Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has made a surprising announcement, declaring his candidacy for the US Senate. His decision has provided Republicans with a strong candidate in their attempt to flip a seat in the traditionally Democratic state. Hogan, known for his moderate record and willingness to criticize fellow Republican Donald Trump, believes that Washington is “completely broken” and that he is “completely fed up with politics as usual.”
The former governor’s entry into the race has the potential to shake up not only the Maryland race but also the entire battle for control of the Senate. Democrats currently hold a one-seat advantage, and with incumbents already on the defensive in several Republican-leaning states, Hogan’s candidacy adds another layer of uncertainty.
Republicans are celebrating the news, relishing the opportunity to watch Chuck Schumer’s reaction. Josh Holmes, the top political adviser to Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell, expressed his excitement on social media. Two years ago, McConnell and other prominent Republicans had urged Hogan to challenge Sen. Chris Van Hollen. They saw him as a potential moderate with significant power in a closely divided Senate, likening him to West Virginia Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin.
Hogan had previously entertained the idea of running for the Senate but had always been hesitant to commit. Even in a favorable election year for Republicans, the Democratic advantages in Maryland would have made the race challenging. Hogan decided to focus on finishing his term as governor and exploring a potential run for president in 2024 instead.
However, Hogan’s plans took a different turn when he withdrew from the No Labels group and gave up on his White House aspirations. Concerns about unintentionally helping Trump seemed to play a role in his decision-making process. This year’s Senate race in Maryland is wide open, with two lesser-known Democrats vying for the nomination to replace retiring Sen. Ben Cardin. Despite the competition, Democrats still maintain a significant advantage in the state.
Hogan’s biggest challenge may come from within his own party. Although he was personally popular during his tenure as governor, the state Republican Party has shifted towards Trump’s influence. Hogan’s refusal to support the Republican nominee in 2022 has alienated him from the MAGA wing of the party. Democrats wasted no time in attempting to nationalize the race, emphasizing the potential consequences of electing Hogan and giving control of the Senate to Republicans.
Larry Hogan served as governor of Maryland from 2014 to 2023, winning reelection comfortably in 2018. Throughout his governorship, he faced numerous challenges, including riots in Baltimore, a pandemic, and a personal battle with cancer. Maryland has been dominated by the Democratic Party for decades, with the last Republican presidential nominee to win the state being George H.W. Bush in 1988.
Hogan’s decision to run for the Senate adds an exciting twist to Maryland politics and could have significant implications for the battle for control of the Senate. As he seeks to stand up to both parties and fix the nation’s broken politics, only time will tell whether Hogan can overcome the odds and secure a victory in the deep-blue state.
