Gov. Wes Moore’s (D-MD) refusal during his reelection debate to rule out leaving office early if he wins a second term this November is supercharging the speculation he’s weighing a 2028 presidential run.

The debate stage dodge has not only fueled Republican accusations that Moore is more focused on his national political aspirations than the state he governs, but also raises the stakes for a strong ballot-box performance in a safe seat against GOP rival Dan Cox to avoid blunting his momentum as a rising Democratic star.