ANNAPOLIS, Md. – Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has announced his candidacy for the U.S. Senate, positioning himself as a prominent Republican critic of former President Donald Trump. Hogan made the announcement in a video posted to social media on Friday, just hours before the filing deadline for the race.
In his announcement, Hogan evoked the decision of his father, a Republican congressman, to support the impeachment of then-Republican President Richard Nixon. Hogan emphasized the need for “leadership” and a “willingness to put country over party,” drawing on his experience as governor to make his case to voters in a predominantly blue state where he has seen electoral success.
Hogan, who served two terms as governor and won by a significant margin in 2018, aims to bring a more centrist approach to the Republican party, resisting Trump’s influence on the party. He emphasized the importance of leaders willing to stand up to both parties, acknowledging that no one person holds all the answers or power.
The former governor’s bid for the Senate seat makes him the front-runner for the Republican nomination in a state where the Democratic nominee, Gov. Wes Moore, won with over 64% of the vote in 2022. While Hogan’s success in a predominantly blue state is unique for a Republican, he still faces an uphill battle, with prominent Democrats, including Rep. David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, also running for the seat.
The Democratic challengers have emphasized the threat of a Republican takeover of the seat as a step closer to national restrictions on abortion rights. Hogan’s stance on abortion rights has been a point of contention, as he has voiced support for reasonable restrictions with exceptions, leading to concerns from Democratic lawmakers about a potential shift on the issue if he were to win the Senate seat.
Despite the tough odds Hogan faces in flipping the Senate seat, his candidacy demands attention from Democrats who were hoping to ignore the race. His political strength and success as a Republican in Maryland have the potential to force Democrats to reassess their strategy in the Senate race. Meanwhile, Hogan’s departure from the traditional Republican stance, particularly in relation to Trump, reflects the ongoing shifts and dynamics within the party.
In addition to his gubernatorial success, Hogan’s previous involvement with bipartisan initiatives and his endorsement of former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley over Trump for the GOP presidential nomination in 2024 have positioned him as an independent-minded and anti-Trump Republican. His Senate candidacy further underscores the growing divisions within the Republican party and the broader implications for its future.