Larry Hogan Campaigns for Maryland Senate Seat as a Centrist Republican in a Deep Blue State

BALTIMORE — Last Sunday, surrounded by ardent supporters at a bustling tailgate event, former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan navigated a sea of well-wishers and onlookers as he campaigned for a U.S. Senate seat. His attempt to transform his gubernatorial popularity into a Senate victory represents a challenging endeavor in a predominantly Democratic state. Hogan, seen as a centrist Republican who distanced himself from former President Donald Trump, ended his term in 2023 with substantial bipartisan approval ratings.

Victor Aldana, a Democrat from Rockville, Maryland, expressed a sentiment that Hogan hopes to capitalize on: “People say, ‘yo, he’s a Republican,’ but I think that’s the balance we need.” Hogan’s strategic appeal lies in his bipartisan credentials, which he prominently highlighted during the tailgate in Baltimore, stating, “The reason I’m running is because I wanted to bring some moderation, some bipartisan, you know, common sense ideas, which I think is exactly what’s missing in the Senate.”

Some Democrats like Don Zugner of Harford County liken Hogan to President Joe Biden, particularly appreciating his bipartisan nature. In a political climate defined by deep divisions, Hogan seeks to leverage his centrist stance to gather support, a dynamic also observed in Republican governors from New England, such as Charlie Baker, Chris Sununu, and Phil Scott.

Hogan is closely associated with these figures, who have similarly managed to thrive in blue and purple states through pragmatic governance. Baker, who has not ruled out a future Senate run, and Sununu have contemplated similar paths toward national politics. Hogan’s campaign could potentially serve as a litmus test for Republicans with moderate reputations considering federal positions.

Despite these efforts, Hogan faces significant hurdles. Polls indicate he trails his Democratic opponent, Angela Alsobrooks, Prince George’s County Executive, by substantial margins. Maintaining a Senate majority is crucial for Democrats, intensifying the pressure and attention on this race. Hogan must effectively reach out to Democrats to succeed, some of whom, like Lauren Andresini, a former supporter, are skeptical due to issues such as abortion rights. Andresini remarked, “He is a likable guy, but I don’t trust him on the issue that matters most to me, and that’s abortion.”

Hogan’s Republican alignment with Trump remains a potential barrier. As Mary Anne Marsh, a Massachusetts Democratic strategist, observed, “If you run for a U.S. Senate seat, and you run as a Republican, as long as Donald Trump is involved in national politics, states like Massachusetts are going to be less willing to send you there.”

Acknowledging the challenges, Hogan has distanced himself from Trump, emphasizing his disapproval and refusal to support Trump’s policies, as shown in a campaign ad highlighting the January 6 events he described as “horrific.” He has also tried to clarify his stance on abortion, opting for a “pro-choice” position that supports codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law.

Hogan has expressed admiration for a bygone era of bipartisan support in Supreme Court nominations, indicating he would “probably” have voted for President Joe Biden’s nominee, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, unlike the majority of his Republican peers.

As the campaign unfolds against the backdrop of national politics, Hogan’s efforts could influence the aspirations of similar centrist Republicans in the Northeast. He hopes that his pursuit of a Senate seat sends a signal for his allies like Baker and Sununu to consider entering the fray. “I’m hoping,” said Hogan, underscoring his desire for more like-minded figures to seek national office.