could further complicate Moore's political fortunes.