MARYLAND (WBFF) — As Maryland voters prepare to decide Question 3 , a P AC urging them to vote for Gov. Wes Moore but against the redistricting measure he supports has disclosed a $325,000 contribution from a little-known nonprofit whose own funders remain unknown.
Truth for Maryland’s latest campaign finance filing lists the Progressive Prosperity Caucus as its sole contributor. The filing reports nearly $294,200 in spending on videos, online ads and mail supporting Moore while opposing Question 3. The PAC’s ad uses Moore’s image and campaign-style branding to make its case.
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The contribution sheds light on who funded the Maryland PAC, but not who financed the Progressive Prosperity Caucus. The nonprofit lists an Omaha, Nebraska address, but its funders and leadership are not identified in the filing.
In a statement, Truth for Maryland Chair Andrew Brightwell said the group is working to reelect Moore and oppose President Donald Trump.
“Gerrymandering is a cancer on our democracy,” Brightwell said. He also said the group wants to “stop Trump’s gerrymandering scheme.” The statement did not identify who funds the Progressive Prosperity Caucus.
The caucus has also spent money in Wisconsin. It gave $750,000 to Middle Class Priorities, a group that spent about $1.27 million supporting Democratic gubernatorial candidate Francesca Hong in that state’s primary. Nebraska Democratic Party Chair Jane Kleeb accused the caucus of operating as a Republican front group seeking to influence Democratic primaries. That allegation has not been established.
Truth for Maryland’s ads have drawn a cease-and-desist letter from Moore’s campaign, which accused the PAC of using the governor’s image and branding to mislead voters. A campaign finance complaint also alleged the PAC failed to promptly disclose its funding source. State election officials warned the group of a potential campaign finance violation. Those claims have not been adjudicated.
Fight Back Maryland, the group supporting Question 3, called the ads deceptive. In a statement, spokesperson Luca Amayo accused the Progressive Prosperity Caucus of “bankrolling an effort to trick Maryland voters by putting trusted Democratic faces on a message that serves only Donald Trump’s agenda.”
The filings show a large spending gap between the two ballot issue groups during the same reporting period, Oct. 5 through 18. Fight Back Maryland reported spending about $402,000 and had more than $1.8 million in cash. Its largest contributors listed in the filing were DGA Action PAC, which gave $800,000, and Democracy PAC, which gave $500,000.
Protect Maryland Votes, which opposes Question 3, reported spending about $57,400 and having about $151,000 remaining. Its largest listed contributions were $10,000 from W. Lee Gaines and $5,000 from SunMed Growers.
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Question 3 would change the state constitution’s rules for congressional redistricting , removing state constitutional criteria for congressional district boundaries. Supporters say it would give Maryland a way to respond to Republican-led redistricting efforts in other states. Opponents argue it could allow politicians in Annapolis to draw districts that favor Democrats. A September UMBC poll found 53% of likely voters opposed the measure, 25% supported it and 19% were undecided.
The ballot measure has become part of the political test facing Moore, who is seeking a second term against Republican Dan Cox. Political analyst John Dedie called Question 3 “a barometer” for Moore’s reelection.
“They’ll vote for Moore reluctantly, but they’re going to want to show dissatisfaction with the Moore administration,” Dedie said.
At a weekend rally in Baltimore County, Moore urged supporters to keep up their effort, declaring, “Blue tsunami! It’s a blue tsunami. And people are ready.”
Cox, meanwhile, has emphasized state spending and promised to review government agencies.
“We’re going to bring in accountable people who are the adults in the room, CPAs, that can go over each department and look at what’s happening, where is the money going,” he said in an interview with FOX45 News In Depth with Mikenzie Frost.
Follow Political Reporter Mikenzie Frost on X and Facebook . Send tips to mbfrost@sbgtv.com.