Posted on 02/05/26
| News Source: FOX45
Baltimore, MD - Feb. 5, 2026 - The Maryland state flag – a symbol of pride, identity, and fierce loyalty for many residents – has become the subject of renewed political scrutiny in Annapolis after Gov. Wes Moore described it as a “contradiction” and his administration declined to say whether those remarks signal support for legislative change.
The comments, made during a podcast appearance last week, prompted questions from lawmakers in both parties and exposed uncertainty among state leaders about whether Maryland’s iconic flag – unchanged for more than a century – could once again become a political flashpoint.
State archives show the Maryland General Assembly formally adopted the flag on March 9, 1904, making the red, white, black, and gold banner the state’s official emblem for nearly 122 years. Its design combines the heraldic banners of the Calvert and Crossland families and is widely displayed across Maryland, flying from homes and storefronts, stitched onto clothing, and worn with pride.
That pride was on display Friday afternoon outside the State House.
“It means pride. It definitely shows how much we care about our state,” said Kim, an Annapolis resident who asked that her last name not be published and was wearing a Maryland flag scarf at the time. “I wear it proudly. I love to see it flying high.”
“The Maryland flag? It’s one of the most unique flags out there,” said Del. Chris Tomlinson, R-Carroll and Frederick Counties. “I go to different conferences with state legislators, and they always bring it up that Marylanders – they – we love our flag.”