UMBC Poll: Marylanders Sour on Gov. Moore's Performance, State Direction

Approval rating falls below 50% as residents express concerns over economy, taxes, and leadership

Apr. 1, 2026 at 6:09pm

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A new UMBC Institute of Politics poll shows Maryland Governor Wes Moore's approval rating has fallen below 50% for the first time since taking office, with 48% of residents approving of his performance and 42% disapproving. The poll also found a significant increase in the number of Marylanders who believe the state is headed in the wrong direction, up to 59% from 40% in the previous poll.

Why it matters

The poll results reflect growing discontent among Maryland residents over the state's economic conditions, with 75% rating the economy as 'poor or fair.' This shift in public sentiment could have major implications for Gov. Moore and the Democratic Party's hold on the state, as voters' trust in government and political parties has also declined.

The details

The UMBC poll found that Gov. Moore's approval rating has steadily dropped since October 2024, when it was 54%, and was at 52% as recently as October 2025. The poll results were sharply divided along party lines, with 69% of Democrats approving of Moore's performance and 73% of Republicans disapproving. Among independent voters, 50% disapproved and only 39% approved. The top reasons cited for approving of Moore were his handling of the economy and jobs, as well as his leadership and character. The top reasons for disapproval were increased taxes and fees, poor leadership, and fiscal mismanagement.

  • The UMBC Institute of Politics poll was released on April 1, 2026.
  • Gov. Moore's approval rating has fallen from 54% in October 2024 to 52% in October 2025 and now 48% in the latest poll.

The players

Gov. Wes Moore

The current governor of Maryland, elected in 2022.

UMBC Institute of Politics

A nonpartisan research institute at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County that conducts public opinion polling on Maryland politics and policy issues.

Mileah Kromer

The director of the UMBC Institute of Politics, who provided analysis on the poll results.

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What they’re saying

“Attitudes toward the direction of the state and economic conditions have noticeably worsened since the fall, and residents express low levels of trust in all levels of government and both major political parties. These are exactly the kinds of conditions that erode gubernatorial approval ratings, and our polling reflects that reality.”

— Mileah Kromer, Director, UMBC Institute of Politics

What’s next

The UMBC Institute of Politics plans to release additional polling data on Maryland residents' views on other key issues facing the state in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

The sharp decline in Gov. Moore's approval rating and the growing number of Marylanders who believe the state is headed in the wrong direction highlight the challenges the governor and the Democratic Party face in maintaining their political dominance in the state. The poll results suggest the 2026 gubernatorial election could be highly competitive if these trends continue.