Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan announced that he’s running for the US Senate, aiming to provide a strong candidate for Republicans in a traditionally blue state. Hogan emphasized that he’s running to stand up to both parties, fight for Maryland, and address the broken state of US politics. His entry into the race has the potential to shake up the contest for control of the Senate, as Democrats currently hold a one-seat advantage.
Although previously reluctant, Hogan’s announcement has been met with celebration by Republicans, with Democrats moving quickly to nationalize the race. As a popular former governor known for his moderate stance, Hogan’s willingness to criticize other Republicans, including Donald Trump, has made him both a divisive and intriguing candidate. His decision comes with the recognition that Washington’s political landscape is “completely broken,” and it will be interesting to see how his candidacy impacts the upcoming election.
Maryland’s last Republican senator was elected in 1980, and the Democratic advantage in the state has not waned. Despite being popular during his terms as governor, Hogan may still face challenges from within the GOP due to his divergent views from the party’s more Trump-aligned members. As a result, Hogan’s run for Senate promises to inject fresh energy and unpredictability into the race, making it one to watch in the lead-up to the election.
