Questions are resurfacing after confirmation that Maryland Gov. Wes Moore filmed a 2022 campaign commercial about public education inside an elite private school attended by his children. The Calvert ad setting contrasts sharply with Moore’s message that Maryland must give every student “that fair shot to succeed.”
In the ad, Moore declared, “Maryland is home to some of the nation’s best public schools, but also some of its most neglected.” He added, “We can’t settle for that.” The Moore campaign has since confirmed the video was filmed at Calvert School, a Baltimore private academy where middle school tuition exceeds $33,000 a year.
Moore has openly embraced his ties to the school. During a 2020 virtual talk, he said, “I’m proud to be a Calvert parent in this moment,” and praised the school community, adding, “I’m really proud of our kids.” Calvert later hosted Moore again in May 2024, welcoming him for a private talk with students.
The decision to film the ad at Calvert drew criticism from Republican strategist Doug Mayer. “It’s the height of hypocrisy,” Mayer said. “It’s the height of political arrogance.” He added that only “someone who is a complete idiot, or someone who is so arrogant they don’t believe the rules apply to them,” would make such a choice.
Moore’s campaign dismissed the criticism. “Gov. Moore has been a champion for Maryland public schools since he took office,” said senior communications adviser Carter Elliott, calling the focus on the ad misplaced.
The Calvert ad episode adds to broader scrutiny of Moore’s résumé as he gains national attention. Past claims about military honors, academic credentials, and personal background have drawn questions. While Moore often frames his story around growing up in “the hood,” records show he attended elite private schools as a child.
As Moore is floated as a future Democratic presidential contender, the contrast highlighted by the Calvert ad continues to draw attention.
