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Democrat Wes Moore Becomes First Black Governor In Maryland History, AP Reports

Democrat Wes Moore has reportedly made history, becoming Maryland's first Black governor after taking down Republican Dan Cox to replace outgoing Gov. Larry Hogan.

New Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

New Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Photo Credit: @iamwesmoore
New Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

New Maryland Gov. Wes Moore

Photo Credit: Twitter/@iamwesmoore

The Associated Press reportedly shortly after polls closed in Maryland on Tuesday, Nov. 8 that Moore, 44, was on pace to win, despite only 1 percent of municipalities reporting.

At Moore’s election party, the crowd erupted with joy when the announcement was made that the AP was calling the race in his favor so early. Neither Cox nor his team has conceded or made a comment in the early going on Election Night.

Moore’s victory flips the governor’s seat from Red to Blue as Hogan was forced out due to term limit laws in Maryland.

The new governor-elect campaigned on education and crime reform, including improved pay for teachers, better training, and additional funding for police.

"When I was an Army captain and led soldiers into combat in Afghanistan, we lived by a simple principle: leave no one behind," Moore said. "But for too long in Maryland, too many of our families and neighbors have been left behind.

"In our administration, we will work with police and communities to ensure public safety, to keep illegal guns and violent offenders off our streets. In our Maryland, you will feel safe in your neighborhood - and safe in your own skin." 

Moore went on to promise to protect abortion rights and said his administration will "empower women to make decisions about their own reproductive health." 

"The decision to get an abortion is difficult, but in our Maryland, that decision will be between a woman and her doctor," he said.

Following Moore's victory, Hogan issued a handshake from the other side of the aisle, promising a smooth transition when the time comes.

"Our team is committed to ensuring a smooth and orderly transition to the next administration," he said. "I look forward to meeting with the governor-elect in the coming days." 

According to a Fox45 report, Cox isn't going down quietly and his daughter told supporters that the race isn't over.

This is a developing story. 

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