FOX 45: Dan Cox pitches affordability, tax cuts in bid to unseat Gov. Wes Moore
Republican gubernatorial candidate Dan Cox says Maryland’s affordability crisis will be the central issue of his campaign as he seeks to unseat Democratic Gov. Wes Moore in November.
In an interview with FOX45’s Mikenzie Frost, Cox pointed to rising electric bills, taxes and the cost of living as the top concerns facing Marylanders, arguing the state has become too expensive for families, seniors and young adults.
“This is all about the economy,” Cox said, pledging to lower taxes, reduce fees and create more opportunities to keep residents from leaving the state.
Cox, who lost to Moore by roughly 30 percentage points in the 2022 gubernatorial election, said voters have had four years to evaluate the governor’s leadership.
He criticized the Moore administration’s handling of the state’s finances, claiming the governor spent a budget surplus left by former Gov. Larry Hogan and that Maryland now faces a structural deficit.
Cox also pointed to the state’s ongoing affordability challenges and said he would use the governor’s executive authority, while working with the largely Democrat-controlled General Assembly, to implement changes.
“I’ve done that as a state delegate,” Cox said of working across the aisle. “I intend to do that.”
Asked how he would appeal to Democrats and independent voters in a state where President Donald Trump remains unpopular, Cox said his campaign is focused on Maryland issues rather than national politics.
“This is about Maryland,” he said. “It’s not about the national political scene. I’m focused like a laser for Maryland issues.”
Cox said his priorities include lowering taxes, reducing business tax rates, addressing rising electric bills and creating more jobs for young people. He also accused Moore of not spending enough time in the state, promising he would “show up” if elected.
The interview also touched on government transparency after both Cox and Moore declined to release their tax returns in response to requests from Spotlight on Maryland.
Cox defended his decision, citing privacy concerns and arguing the campaign should remain focused on what he called “kitchen table economics.” He did say he would place his assets into a blind trust if elected governor and separate himself from his law practice.
Early voting activity is approaching, with Cox noting that mail-in ballots will begin going out in the coming weeks as the November election draws closer.
