Maryland Senate Candidate Larry Hogan Says Republicans Can’t Count on His Vote in Senate

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan meets with guests at his watch party after the primary election in Annapolis, Md., on May 14, 2024. (Madalina Vasiliu/The Epoch Times)

As the November election approaches, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has intensified his efforts to court voters in the traditionally blue state.

Mr. Hogan’s latest ad emphasizes independence from party lines, positioning himself as a candidate committed to the interests of Maryland rather than the Republican party’s agenda. His move highlights the critical role Maryland could play in determining control of the U.S. Senate.

In his new advertisement, Mr. Hogan declares: “I want to say this upfront: in the Senate, Republicans can’t count on my vote, but then again, neither can Democrats. If they want my vote, they’ll have to do what is right for Maryland, not one political party.”

Mr. Hogan underscored his record as a governor who prioritized bipartisan solutions and promised to bring the same independent approach to the Senate.

The ad closes with Mr. Hogan stating “we won’t fix Washington without independent, common-sense leaders who bring people together.”

Lifelong Republican

Mr. Hogan secured two terms as governor and remained popular throughout his governorship despite being in deep blue Maryland. Mr. Hogan was often a critic of former President Donald Trump during his presidency, painting himself as a moderate Republican.

However, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) in their own ad released just before the primaries, paint a stark picture of the consequences for Democrats if Mr. Hogan secures a Senate seat.

The ad warns that a Republican victory in Maryland could shift the balance of power in the Senate, especially if former President Trump were to win the presidency against incumbent President Joe Biden.

With a 50–50 Senate split, the tie-breaking vote of the vice president would grant Republicans control of the chamber.

A soundbite injected into the ad from Mr. Hogan himself attempts to complicate his message of independence.

“I’m a traditional Republican that’s been involved in the party for 50 years,” Mr. Hogan states, reinforcing his lifelong allegiance to the GOP.

The DSCC ad further questions Mr. Hogan’s potential alignment, citing concerns about national policies such as a proposed nationwide abortion ban.

When asked if he would caucus with Republicans, Mr. Hogan’s response was unequivocal, “Of course I am. I’m a lifelong Republican, going back to Ronald Reagan.”

Mr. Hogan was seen as a third-party presidential nominee with No Labels before jumping into the race. NoLabels is a bipartisan political party that aimed to form a unity bid for this year’s election and which Mr. Hogan formerly chaired.

Maryland’s Importance

The political tug-of-war in Maryland underscores the strategic importance of Maryland in the broader battle for Senate control.

Mr. Hogan’s opponent, Prince George’s County Executive Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, stands as a critical figure in the Democrats’ efforts to maintain their Senate majority.

Maryland, with its deep blue history, is seen as a vital seat that Democrats must defend to keep the upper hand in Congress.

The DSCC ad directs viewers to Marylandkeepsthemajority.com, with the very website address notating the importance of the state in the battle for senate control this November.

The website redirects to an ActBlue donation page to “Keep Maryland Blue,” and notes in their fundraising pitch that, “Republican Larry Hogan would turn control of the Senate over to Republicans so they can pass a national abortion ban.”

The website and accompanying campaign efforts aim to galvanize Democrat voters and underscore the broader implications of the Maryland Senate race.

Mr. Hogan’s play to swing voters with a message of bipartisanship and independence will be tested against the backdrop of the state’s Democrat leanings and the national significance of Senate control.

Primaries

Mr. Hogan was nominated overwhelmingly by the GOP in primaries earlier this month, winning 64 percent of the vote.

He will face off against Ms. Alsobrooks who pulled off an upset in primaries earlier this month against Rep. David Trone (D-Md.), securing 53 percent of the vote to Mr. Trone’s 42 percent.

Ms. Alsobrooks was seen as more of a left-wing progressive than Mr. Trone, which could be a problem for some voters.

The two are now set for a November showdown that will see Democrats facing their toughest general election opponent in decades in the Old Line State, which last sent a Republican to the Senate in 1980.