Full Breakdown
Governor Wes Moore Endorses Dan Schwartz in Maryland’s 1st District Democratic Primary
4/30/2026, 4:00:47 AM
Endorsement Announcement
On April 28, 2026, Governor Wes Moore announced his endorsement of Dan Schwartz for the Democratic primary in Maryland’s 1st Congressional District. Schwartz joins four Democrats—Victor Guidice, George Walsh, and Randi White—seeking to challenge Rep. Andy Harris in the November election.
Background & Context
The 1st District primary pits four Democrats against incumbent Rep. Andy Harris, determining the party’s nominee for November.
Timeline
April 28, 2026 – Moore’s endorsement; June 23, 2026 – primary election; the state election office lists three voter-registration methods.
Data & Statistics
Four Democrats—Schwartz, Guidice, Walsh, White—are running in the First District Democratic Primary. The state provides three registration options for voters.
Why It Matters / Impact
Moore frames the endorsement as support for leaders who “prioritize creating work, wages and wealth.” Backing Schwartz signals an effort to present a challenger to the Republican incumbent, altering the district’s partisan balance.
Official Statements & Responses
Governor Moore said Maryland’s future depends on uplifting community leaders who prioritize work, wages, and wealth, and noted that endorsed candidates have raised their hands to serve.
Criticism & Opposition
Candidate Dan Schwartz criticized Rep. Andy Harris as representing the far right of the Republican Party, noting Harris’s three-year absence from in-person town halls and his support for policies that, according to Schwartz, raise costs and threaten health-insurance coverage.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If we are going to build a Maryland that leaves no one behind we must uplift our community leaders that will prioritize creating work, wages and wealth in all of our communities,” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
- “These leaders have raised their hands to serve in our state’s most competitive districts, and we are all in to make sure in November these communities have someone in office who will fight for them.” — Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland
- “Congressman Harris represents only the furthest extremes of the Republican party. His last in-person town hall was three years ago, so it's no wonder folks in this district feel ignored. They see him campaigning in Hungary, supporting Trump's tariffs that drive up costs, and trying to repeal their health insurance, and they know it's time for a change,” — Dan Schwartz, Democratic candidate
- “I’m looking forward to working with Gov. Moore to flip this district and when we do, I'm committed to holding monthly town halls open to everyone, reinvesting in our farmers and communities, and prioritizing working people in the First District. Having spent a career in consumer protection fighting predatory lenders, crypto crooks and billionaires, I’m ready for this fight and am excited to have Gov. Moore in my corner.” — Dan Schwartz, Democratic candidate
What's Next
With the June 23 primary approaching, Schwartz has announced a schedule of monthly town halls and continued outreach to farmers and working people. The Democratic nominee will face Rep. Andy Harris in the November general election, where the district’s partisan control will be decided. Voters may register using any of the three methods identified by the state election office.
