Gov. Moore Condemns NGA Dinner Snub; Rep. Harris Rebuts

Maryland Governor Wes Moore recently expressed his discontent after being uninvited from the National Governors Association (NGA) dinner slated for 2026 at the White House. As Vice Chair of the NGA, Moore perceives this decision as a slight aimed at undermining bipartisan cooperation between state and federal leaders.

Governor Moore’s Response to NGA Dinner Snub

During a CNN interview, Governor Moore characterized the uninvitation as “blatant disrespect.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration that the NGA is meant to symbolize. Moore highlighted his unique position as the only Black governor in the United States, indicating that the exclusion felt particularly disheartening.

• Governor Wes Moore described the uninvitation as “blatant disrespect.”
• Moore has been selected to serve as Vice Chair of the NGA.
• He finds this exclusion painful given his efforts to work collaboratively with both parties.

Congressman Harris Challenges Moore’s Claims

In a contrasting viewpoint, Congressman Andy Harris, representing Maryland’s 1st Congressional District, dismissed Governor Moore’s grievances. During an appearance on FOX45 News, Harris suggested that Moore’s critical stance against President Biden contributed to his exclusion from the dinner.

• Harris asserted that “if somebody criticizes you a lot, you don’t invite them to your house.”
• He emphasized that the invitation decision is not racially motivated.

Harris further argued that bipartisan relations would not suffer as a result of the exclusion, claiming that criticism does not foster a cooperative environment. “What goes around comes around,” he asserted, reinforcing his stance against Moore’s complaint about the decision.

Governor Moore’s Official Statement

In light of the controversy, Governor Moore released a statement detailing his feelings about being uninvited to the NGA dinner. According to him, the event is a longstanding tradition that unites governors from both parties to celebrate shared commitments to public service.

Moore expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision, viewing it as a sign of disrespect not only towards him but also towards the spirit of bipartisan partnership. He noted, “I’m ready to work with the administration anywhere we can deliver results,” emphasizing his commitment to collaboration regardless of political affiliation.

Future Political Dynamics

The interview also touched on Maryland’s mid-cycle redistricting, which may significantly affect Harris’s congressional district. Governor Moore mentioned his collaboration with judges to prepare for potential legal challenges surrounding the new district maps.

• Moore clarified he was referring to retired judges in his remarks, not active members of the judiciary.
• Harris cautioned that a court rejection of the new map could inadvertently benefit Republicans in Maryland.

This ongoing exchange highlights the complexities of political relationships and the ramifications of public statements in governance. As events unfold, both Governor Moore and Congressman Harris will likely remain key figures in this dialogue on bipartisan efforts and redistricting challenges.