Moore and Indian-American Miller win Maryland Gubernatorial Democratic Primary

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Maryland Gubernatorial candidate, Wes Moore, and his Indian-American running mate, candidate for Lieutenant Governor, Aruna Miller, won the tightly contested Maryland Democratic primary held on July 19^th. Both are positioned to make history, if they win the November general elections – as Moore will be the first Black Governor of Maryland, and Miller the first Indian-American Lieutenant Governor of any US state.

Initially, there were delays in the announcement of election results as Maryland law only allows the counting of mail-in ballots two days post the in-person election. Once the votes were counted, Moore emerged winner against former Labor Secretary, and Democratic National Committee, Chairman, Tom Perez, and Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, who came second, and third respectively.

“As an immigrant and a proud Indian-American, I will work to ensure that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people will look like the people,” Miller told News India Times, adding, “I could not be more proud of the support we built across the state. Our vision of increased economic opportunity and inclusivity is resonating with Marylanders, and I am confident that the unparalleled coalition we have built will continue to grow as we unite with a common goal: securing Maryland’s future.”

Miller who came to the US from India as a 7-year-old, had to overcome a lot of cultural and language barriers, in addition to discrimination. When she was in college her father faced health issues and eventually became unemployed, which led to her seek scholarships and financial assistance to become a civil engineer.

If elected, she’ll be the first Indian American Lt. Governor of any state, and the first woman of color in Maryland to hold the position. She said, “moments like these have little to do with being the first and more to do with not being the last. Every time candidates from communities of color run for office, it has a trickle-down effect as they cast the electoral net wider and engage more voters. This, in turn, strengthens our promise of a representative democracy.”

Miller added, “when candidates and elected officials reflect on the diversity of their communities, racial/ethnic/religious minorities feel less political alienation and have more trust in government. As a result, they are more likely to participate in various civic activities, vote, and will consider running for political office in the future too.”

She was elected to the Maryland House of Delegates in 2010, the first Indian-American woman to achieve that distinction.

As far as plans to win the general elections, Miller’s focus will now be to unite Marylanders and share the Moore-Miller vision for the state that promises to leave no one behind. “We have comprehensive plans to tackle the urgent issues facing families in Maryland like education and the economy, crime and public safety, veterans and senior services, high quality healthcare, climate change and equal rights for all. And we will win by working tirelessly to present our vision for Maryland’s future to the electorate ahead of November.”

After their primary win, Moore, who will be the first black Governor of Maryland, if elected,

tweeted, “on behalf of my family and my incredible running mate Aruna Miller, THANK YOU. The stakes could not be higher, but together, we’ll meet this moment with urgency and leadership. Maryland WILL be a state where we leave no one behind.”

He recently commended measures in President Joe Biden’s Safer America Plan that aims to keep communities safe from gun violence, reform justice system and police, and empower community-based violence intervention. “It’s important that Maryland has a governor that will address act aggressively and with urgency to address gun violence and keep Marylanders safe. Our comprehensive public safety plan will build on the actions taken in Pres. Biden’s plan to meet this goal.”

Democrats are vying to retake the Governor’s mansion as the incumbent Governor Larry Hogan, a moderate Republican, is term-limited and cannot seek re-election as the Governor of Maryland. Notably, after the primary results were announced, Hogan refused to endorse the Republican Gubernatorial candidate, Dan Cox, endorsed by President Trump, who still believes the 2020 presidential election was stolen. Cox and her running mate Gordana Schifanelli will face Moore and Miller in the November general elections.