ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Maryland Governor Larry Hogan surprised many by announcing his last-minute bid for the U.S. Senate seat in Maryland just hours before the filing deadline.
Hogan, a two-term governor in a predominantly Democratic state, had previously ruled out a Senate run to pursue a potential presidential bid. However, he has now decided to enter the race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin in 2024.
In his announcement video, Hogan criticized the current state of politics in Washington, emphasizing the need to prioritize the country over party lines. He positioned himself as a candidate against partisanship, appealing to the “exhausted majority of Marylanders.”
Hogan’s decision to enter the race is significant as he is currently the only well-known and high-profile Republican candidate. The Democratic primary, on the other hand, is a contest between Rep. David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
The governor’s popularity and appeal to voters across party lines have made him an attractive candidate for national Republicans hoping to shift the balance of power in the Senate. However, Hogan’s candidacy will test whether Maryland’s Democratic voters are willing to elect a pragmatic Republican to the U.S. Senate.
During his tenure as governor, Hogan built a coalition of party faithful, independents, and some Democrats, which led to his electoral success in a state where registered Democrats outnumber registered Republicans 2 to 1. However, the state’s Republican party has shifted towards supporters of former President Donald Trump, complicating Hogan’s path to the Senate.
Hogan’s entry into the Senate race has drawn criticism from Democrats, who view it as an opportunity for Republicans to seize more power in Washington. Both Trone and Alsobrooks have been quick to attack Hogan’s candidacy, emphasizing his partisan attacks and policy failures during his tenure as governor.
Since leaving office, Hogan has been involved in centrist groups and has resigned from his leadership position with No Labels. His decision to run for the U.S. Senate adds an interesting dynamic to the race, pitting Hogan’s bipartisan appeal against the partisan divisions in Maryland’s political landscape.