The gentleman doth protest too much, methinks

Recently, Gov. Wes Moore appeared on Special Report with Bret Baier on Fox News. When questioned about Maryland’s growing budget deficit, Moore dismissed the premise outright, stating, “That’s been debunked over and over.”

But has it really?

In January 2023, just days into his administration, Moore himself said, “We anticipate ending the current fiscal year 2023 with more than a $2 billion General Fund balance and an additional $2.9 billion in the Rainy Day Fund — $5 billion in combined General Fund cash reserves.”

It’s on tape. So, what’s been “debunked”?

Here’s the math every Marylander understands: Moore inherited a $5 billion surplus from Gov. Larry Hogan. Now, just two and a half years later, the state is staring down a projected $3 billion deficit by fiscal year 2027. That’s an $8 billion fiscal swing in the wrong direction — an alarming number, especially for working families trying to stretch every dollar in the face of rising costs and tax hikes.

Ironically, the news of Maryland’s looming deficit in 2023 broke around the same time Moore held a high-profile ceremony to unveil the official portraits of former Gov. Martin O’Malley and first lady Catherine O’Malley. Former Gov. Parris Glendening even attended. The moment was steeped in symbolism. These three governors — Glendening, O’Malley and now Moore — share more than just Democratic politics. They share a pattern of running up budget deficits and resorting to tax hikes.

As Yogi Berra once said: “It’s déjà vu all over again.”

O’Malley famously raised taxes or fees over 40 times, totaling $9.5 billion in new revenue. That record helped pave the way for Larry Hogan’s election in 2014.

Moore now seems to be following a familiar playbook.

The FY 2026 budget introduces $1.6 billion in new taxes and fees, including:

• A new tech tax
• Increased car registration and tire fees
• Higher fishing license costs
• A new capital gains surcharge

It’s no wonder Moore wants to distance himself from his once-celebrated surplus. Acknowledging it would expose just how far off track his fiscal management has taken the state.

Maryland voters have seen this movie before. In 1994 (almost), 2002, and 2014, Democratic governors overreached, and voters responded by giving Republicans their shot at leadership.

Even Moore’s own approval numbers — while not disastrous — are softening. The most recent UMBC poll showed 55% approval, 36% disapproval. That’s good, not great, especially considering the media praise and national attention he’s receiving.

After the GOP’s disheartening showing in 2022, the current fiscal crisis offers a path forward. But success isn’t automatic — Republicans must do the hard work:

• Stay disciplined on message
• Organize locally and statewide
• Recruit strong candidates
• Expand voter registration
• Knock on doors and engage voters directly

Republicans need to make it clear: Moore and Democratic leaders are spending tax dollars without proper accountability or program effectiveness. Instead of making tough choices or cutting failing initiatives, their default solution is to raise taxes on hardworking Marylanders.

The gas tax is up. Fees are up. Inflation is real. And the state budget is headed into the red.

Moore can try to rewrite the history of the $5 billion surplus. But voters remember. And come 2026, they may once again decide it’s time to change the script in Annapolis.