Report Questions Maryland Governor's Claim About Family's KKK History

Historical records contradict Wes Moore's account of his great-grandfather fleeing the Ku Klux Klan

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a Democrat, has repeatedly shared a story about his great-grandfather, Rev. James Thomas, being forced to flee South Carolina and return to his native Jamaica after being threatened by the Ku Klux Klan. However, a report from The Washington Free Beacon found that historical records contradict Moore's version of events, showing that Thomas's departure was an orderly and publicly documented professional transfer within the Episcopal Church, rather than a secretive middle-of-the-night escape.

Why it matters

Governor Moore has used this family story about the KKK to help shape his political narrative and bolster his career, which is rumored to include a future White House bid. The revelation that the story appears to be false raises questions about the truthfulness of Moore's public persona and could undermine his credibility with voters.

The details

The Washington Free Beacon report states that Episcopal Church archival records show Rev. James Thomas was "transferred" from a church in Pineville, South Carolina, to Jamaica in 1924 to take over for a Jamaican priest who had died. There is no evidence the move was hurried or secretive, as Moore has claimed. Thomas's transfer indicates it was a formalized process that required approval from several parties within the Episcopal Church.

  • In 2023, Moore told Time Magazine he was "the grandson of someone who was run out of this country by the Ku Klux Klan".
  • In 2025, Moore said in a commencement speech that his grandfather was "chased away by the Ku Klux Klan" when he was just a child.

The players

Wes Moore

The Democratic governor of Maryland who has used a story about his great-grandfather fleeing the KKK to help shape his political narrative.

Rev. James Thomas

Moore's great-grandfather, a minister in Winnsboro, South Carolina, who historical records show was transferred to Jamaica by the Episcopal Church in 1924, rather than fleeing the KKK as Moore has claimed.

Andrew Kerr

A reporter for The Washington Free Beacon who authored the report questioning Moore's account of his family's history.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're not going to litigate a family's century-old oral history with a partisan outlet.”

— Ammar Moussa, Spokesperson for Governor Wes Moore (Fox News Digital)

“Typically, when a clergy member moves from one diocese to another, it is at the request of the clergy member, who works in concert with the new parish. All parties must agree that the move is advantageous, which is then approved by the Bishop.”

— Amy Evenson, Archivist at the national Episcopal Archives in Austin, Texas (The Washington Free Beacon)

What’s next

The governor's office has not indicated whether they will provide additional evidence to support Moore's version of events. The Washington Free Beacon report raises questions that could impact Moore's political future, especially if he pursues higher office.

The takeaway

This story highlights the importance of verifying claims made by political figures, even those that seem to fit a compelling narrative. The discrepancy between Moore's account and the historical record underscores the need for scrutiny and fact-checking, particularly when a politician's personal history is used to shape their public image and advance their career.