ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Wes Moore will be the next governor of Maryland after winning in the midterm election, according to the Associated Press. The historic win will make the Democrat the first Black governor of Maryland.
His challenger Dan Cox conceded the race on Wednesday.
We spoke with Moore about his plan as governor and what his administration's goals are for his first 100 days in office.
"We're excited about the fact that the people of Maryland really gave us a pretty clear mandate," Moore told WUSA9 on Wednesday. "They want us to go fast, and they want the state to be bold and they want the state to compete."
The governor-elect spoke about the transition period as well. He stressed the need for inclusivity.
"It is going to be historically inclusive. We're going to be hard-charging, very much the way that we campaigned. We want to make sure that all voices are being heard," Moore said.
He also said his administration will look to bring a "new level of partnership" between the governor's office and other elected and community leaders in the state.
"We are going to make sure that people understand that in the governor's office you are going to have a partner in the work, and a partner in making sure that we are moving fast and being bold as a state," Moore said.
Moore said he is already working with the administration of outgoing mayor Larry Hogan as the two administrations transition.
Moore is set to take office during a time of economic uncertainty with fears that the country may be headed toward a recession. He spoke about the steps he is prepared to take as governor to help Marylanders weather those economic conditions.
"Our focus on economic growth has got to be real. It means we've got to get people back to work. It means we have to focus on things like job retraining and job reskilling, and also having an education system that's preparing people for the jobs of now and the jobs of the future," Moore said. "It means we have to ensure giving people good and fair wages for the job they're doing... We also need to focus on wealth creation. If we can do those things and increase participation in Maryland's economy, Maryland will be very well positioned to endure any kind of economic headwinds that might be coming our way."
Moore said his whole family is excited by his midterm win. But his kids might be a little more excited for something else.
"We promised the kids that no matter what, win lose or draw, in November that they were going to get a puppy," Moore said. "The excitement you saw was as much about the puppy as it was about anything else."