Two of the Democratic Party’s rising stars have been put into the national spotlight this week due to the bridge collapse in Baltimore.
Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, 45, and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, 42 — both seen as likely candidates for higher office in the future — face a crucial test with how they handle the aftermath of the disaster, which claimed six lives and will require rebuilding the bridge and reopening the port.
“It shows the talent we have within the Democratic Party and their ability to lead in times of crisis,” said Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist. “Sometimes it’s a crisis that forces leaders to rise to the top and answer the call. I think this unfortunate tragedy has done just that.”
The two young politicians have found themselves in the national spotlight after a cargo ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Interstate 695 in Baltimore on Tuesday. Besides the lives lost, the tragedy has also raised concerns about supply chain issues, commuting impacts, and funding for reconstruction.
Buttigieg, on his part, is no stranger to the national spotlight, having run for president in 2020 while he was serving as the mayor of South Bend, Ind.
Moore, on the other hand, is newer to national politics. Before he was elected governor of Maryland in 2022, he worked as a nonprofit executive and author.
“This is just another opportunity for [Moore],” Seawright said. “I think he’s always shown the ability to not only lead but lead in the light, and I think the world is seeing what a lot of people already know about Wes Moore.”
Buttigieg’s rise — from management consultant to Navy reservist in Afghanistan to Indiana mayor to Cabinet official — came after he outperformed many establishment Democrats in the primary in 2020 and instantly gained named recognition on the national level.
“He ran a very credible primary back in 2020,” said Jon Reinish, a Democratic strategist. “This is a popular guy who has always been seen as a rising star, one to watch, and one to follow.”
“There is a reason why Biden chose him for this job,” he continued. “He is good at this.”
When Biden chose Buttigieg as Transportation secretary, after the two ran against each other in the primary, it was seen as an ideal opportunity for him to prove his skills amid questions about his future political prospects. The secretary has also been a surrogate for Biden’s reelection campaign and is known by politics-watchers for his ease with TV interviews and willingness to push back on Republican criticism against the administration.
Now, Buttigieg and Moore will be evaluated based on how they manage the aftermath of the bridge collapse.
“Gov. Moore and Sec Buttigieg are essential parts of the future of the Democratic Party. The situation in Baltimore is tragic, and having both of them leading the response is an opportunity for them to show what excellence is under pressure. It’s an opportunity for them to shine at a time of need,” said Ivan Zapien, a former official for the Democratic National Committee.
Moore and Buttigieg, along with some other Democratic candidates, have been suggested for the 2028 election. Potential candidates also include Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D). All of them have experience leading at the state or local level, including Buttigieg.
Experts say this is not a coincidence.
“Voters are quite tired of Washington,” Reinish said. “I believe that voters want leaders with executive experience.”
The way Buttigieg and Moore have handled the bridge situation has resulted in pictures of Buttigieg in the Oval Office with President Biden and images of Moore at the bridge site every day. Buttigieg participated in the White House press briefing on Wednesday, and Moore has been answering questions from reporters in press conferences all week.
Both men are veterans and represent important groups within the Democratic Party. Moore is not only Maryland’s first Black governor, but also the only Black governor currently serving in the U.S. Buttigieg was the first openly LGBTQ leader in Indiana and the first openly LGBTQ person appointed to the U.S. Cabinet.
Buttigieg has dealt with this kind of pressure before. He has been leading the federal government’s response to Boeing after issues with the company’s planes and has previously managed situations like the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment and stranded holiday travelers.
Rachel Palermo, who worked on Buttigieg’s presidential campaign and served as the former deputy communications director and associate counsel to Vice President Harris, said the secretary performs well under pressure.
“Secretary Buttigieg is a great example of a leader who carefully handles crises and shows grace under pressure, and that’s why he’s such an essential part of the Biden-Harris Administration,” she said. “Leaders like Secretary Buttigieg and Vice President Harris make me optimistic about the future of the Democratic Party — they embody bold and forward-thinking leadership, and improving the lives of everyday Americans is at the center of everything they do.”
For Moore, this tragedy is the first introduction for many Americans outside of Maryland. Moore has also been a strong advocate for Biden’s reelection, especially focusing on reaching out to Black voters.
“So far in the near term, he is doing everything right,” said Len Foxwell, a Maryland-based Democratic strategist. “He has provided comfort and reassurance to the families of the victims. He has provided reassurance and strength to the people of Maryland who are shaken by this tragedy and he has made it very clear that we are going to rebuild and we are going to rebuild better.”
“The next test is over the long term, how quickly and how efficiently is he going to be coordinating the rebuilding process,” Foxwell added.
While Buttigieg and Moore have received praise for their responses, the event has also led to partisan criticism.
“It’s clearly in no way based on fact, but social media, right-wing media, un-fact checked media, unhinged media on the right,” Reinish said. “It’s just been so immediate today and that’s what’s been so striking.”
Moore and Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott (D), who is also Black, have faced an additional layer of racist criticism online. Scott responded to the online criticism on MSNBC earlier this week, saying that the attacks are rooted in racism.
“I am aware, and we are aware, and you are well aware, that Black men, and young Black men especially, have been seen as the enemy for those who are racist and believe that only heterosexual, wealthy white men should have a say in anything,” Scott said to host Joy Reid, and added that those involved in the recovery are disregarding the conspiracy theories and collaborating together.
Seawright said Moore, Buttigieg, Scott and others leading the recovery efforts are demonstrating that the process is not about politics.
“There are always malicious individuals looking to sow division, and I think you see this happening in real time,” he said. “These leaders are showing that this is not about a political party, this is not about future political aspirations, this is about ensuring at this moment that the country understands that their leaders are ready to set aside everything else to do what’s best for the American people.”
