Ex-GOP Governor’s Unexpected Senate Run in Liberal State
Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan Launches Senate Campaign
Former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan surprised everyone on Friday by announcing his campaign for Senate. Hogan aims to flip a seat in the heavily Democratic state, declaring that he is not running to serve one party but to stand up to both parties and fight for Maryland. In a post on X, Hogan stated, “It’s what I did as Maryland’s governor, and it’s exactly how I’ll serve Maryland in the Senate. Let’s get back to work.”
Hogan, who served as Maryland’s governor from 2015 to 2023, was reportedly urged by National Republican Senatorial Committee Chair Sen. Steve Daines to run for the Senate seat as the GOP seeks to secure a majority in 2024, according to The Hill. With a statewide approval rating of 77%, including 81% approval among Democrats, Hogan left office as a popular moderate Republican, as revealed by a Gonzales poll.
In 2022, Hogan initially ruled out running for the Senate seat that will be vacated by retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin. However, he has now changed his mind, stating that he is ”fed up with politics as usual.” Previously, Hogan was even considered as a potential third-party presidential candidate for No Labels, a political group challenging both Republican and Democratic candidates in the general election.
Hogan, known for his criticism of former President Donald Trump, recently stepped down from his position as co-chair of No Labels, sparking speculation about a potential presidential run as the group’s candidate, as reported by the Associated Press here. Hogan’s resignation coincided with No Labels’ efforts to secure ballot access nationwide for the 2024 general election.
If elected, Hogan would become the first Republican senator from Maryland since 1987 when Sen. Charles Mathias left office. The current senator, 80-year-old Ben Cardin, has been serving since 2007, while Maryland’s junior senator, Chris Van Hollen (D), was elected in 2016.
Watch Hogan’s campaign announcement video:
I am running for the United States Senate – not to serve one party – but to stand up to both parties, fight for Maryland, and fix our nation’s broken politics. It’s what I did as Maryland’s governor, and it’s exactly how I’ll serve Maryland in the Senate. Let’s get back to work. pic.twitter.com/d0TuZchAtN
— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) February 9, 2024
CLICK HERE TO GET THE DAILYWIRE+ APP
How did Larry Hogan’s tenure as governor position him as a potential presidential candidate?
An flirted with the idea of a potential presidential run in 2024, but decided against it, citing the need to focus on issues closer to home. Hogan’s entrance into the Senate race brings a new dynamic to Maryland politics and creates a potential challenge for the Democratic Party.
Throughout his tenure as governor, Hogan positioned himself as a moderate Republican who was willing to work across party lines. His success in a deeply blue state earned him praise from both sides of the aisle, and he became popular among Democrats and Republicans alike. Hogan’s ability to govern effectively and maintain high approval ratings in a partisan environment speaks to his appeal as a candidate.
With his announcement, Hogan emphasized his intention to fight for the interests of Marylanders, regardless of party affiliation. He framed his campaign as a response to the divisive and partisan atmosphere in Washington, stating that he is determined to bring a fresh perspective and a willingness to work with members of both parties.
Hogan’s decision to run for the Senate comes at a critical time for the Republican Party, which is seeking to regain control of the Senate in the 2024 elections. With several key Senate seats up for grabs, Hogan’s entry into the race adds an extra layer of competition and raises the stakes for both parties.
While Hogan may face some challenges in a heavily Democratic state, his popularity and bipartisan appeal could give him a fighting chance. His track record as governor, his ability to unite disparate factions, and his commitment to representing the interests of all Marylanders will be key factors in his Senate campaign.
However, Hogan will undoubtedly face opposition from Democrats who are determined to maintain their stronghold in the state. He will have to navigate a political landscape that is highly polarized and where party loyalty often trumps individual merits.
As Hogan embarks on his Senate campaign, all eyes will be on Maryland to see whether this moderate Republican can break through the partisan gridlock, appeal to voters across party lines, and ultimately secure a seat in the Senate. His success or failure will have far-reaching implications for both the Republican Party and the future of bipartisan cooperation in Congress.
Only time will tell whether Larry Hogan’s bid for the Senate will be successful, but what is clear is that his announcement has injected a significant level of excitement and anticipation into Maryland’s political landscape.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
