Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced he will run for the state’s open Senate seat in 2024. Hogan was a rare Republican willing to rebuke former President Donald Trump. His bid instantly makes the race more competitive as the GOP fights to flip the chamber.
Who is Larry Hogan?
Hogan served two terms as Maryland’s governor from 2015 to 2023. He governed as a moderate and remained popular in the heavily Democratic state.
Unlike most Republicans, Hogan directly criticized Trump’s behavior and policies while in office. He also endorsed Trump rival Nikki Haley for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination.
Why is Hogan’s announcement significant?
The Senate seat is currently held by retiring Democrat Ben Cardin. Republicans see it as a prime opportunity to pick up a seat.
Hogan gives the GOP a prominent candidate well-positioned to run strongly in a blue state. His moderate image and bipartisan appeal could attract swing voters.
How does this impact the battle for Senate control?
Republicans need to flip only one seat to take the majority. Hogan strengthens their odds of gaining the one seat they need.
Along with open seats in West Virginia and Montana, Hogan makes Maryland more competitive. This expands the GOP’s path to the Senate majority.
What are Hogan’s chances against the Democratic candidates?
The Democratic frontrunner is wealthy Congressman David Trone. County Executive Angela Alsobrooks is also running.
But Maryland hasn’t elected a Republican senator in 37 years. Hogan will still face an uphill climb even with his popularity as governor.
What is Hogan’s main campaign message?
In his announcement video, Hogan lamented the “toxic politics” dividing America. He pitched himself as a leader who can “stand up to both parties” and fix dysfunction in Washington.
This bipartisan, anti-polarization appeal is aimed at the swing voters Hogan needs to build a winning coalition in a blue state.
What are Democrats saying about Hogan’s run?
Democrats are framing Hogan as a threat to their Senate majority and policy priorities like protecting abortion rights.
They predict Hogan would enable Mitch McConnell to take control of the Senate and advance the GOP agenda if elected.
Is Hogan still critical of Trump’s impact on the GOP?
Yes, Hogan argues Trump has encouraged “broken politics” and extreme partisanship. In his video, he invoked his father voting to impeach Nixon as an example of principled leadership.
Hogan seems to be positioning himself as a throwback Republican less focused on Trump-style grievances and ownedore on governing.
Can a moderate Republican still thrive in the Trump-era GOP?
It’s an open question whether Hogan’s approach still resonates with much of today’s more populist and combative Republican base.
But Hogan believes his model of a big-tent party focused on “common sense” solutions still has appeal, especially among independents.
What would a Senator Hogan prioritize?
As governor, Hogan focused on fiscal issues and pragmatic governance. He’d likely bring a similar center-right policy approach centered on the economy, spending and bipartisanship.
But he’d also provide a prominent GOP counterpoint to Trump in the Senate and on the national stage.
Does Hogan support any potential 2024 GOP presidential candidates?
Yes, Hogan has already endorsed Nikki Haley for the 2024 Republican nomination. He praised Haley as a principled leader.
Some speculate Hogan could be a running mate pick for a more moderate nominee like Haley.