Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a political newcomer and rising star in the Democratic Party, sits down with Margaret Hoover in Annapolis to discuss his first legislative session and the progress made toward his priorities.

Moore grew up on the brink of poverty after witnessing his father’s death at age three, struggled in school until he was sent to a military academy, and went on to become a Rhodes scholar, a White House fellow, and a best-selling author. Before being elected as Maryland’s first Black governor, he headed the anti-poverty Robin Hood Foundation.

He tells Hoover why he believes the state can end child poverty and explains how his budget aims to address Maryland’s rising homicide rate. He also defends his push to cut a school choice program, despite acknowledging concerns about the performance of some public schools.

Moore contrasts his approach to governing with a supermajority in the legislature to some Republican governors, and he addresses the speculation already brewing about his prospects for higher office just three months into his first political job.

Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Fairweather Foundation, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Jeffrey and Lisa Bewkes, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button, The Center for the Study of the International Economy Inc., The Pritzker Military Foundation on behalf of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, The Marc Haas Foundation, and Stephens Inc.