This past week, the State of Maryland announced it has added nearly 18,000 new jobs in 2026, nearly doubling the national average job growth. Governor Moore hit the campaign trail with a mission to elect other Black Governors, explained why he won’t soften his message on issues Black Americans face, took Republican members of Congress on a Key Bridge rebuilt tour, and visited the Anne Arundel County Police Department.
Maryland Nearly Doubles National Average Job Growth Adding Nearly 18,000 Jobs In 2026
The Bureau of Labor Statistics said that since the beginning of the year, Maryland added nearly 18,000 jobs, as the state continues to recover from federal job losses.
One of the largest employment gains came from government jobs at the state and local level; jobs in education and professional and technical services also boosted those numbers.
Nonfarm employment in Maryland rose by 900 jobs last month, according to estimates released Tuesday by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Over the first half of 2026, Maryland added 17,800 total jobs for 0.64% growth rate – which outpaces the national 0.35% employment growth rate, Maryland Department of Labor officials announced, citing the bureau’s estimates.
Governor Moore “Hits Campaign Trail With A Mission: Elect Other Black Governors”
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore isn’t just campaigning for his own reelection this year. He’s traveling to multiple states to promote Black Democrats running for governor.
“I am the only African American governor in the country right now, but that’s not a title that I’m proud of,” Moore said in an interview. “I don’t want to hold on to that title for very long.”
Moore’s efforts come at a time when Black political power could be diminished by the Supreme Court’s weakening of the Voting Rights Act, which protected minority congressional districts, and by President Donald Trump’s urging Republican-led states to eliminate Democrats, many of whom are Black.
Governor Moore Explains Why He Won’t Soften Message On Issues Black Americans Face
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore says he will not shy away from discussing issues affecting Black Americans. During a recent interview, Moore argued that measurable data makes those conversations necessary, even if they are politically uncomfortable.
Speaking on “Clock It with Symone & Eugene,” Moore explained why he refuses to “hedge” when conversations turn to race. A clip shared by The Jasmine Brand highlighted the governor’s belief that facts, not politics, should guide the discussion. “Let’s talk numbers real quick,” Moore said before pointing to data showing long-standing disparities affecting Black communities.
Moore argued that conversations about race should be rooted in measurable outcomes, including wealth, education, health care and economic opportunity. He said acknowledging those disparities is not about creating division, but about addressing real challenges with real solutions. The Democratic governor also said leaders should not avoid difficult conversations simply because they may be politically unpopular. Instead, he believes public officials have a responsibility to confront issues backed by evidence.
Governor Moore tours Key Bridge progress with members of Congress
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore spent Monday morning on a boat in the Patapsco River touring the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild site.
Moore said work continues daily to get the bridge rebuilt.
“The Francis Scott Key Bridge was a vital economic engine, and our commitment to rebuilding it is crucial to the continued prosperity of our nation,” Moore said. “Together with our federal and regional partners, we will rebuild this bridge as quickly, safely, and cost efficiently as possible to ensure that this vital corridor bounces back stronger for generations to come.”
Governor Moore visits Anne Arundel County Police Department Real Time Information Center
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore highlighted falling crime rates statewide during a visit to the Anne Arundel County Police Department’s Real-Time Information Center, pointing to technology investments and law enforcement partnerships as key factors.
FBI data cited by Moore shows homicides and violent crimes have dropped sharply in Maryland, while Anne Arundel County has also seen significant declines in shootings, personal robberies and commercial robberies.
County officials credited the center’s body-worn camera streaming, license plate reader technology and real-time officer tracking capabilities with helping reduce crime, while Moore said he supports continued investment in similar technology statewide.
Contact: Carter Elliott, IV [email protected]