Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Launches Senate Bid
Larry Hogan, the former two-term Republican Governor of Maryland, has entered the race for the U.S. Senate, seeking to fill the seat of retiring Democrat Ben Cardin. Hogan's bid, which he frames as an effort to restore common sense and bipartisanship to Washington, comes as a surprise given his previous statements indicating no interest in the position. His decision has reshaped the dynamics of the race, with Democrats previously confident in maintaining their hold on the seat.
Hogan's gubernatorial tenure, from 2015 to 2023, saw him maintain high approval ratings in a state that traditionally leans Democratic. Known for his criticism of former President Donald Trump and his moderate political stance, Hogan has positioned himself as a middle candidate willing to challenge both parties. He has endorsed Nikki Haley for the 2024 presidential race, signaling his alignment with more establishment figures within the GOP.
The move by Hogan, whose father Lawrence Hogan served as a Maryland congressman from 1969 to 1975, has been labeled a significant recruiting success for Republicans by some political observers. Democrats, including Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and U.S. Rep. David Trone, have expressed concerns that Hogan's candidacy could advance conservative agendas, citing issues such as abortion rights, voting suppression, and tax cuts for the wealthy. Hogan's entry into the race notably came just before the filing deadline for the May 14 primary, underlining the strategic nature of his announcement.
