Larry Hogan's Anti-Trump Senate Bid Shakes Up Maryland Race
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan launches a unique Republican Senate campaign, distancing himself from Trump and emphasizing his actions during the January 6 Capitol attack. The tight race could impact Senate control.
Larry Hogan, former Governor of Maryland, is making waves in the state's Senate race with a distinctive Republican campaign that sets him apart from former President Donald Trump. In a bold move, Hogan has launched an advertising campaign highlighting his opposition to Trump and his actions during the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack.
Hogan's strategy is unique among Republicans, as he seeks to appeal to Maryland's predominantly Democratic electorate. The state, with a population of approximately 6.2 million, has twice as many registered Democrats as Republicans. This demographic reality necessitates Hogan's approach of distancing himself from the national Republican agenda.
The former governor's campaign emphasizes his decision to deploy the Maryland National Guard to protect the Capitol during the January 6 attack. This action, which occurred nearly three years ago, is being used to underscore Hogan's commitment to defending democracy.
Hogan's campaign is not just about distancing himself from Trump. He's also highlighting his record as governor, including his handling of the 2015 Baltimore riots and his experience balancing the state budget. These points aim to showcase his leadership skills and appeal to a broad range of voters.
The Maryland Senate race has national implications, as it could potentially affect the balance of power in the U.S. Senate. Currently, Democrats hold a slim 51-seat majority in the 100-member chamber. Hogan's entry into the race has unexpectedly put Maryland, typically a safe Democratic state, into play.
Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George's County Executive and Hogan's Democratic opponent, is not sitting idle. She's reminding voters of Hogan's Republican affiliation and the potential consequences of his election for Senate control. Alsobrooks, who counts Vice President Kamala Harris as a mentor, is benefiting from increased grassroots enthusiasm.
A recent AARP poll shows the race in a dead heat, with 7% of voters undecided. Interestingly, Hogan is outperforming Trump by 40 net points among Democrats and independents in the state.
Hogan's campaign faces the challenge of reassuring voters who like him but are wary of the national Republican agenda. To address this, he's vowed to be a "pro-choice" senator, distancing himself from potential Republican efforts to restrict abortion rights nationally.
The former governor's stance on key issues and his reputation as a Trump critic are central to his campaign strategy. Hogan skipped the Republican National Convention and has stated he will not vote for Trump in the upcoming election.
"Republicans can't count on my vote."
As the race heats up, both candidates are ramping up their advertising efforts. Hogan has reserved nearly $8 million for fall advertising, while Alsobrooks has so far committed less than $1 million, according to AdImpact data.
The Maryland Senate race, once considered a safe Democratic seat, has become a closely watched contest with potential national implications. As the campaign unfolds, voters will weigh Hogan's independent stance against Alsobrooks' Democratic credentials in this unexpectedly competitive race.
