Gov. Wes Moore delivers fourth State of the State as budget gaps and redistricting debate intensify

Address set for Feb. 11 in Annapolis amid high-stakes fiscal and political decisions

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is scheduled to deliver his fourth State of the State address at noon Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, before a joint session of the Maryland General Assembly in Annapolis. The speech comes during the 2026 legislative session, which runs from Jan. 14 through April 13, and arrives as lawmakers weigh major choices on the state budget, affordability initiatives, public safety, and a disputed proposal to redraw Maryland’s congressional map mid-decade.

Budget proposal centers on closing a projected shortfall without new statewide taxes or fees

Moore’s administration has framed the fiscal year 2027 operating budget proposal—totaling about $70.8 billion—as a plan designed to eliminate a projected $1.5 billion cash shortfall. The proposal includes nearly $900 million in targeted cuts and cost-saving measures and is structured to maintain an 8% balance in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. It also outlines reductions in government operating expenses of $154 million between fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

Budget deliberations are expected to dominate the 90-day session, with legislators scrutinizing proposed spending levels and the distribution of responsibilities between the state and local governments. In recent budget discussions, state leaders have highlighted education funding, energy affordability programs and law enforcement support as key areas they want to protect while aligning spending with measurable outcomes.

Affordability measures and consumer protection proposals are part of the session’s agenda

The speech is also expected to touch on cost-of-living pressures facing Maryland residents. In recent weeks, Moore and legislative leaders have promoted proposals aimed at consumer protections in essential markets, including measures targeting data-driven “dynamic pricing” practices for grocery items. Such proposals, if enacted, would represent a new layer of regulation intended to limit rapid price fluctuations for food purchases in stores and online.

Mid-cycle redistricting push advances in the House but faces Senate resistance

Another major issue in the background of the address is a push for mid-cycle congressional redistricting. A reconstituted Governor’s Redistricting Advisory Commission voted to forward a proposed map for consideration, and legislation tied to that recommendation was introduced on Jan. 23, 2026. The debate has exposed divisions among Democratic leaders, with concerns raised about legal risk, political consequences, and potential impacts on election administration.

• Supporters argue Maryland should respond to mid-decade redistricting efforts unfolding in other states.
• Opponents warn the effort could backfire, potentially jeopardizing a Democratic seat and triggering litigation.

Moore’s State of the State is expected to outline priorities for the remainder of the session while lawmakers simultaneously negotiate a budget framework and weigh whether to advance a new congressional map.

The address will serve as a benchmark for the administration’s agenda in the weeks ahead, as committees move legislation and fiscal negotiations narrow toward end-of-session deadlines.