FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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Feb. 23, 2022
Faith leaders from across Maryland endorse Wes Moore for Maryland Governor
Moore’s unrivaled momentum and coalition grows with grassroots coalition of Maryland’s faith leaders
Two dozen leaders assembled at Moore’s church in East Baltimore for the launch of ‘Clergy for Wes’
BALTIMORE (Feb. 23, 2022) – Democratic candidate for Maryland Governor Wes Moore received the enthusiastic support of faith leaders yesterday who have rallied behind his vision for a more inclusive Maryland and increased economic opportunities.
More than two dozen faith leaders from across the state joined Moore for the kickoff event at Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore, the house of worship where Moore and his family are members.
Leaders united in their expressed support for Moore’s campaign, experience, and vision.
“This campaign is a bold grassroots effort to empower communities and uplift voices that have been left behind, and I am so proud to be joined by these faith leaders on that journey,” Moore said. “My faith is deeply personal to me, and it is so important to me to be uplifted by the prayers and the leadership of these inspiring leaders and friends from all over the state.”
Moore, the grandson and great grandson of ministers, convened over two dozen faith leaders in person yesterday and dozens more who have signed onto the coalition.
“Wes is the best for Maryland because he is contagiously passionate about serving and inspiring us to our highest ideals, our best practices and to be our better selves,” said Pastor Donté Hickman. “I have been a minister for over 30 years, and I have scarcely seen such a leader, such a thinker and such a consensus builder like Wes Moore. I support and endorse Wes Moore because I know that Maryland will be blessed to have Wes as Governor.”
“It is often said that if you expect change you need to do something different. It’s no longer about less, it’s time for more. Wes offers more passion, more conviction, more smarts,” said Rev. Dr. Harold Carter, Jr. “Today we stand with the Moore-Miller ticket to support, to endorse, and to celebrate what we know is already a victory for the good of our state and for the glory of God.”
“I believe Wes Moore is the right candidate at the right time.” said Rev. Qismat Ali in her remarks. “I thank God for allowing him to walk this walk at a time when we are here to usher him into the office that God has called him to, which is Governor of the state of Maryland. It is time to elect Governor Wes Moore.”
“I’ve seen too many politicians make a profit off of our pain. Wes Moore can identify with those that are poverty stricken, and those who sit on a hill forgetting where their blessings come from. I’m tired watching politicians bickering. I’m interested to see them work together for the betterment of our people,” said Rev. Terris King. “Wes Moore is ready to bring Baltimore and Annapolis together. I’m so proud of him and I’m delighted to elect him as our next Governor.”
“I was very impressed when I heard Wes share his story and his life struggles. He understands that you have to work hard to get the benefits,” said Rev. Angelique Mason in her remarks. “We are looking forward to the election and we are speaking it as though it were: Governor Wes Moore will represent the state of Maryland.”
“We need a leader who cares about Sandtown as much as they care about Downtown. Someone who cares about Dru Hill as much as they care about Federal Hill. Someone who cares about Coppin State University as much as they care about the University of Maryland,” added Rev. Derrick DeWitt. “We deserve a better Baltimore and I believe that Wes Moore will work with us to get it done. I proudly stand to endorse my friend Wes Moore to be the next Governor of the state of Maryland.”
“Wes Moore stands out because he has not been stained by the bureaucracy of Annapolis. He comes to us as a fresh voice,” Rev. Tyrone Jones IV said in his remarks. “He sees the needs of the people and he has the acumen to help them. I stand here today to support Wes Moore because he is the only one that I see across the landscape of candidates that can get the job done and who has not been tainted by the things of the past. God bless Wes Moore in his candidacy.”
The faith leaders who have signed on in support of Moore’s candidacy from across the state include:
Rev. Qismat Alim
Rev. Cranston Brooks
Rev. Brent Brown
Rev Roland Brown
Bishop John Bryant
Rev. Vickie Burson
Rev. Harold Carter
Bishop Robbie Davis
Rev. Derrick DeWitt
Rev. Kevin English
Rev. Carolyn Gilmore
Rev. Johnny Golden
Rev. Daryl Gould
Rev. Arnold Howard
Rev. J.K. James
Rev. Jermaine Johnson
Rev. Reginald Johnson
Rev. Matthew Jones
Rev. Tyrone Jones IV
Bishop Reginald Kennedy
Bishop Joel Lyles
Rev. Gregory Maddox
Bishop Bryant Martin
Rev. Angelique Mason
Bishop Cleveland Mason
Bishop William McMillan, Jr.
Bishop Carl Pierce
Rev. Stephen Russell
Rev. Stephen Smith
Rev. Marlon Tilghman
Rev. Robert Turner
Bishop Rayner C. Wharton, Sr.
Rev. Donald Wright
Rev. Robert Young
The faith leaders of Clergy for Wes are supporting Moore’s historic campaign in a personal capacity, not as representatives of any organization or entity.
The Wes Moore for Maryland campaign is powered by a coalition of over 5,000 volunteers that includes affinity groups such as Women for Wes, Veterans for Wes, and Divine Nine for Wes. Wes Moore and Aruna Miller’s people-powered movement has reached over 130,000 voters in less than 8 months.
Wes Moore and Aruna Miller’s rapidly growing coalition includes endorsements from former Governor and former Prince George’s County Executive Parris Glendening; Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman; former Baltimore County Executive Don Mohler; former Baltimore County Executive Jim Smith; Sen. Antonio Hayes (District 40); Sen. Cheryl Kagan (District 17); Sen. Delores Kelley (District 10); Sen. Obie Patterson (District 26); Del. Marlon Amprey (District 40); Del. Kumar Barve (District 17); Del. Lisa Belcastro (District 11); Del. Chanel Branch (District 45); Del. Frank Conaway, Jr. (District 40); Del. Anne Kaiser (District 14); Del. and Baltimore City Delegation Chair Stephanie Smith (District 45); Del. Melissa Wells (District 40); Bowie Mayor Pro Tem & Councilmember Adrian Boafo; Baltimore City Councilmember John Bullock (District 9); Baltimore City Councilmember Zeke Cohen (District 1); Baltimore City Councilmember Mark Conway (District 4); Baltimore City Councilmember Eric Costello (District 11); Montgomery County Councilmember Will Jawando (At Large); Baltimore County Council Chair and Councilmember Julian Jones (District 4); Baltimore City Councilmember Phylicia Porter (District 10); Baltimore City Councilmember Odette Ramos (District 14); Somerset Mayor Jeffrey Slavin; Baltimore City Councilmember Robert Stokes (District 12); Baltimore City Councilmember James Torrence (District 7); former Maryland Democratic Party chairs Michael Cryor and Susie Turnbull; The Baltimore Fire Officers Union Local 964; and VoteVetsPAC, one of the top veterans advocacy organizations in the country.
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