Larry Hogan has officially announced his bid for the U.S. Senate. This move introduces a notable shakeup in the traditionally Democratic Maryland political scene.
The Washington Examiner reported that the former Republican Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, is seeking the Senate seat soon to be vacated by Democrat Ben Cardin, who first assumed the role in 2006. Hogan’s candidacy is expected to complicate the Democrat's efforts to maintain their slim Senate majority of 51-49.
Hogan, who served as governor from 2015 to 2023, enjoyed significant popularity among Marylanders, concluding his tenure with strong approval ratings. His entry into the race adds a Republican contender to a position last held by a party member in 1980 when Charles M. Mathias Jr. was in office.
Despite Maryland's Democratic-leaning, recent polls have shown Hogan leading significantly over his potential Democratic opponents. He will likely face Representative David Trone or Angela Alsobrooks, the key figures in the upcoming Democratic primary scheduled for May 14, 2024.
The Maryland Senate seat campaign is proving costly, with vast funds being raised and expended. This financial aspect underscores the importance both parties place on this contest.
Among the pivotal issues in Hogan’s campaign is abortion policy, a topic of heightened relevance following the recent reversal of Roe v. Wade. Hogan, maintaining a moderate stance, faces criticism and pressure from both parties regarding his positions.
Another significant issue impacting the race is the recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024. Given the bridge's crucial role in state commerce, this event has brought transportation and economic concerns to the forefront.
Larry Hogan spoke on the challenge of campaigning in a state with strong Democratic inclinations:
I get it is a hurdle to overcome. We have not elected a senator since 1980 that was a Republican in the state. And there is a battle for control of the Senate — it’s not going to come down to the bluest state in America. There are 10 or 12 other states that are much more likely to swing the Senate, but I will be a Republican, reasonable person with common sense that’ll go down there and try to keep things from going off the rails and try to represent people in both parties and everybody in Maryland.
Despite the hurdles, Hogan has demonstrated a significant lead over Democrats in recent surveys. "I ran 46 points ahead of Donald Trump in Maryland," he noted, highlighting his past electoral success that far surpassed the former president's performance in the state.
The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) has expressed concerns over Hogan's candidacy. DSCC spokeswoman Amanda Sherman Baity emphasized, "A vote for Republican Larry Hogan is a vote to turn the Senate over to Republicans so they can pass a national abortion ban."
However, Hogan has reassured that the electorate is less concerned about his stance on abortion. "Well, I don’t think any voters are concerned," he mentioned, dismissing the perceived impact of his views on reproductive rights on his campaign.
Addressing the economic issues, Hogan emphasized the urgent need for recovery efforts following the bridge collapse. "We’ve got to get to work on this port as a major economic driver for the state of Maryland impacts everything in our whole economy," he asserted, outlining the broader implications of the infrastructure failure.
In conclusion, Larry Hogan's Senate candidacy introduces a significant challenge to the Democrats in Maryland, a state they have long controlled. With high approval ratings from his gubernatorial term and a strong showing in early polling, Hogan represents a potent threat to the Democratic status quo. Central to this election are the issues of abortion rights and economic recovery, particularly in light of recent infrastructure challenges.
