Wes Moore Calls For 'Safe And Just' Maryland During Star-Studded Inauguration Ball

Democrat Wes Moore, who was sworn in as Maryland's first Black governor Wednesday, said his vision was a "safe and just" state.

The inauguration ball for Moore, who was the third Black person to have held this position in the country's history, was a star-studded event, graced by powerful personalities from the political and nonpolitical circuit.

His win at the midterms flipped the Maryland office from Republican to Democrat. He secured 60% of the votes to beat his GOP opponent, Dan Cox, in the race to replace his predecessor Larry Hogan, who was term-limited and couldn't seek reelection.

Moore delivered a powerful speech at the event, stating his priorities for the state, and his vision, which was a "safe and just" Maryland.

Moore's inauguration took place at the Maryland State House, the oldest Capitol in continuous legislative use, and the only state house to have served as the nation's capitol, where he reflected on the structure's history and the ones that helped build it.

"It's impossible not to think about our past and our path. We're blocks away from the Annapolis docks, where so many enslaved people arrived in this country against their will," Moore said in his inaugural speech, CNN reported. "And we are standing in front of a capitol that was built by their hands. We have made uneven and unimaginable progress since then."

Oprah Winfrey, who endorsed his candidacy, was present at the ceremony and introduced him at the event. She appeared to wipe away tears at the gun salute after Moore's swearing-in. Also in attendance were comedian Chris Tucker and Chelsea Clinton.

Speaking about the state's new gov., Winfrey said, "I trust your vision, I trust your leadership and I want you to know you can trust it, too."

Moore later touched upon the problem areas that have plagued the state.

"Maryland is asset-rich but strategy-poor. And for too long we have left people behind. Maryland has the highest median income in the country yet one-in-eight children live in poverty," he said, ABC News reported.

He acknowledged the crime stats of the state in the past eight years and said, "We do not have to choose between being a safe state and a just one. Maryland can -- and will -- be both."

Some of his goals for his leadership will include implementing a $15 minimum wage, police reform, and funding for youth mental health programs, the outlet reported.