Maryland Gov. Wes Moore's relationship with organized labor is fraying, raising a new obstacle for the potential 2028 presidential contender. Several union officials told Axios that the Democrat says the right things but has been combative at times and fails to follow through on commitments.
Moore, an Afghanistan veteran and former investment banker who first won office four years ago, has cast himself as a champion of workers. He has acknowledged growing pains as a political outsider, but the tension represents a significant challenge as he builds a national profile.
The Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO has not endorsed Moore's reelection campaign this year, despite backing him in the 2022 general election. Federation president Donna Edwards told Axios that Moore's team failed to return an endorsement questionnaire, which she described as a prerequisite for consideration.
The friction could complicate Moore's efforts to unite Democratic coalitions ahead of a White House bid. Labor endorsements remain crucial for primary candidates, making the rift a potential liability if he seeks higher office.