Glendening Backs Moore in Democratic Race for Governor

Former Gov. Parris N. Glendening (D) came to Lawyers Mall, the plaza between his former workplace, the Maryland State House, and his former residence, Government House, on Wednesday to endorse a next generation leader for the job he once held.

Glendening endorsed Wes Moore in the 2022 Democratic gubernatorial primary, saying the former foundation CEO and best-selling author had the best qualifications and skills to meet the state’s future challenges.

“I know what the job takes,” Glendening said. “I know what it’s like to be governor. And when I look at the field of candidates and consider the challenges we face and the leadership we need, I trust the leadership of Wes Moore.”

Glendening started his speech by recounting some of the crises during his tenure as governor, from 1995 to 2003, including the 9/11 terrorist attacks and their immediate and long-term aftermath in Maryland; the outbreak of pfiesteria in Maryland rivers; and the push to pass gun control legislation, which brought a State House visit from President Bill Clinton.

“I hope we don’t have the same kind of crises we’ve faced,” Glendening said. “But I know we’ll be OK if Governor Moore helps lead us through these crises.”

Glendening’s endorsement of Moore wasn’t altogether unexpected. Earlier this year, Glendening’s wife, Jennifer Crawford Glendening, became chair of an independent expenditure committee that was set up on Moore’s behalf. And Moore’s wife, Dawn Flythe Moore, is a veteran of the Glendening administration.

Moore said that when he first visited his future in-laws at their home, the first thing he saw was a photograph of Dawn with Glendening hanging on the wall.

“They still look exactly the same,” he joked.

Moore said he considered Glendening a role model and believes that if he’s elected governor, he can build on Glendening’s legacy, particularly when it comes to protecting the environment.

“Gov. Glendening is one of the most consequential and effective governors Maryland has ever had, and I am honored to have him as a part of this movement we are building to create work, wages, and wealth for families in Maryland,” Moore said. “The impacts of his pioneering work on smart growth, environmental protection, and seeing oftentimes left behind places in our state has made Maryland better.”

Glendening may no longer be a household name, except among political insiders, but he remains a canny political strategist. A former University of Maryland political science professor, he spent over three decades in elective office, including 12 years as Prince George’s County executive.

Four years ago, in the gubernatorial race, Glendening endorsed one of his successors as Prince George’s executive, Rushern L. Baker III. Even though Baker is seeking the Democratic gubernatorial nomination again, Glendening has opted to back Moore.

A few of Glendening’s former top aides stood behind Moore and Glendening as they made their announcement Wednesday, including former Maryland Secretary of State John T. Willis, who was Glendening’s top political adviser, and Peta N. Richkus, who served as his second-term General Services secretary.

Moore paid tribute to them and to the Glendening administration’s record.

“He leveraged the diversity of our state as one of our greatest assets, and I am proud to have the confidence of this remarkable Maryland leader,” he said.

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