A Message from MSEA President Paul Lemle
Where We Stand on Governor Wes Moore
This is an easy column to write! Let me put it as clearly as possible: we’ve never had a working relationship with a Maryland governor like we do with Wes Moore. Larry Hogan never engaged with educators in any way. He never responded to candidate questionnaires or interview requests, and he passed on every opportunity he was offered. Martin O’Malley was far friendlier ideologically and more willing to engage with us. But he kept significant distance from us when it came to our pensions, appointing members to the State Board of Education, and holding the superintendent accountable for policies around testing and evaluations.
The Moore/Miller Administration talks with us to brainstorm ideas, to sharpen existing plans—and especially when there are difficult decisions to be made. This relationship exists between the governor and me, between the leaders of our respective staffs, and even with our members. We recommended him when he was polling below “I probably won’t vote,” we distinguished him in a crowded field, and he won the election buoyed by our strong support. He has responded by welcoming us as trusted partners and ideal messengers for the many things our state government does to support kids and communities. Because of this strong record, it’s no surprise delegates at our Representative Assembly endorsed Governor Moore along with Comptroller Brooke Lierman and Attorney General Anthony Brown for re-election in 2026.
I’m not telling you the governor is perfect; there will be challenges ahead. But we’ll face those challenges with someone who values our professional opinions, treats us with tremendous respect, and remembers our support every day he serves the people of Maryland. He’s a true partner to us and that relationship benefits students and benefits us.