Moore took the oath using two Bibles, one of which belonged to abolitionist Frederick Douglass. The new governor wasn’t the only one making Maryland history Wednesday: His lieutenant governor, Aruna Miller, became the state’s first woman of color and the first immigrant to serve in that position. And earlier this month, Anthony G. Brown became Maryland’s first black attorney general, while Brooke Lierman became the first woman to serve as comptroller.
Moore, the son of a Jamaican immigrant, ran on a pledge to «leave no one behind,» campaigning on a set of progressive policies including raising the minimum wage, increasing clean energy initiatives, and reforming education and police. , many of which he mentioned. during his speech. Marylanders have been offered a number of «false choices,» Moore said, including choosing between «a competitive economy and an equitable economy» and people «feeling safe in their own community and feeling safe in their own skin.» .
Moore swept the November election, defeating Republican challenger Dan Cox by 33 percentage points in a race for the seat vacated by former Governor Larry Hogan, who had reached the state’s two-term limit. Democrats were whispering about a possible future presidential run for Moore even before the 44-year-old won the election, comparing the political rookie to former President Barack Obama, who helped Moore on the campaign trail.
Oprah Winfrey, who was little supportive of Moore, introduced him on Wednesday. With Moore, Winfrey said, «Maryland’s best days are yet to come.»
“And there is much more to come,” Winfrey added. «He’s just getting started.»
Moore’s speech included messages of hope and calls to end «toxic partisanship.»
“If we are divided, we cannot win. If we are united, we cannot lose, ”Moore said, closing his comments. “Now is our time to build a state that those who came before us fought for. This is not a slogan. It is the fulfillment of a hope”.