Hogan seeks bipartisan support for Maryland Senate seat as Democrats fight to retain it
Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan Shakes Up Senate Race
Former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan’s entrance into the Senate race has Democrats on edge, as polls indicate that he is gaining support from independents and even some left-leaning voters. This unexpected surge of support for Hogan could potentially cost Democrats a crucial Senate seat in 2024.
Hogan officially launched his Senate bid on February 9, putting an end to rumors of a third-party presidential run. Recent polling suggests that his candidacy might be just what the Republican Party needs to secure control of the upper chamber. The race is to replace retiring Democratic Senator Ben Cardin.
The first poll for the 2024 Maryland Senate race, conducted by Emerson College/the Hill/DC News Now, was released on Thursday and revealed that Hogan is already a formidable opponent for Democrats. In a head-to-head matchup against leading Democratic candidate Rep. David Trone, Hogan has a strong appeal among independents, with 48% of their support, and even manages to capture nearly a quarter of the Democratic vote.
Appealing to Independents and Disenchanted Democrats
“In a matchup between Hogan and Alsobrooks, independents support Hogan 43% to 18%, and 31% of Democrats support Hogan,” said Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling.
The fact that a third-party candidate like Hogan is attracting establishment Democrats is a clear indication that his promise to prioritize the interests of the people over party politics resonates with those dissatisfied with the current state of Congress and national politics.
Hogan and Trone are currently tied at 42% of the support, with 16% of voters undecided. However, when pitted against candidate Angela Alsobrooks, Hogan holds a 7-point lead, with 44% of the support compared to Alsobrooks’ 37%, and 19% of voters still undecided.
Trone responded to the poll by asserting that he is the only Democrat capable of defeating Hogan in the upcoming election.
Democratic Divisions and Republican Hopes
“This poll confirms what we hear everywhere that I go: Marylanders are sick and tired of career politicians like Larry Hogan and Mitch McConnell and the special interests that they serve in Washington at the expense of hard-working Americans,” Trone said. “We’re excited to see another poll that shows the hard work of our supporters is growing our lead in the Democratic primary, but we must remain focused on building the Democratic base and a ground game that can beat Larry Hogan and Mitch McConnell and protect our Senate majority in November.”
While the Republican Party faces an uphill battle in the predominantly blue state of Maryland, Hogan’s entry into the race provides the GOP with a prominent candidate to rally behind. The state has not had a Republican senator in 37 years, making Hogan’s candidacy a significant development.
Although seven Republicans have filed to enter the GOP primary, none are as well-known as Hogan. Within just six days of announcing his candidacy, Hogan has already taken the lead in the Republican primary field, with no other candidate reaching double digits in support.
Democratic leaders in Maryland are divided in their support for candidates in the Democratic primary. House Democrats like Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies are backing Trone, while Governor Wes Moore and Representative Steny Hoyer are endorsing Alsobrooks, the two-term executive of Prince George’s County.
Trone has condemned Hogan’s entry into the Senate race as a “desperate attempt to return Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump to power.”
What steps should Democrats take to effectively counter Larry Hogan’s appeal and retain voters in the upcoming Senate race
Sobrooks, Hogan holds a stronger lead with 46% support compared to Alsobrooks’ 34%. The poll also showed that Hogan has a higher favorability rating among voters, with 54% viewing him favorably compared to Trone’s 40% and Alsobrooks’ 29%.
What makes Hogan’s entrance into the Senate race even more significant is his track record as the former governor of Maryland. Hogan served as governor from 2015 to 2023 and was known for his bipartisan approach and ability to work across party lines. His popularity among Maryland voters can be attributed to his focus on practical solutions to the state’s problems rather than ideological rhetoric.
During his tenure, Hogan was able to accomplish several notable achievements, including improving Maryland’s economy, reducing taxes, and investing in transportation infrastructure. He also gained widespread praise for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which earned him high approval ratings across party lines.
This reputation as a pragmatic and effective leader has undoubtedly contributed to his rising support among independents and Democrats. Hogan’s appeal lies in his ability to bridge the gap between the two major parties and offer a fresh perspective in a political climate that is often plagued by polarization and gridlock.
A Threat to Democratic Control
If Hogan continues to gain support from independents and disenchanted Democrats, he poses a real threat to Democratic control of the Senate. Maryland has traditionally been a Democratic stronghold, but Hogan’s popularity and bipartisan appeal could potentially turn the state into a battleground in the upcoming Senate race.
Democrats cannot afford to dismiss Hogan’s candidacy as a mere anomaly. The Emerson College/the Hill/DC News Now poll indicates that Hogan has a strong chance of winning over undecided voters and potentially swaying some traditional Democratic voters. His moderate stance and ability to transcend party lines make him an attractive candidate for Maryland voters who are tired of partisan politics.
As the race heats up, Democrats will need to carefully choose a candidate who can effectively counter Hogan’s appeal. Rep. David Trone, who has emerged as one of the frontrunners in the Democratic primary, will need to find ways to differentiate himself from Hogan and highlight his own accomplishments and policy proposals.
Additionally, Democrats may need to reassess their own strategies and messaging in order to attract and retain voters who are drawn to Hogan’s pragmatic approach. It is crucial for the party to address the concerns and frustrations of those who feel left behind by the current political system and offer concrete solutions that resonate with a broad range of voters.
The entrance of former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan into the Senate race has undoubtedly shaken up the political landscape in Maryland. With his rising support among independents and Democrats, Hogan has the potential to pose a formidable challenge to Democratic control of the Senate in 2024. It remains to be seen how the race will unfold, but one thing is clear: Hogan’s candidacy cannot be ignored, and Democrats will need to adapt their strategies in order to secure victory in Maryland’s crucial Senate seat.
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