Republicans may finally be able to gain a foothold in Maryland, a predominantly blue state. But it all depends on if Larry Hogan’s new campaign succeeds. The former Maryland governor and prominent anti-Trump Republican announced he entered the Maryland Senate race on Friday.
The announcement has shaken up the contest, and experts believe his winning could ultimately help Republicans in the state. He will file for candidacy on Friday, the last day to do so.
“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,” Hogan declared on X.
Hogan is running in hopes of taking the seat left behind by Democrat Ben Cardin. Cardin announced his decision to retire after three terms in the chamber in May. If there is anyone that can take his place, many believe it’s Hogan.
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He was wildly popular as a Republican governor during his two terms from 2015 to 2023. Some suspected he was gunning for the Republican presidential nomination against Trump. However, he has dispelled such notions. He does not want to be part of the “multicar pileup” of candidates facing him.
Hogan is a staunch critic of the former president and does not hide it. He has even criticized GOP loyalists for swearing fealty to him and repeating January 6 election lies.
His senate bid comes as a surprise to many. But it spells only fortune for Republicans if he manages to flip the empty seat red. Regardless of how things end for him, Maryland will remain a deeply blue state.
Experts agree, even if Hogan’s moderate policies on hot-button issues like abortion and gun control won over voters in prior gubernatorial races. As things stand, Hogan has a really high 77 percent approval rating upon his exit from the governor’s chair and is favored to secure the Republican Senate nomination.
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The former governor’s entry into the race has fueled talk of him potentially pulling off what no other Maryland Republican has since 1980: win a contested Senate contest. Of course, it won’t be easy as the electorate will be leaning left, but the fact that there may be an actual competition has many Republicans excited at their chances.
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, who worked behind the scenes to get Hogan into the race, said last week: “To be competitive in a blue state like that is quite a boost for us.”
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Democrats have yet to select a candidate among the six who have filed in the primary. The field is led by Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s county executive, and an equally promising U.S. Rep. David Trone. Maryland’s Senate primaries will be held on May 14. Those who win will face off in the general election on November 5.
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