Voters uncertain whether next Maryland governor can allay their ‘kitchen table’ economic concerns

Voters choosing Maryland’s next governor may be ready for relief from the higher costs of gas, groceries, credit cards and other aspects of everyday life. Less certain though is whether frustration over economic issues will be seen as enough of a state issue to drive them to the polls in that race or influence the choice between Republican gubernatorial nominee Dan Cox and Wes Moore, the Democratic nominee. Like voters elsewhere in the U.S., Maryland residents have felt the pinch of inflation, which jumped to 8.3% in August, easing slightly as gas prices decreased but still near a 40-year high. And they’re seeing borrowing costs on home and auto loans rise as the Federal Reserve has hiked interest rates in a bid to control inflation.