Annapolis, MD – According to Delmarva Now, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore‘s job approval rating slipped below 50 percent for the first time since his election more than three years ago, as revealed by a recent poll conducted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore County’s Institute of Politics.
The poll, released on April 1, 2026, surveyed 804 Maryland residents on their views regarding the governor’s performance, the state’s economy, and trust in government institutions. Among respondents, 48 percent approved of the job Gov. Wes Moore was doing, while 42 percent disapproved, and 9 percent were unsure. The survey carried a margin of error of 3.5 percent and was carried out from March 17 to 22, 2026.
Concerns over affordability and the broader Maryland economy emerged as significant factors influencing public opinion. Mileah Kromer, director of the institute, explained that governors often bear the brunt of public frustrations during challenging times. “When things are going well, you get the credit,” she told Capital News Service. “Part of being the governor of the state is that you take the blame and you take people’s frustrations when they’re not happy with the way things are going.”
Among those who disapproved of the first-term Democratic governor, 27 percent cited higher taxes and fees as a primary reason. An additional 24 percent pointed to perceptions of poor leadership, dishonesty, or personal dislike. Other notable grievances included fiscal mismanagement, the state’s budget deficit, excessive spending, and rising costs of living. Supporters of Gov. Wes Moore, on the other hand, praised his handling of crises, with 20 percent highlighting his efforts on the economy, jobs, and affordability issues.
As Gov. Wes Moore campaigns for reelection this year, he has consistently deflected speculation about higher office ambitions, emphasizing his commitment to Maryland. His campaign team defended his record amid the poll’s findings. Senior communications adviser Carter Elliott IV acknowledged voter concerns about affordability but attributed many economic pressures to policies from the Trump administration. These included the slashing of 25,000 federal jobs in Maryland, reductions in healthcare and SNAP benefits, and increases in prices for gas, groceries, and utilities.
“Of course Marylanders aren’t happy right now, every single day the president is directly attacking them,” Elliott stated. He noted that Gov. Wes Moore has been working to mitigate these impacts through measures such as energy rebates, a proposed budget that avoids tax increases, and initiatives to spur economic growth. Elliott expressed confidence that the governor’s strong record on lowering costs for residents would lead to a decisive victory in November.
The poll’s release coincided with a tumultuous legislative session for Gov. Wes Moore. His championed congressional redistricting plan stalled in the Senate, and he addressed a projected $1 billion state budget deficit for the second time. Additionally, the state grappled with the fallout from federal policy changes, including significant job losses in the federal sector.
Historically, Gov. Wes Moore‘s approval ratings had remained relatively stable since his 2022 election. An October 2024 UMBC poll showed 54 percent approval, dropping slightly to 52 percent in February 2025. However, the disapproval rate has risen steadily, increasing by approximately 10 percent since October 2024.
The broader survey results underscored widespread pessimism about Maryland’s direction. Seventy-six percent of respondents rated the state’s economic conditions as “poor” or “fair,” and only 30 percent believed Maryland was on the right track. Fifty-nine percent indicated the state was heading in the wrong direction.
Trust in institutions appeared low across the board, with only neighbors earning the confidence of more than 50 percent of respondents. Kromer described the findings as “a really broad picture of a very frustrated Maryland electorate,” noting diminished trust in federal, state, and local governments, as well as both major political parties.
As Maryland navigates these economic and political challenges, the poll highlights the pressures facing Gov. Wes Moore heading into the reelection campaign. For instance, the loss of federal jobs exemplifies the external factors impacting the state’s fiscal health, while ongoing debates over taxes and spending continue to shape public sentiment. For more information, visit Delmarva Now.