The former Republican Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, who is running for a Senate seat that could determine control of the chamber, will once again be skipping the Republican National Convention. Hogan has been a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump and did not attend the party’s conventions in 2020 and 2016. His recent comments about respecting the legal process prior to Trump’s conviction on felony counts related to hush money payments have angered party leaders, with some suggesting that Hogan has jeopardized his campaign by not aligning with the party’s stance.
Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 Presidential election, has recently been convicted on all counts related to a scheme to influence the 2016 election through hush money payments. In response to Hogan’s comments, Lara Trump, a co-chair of the Republican National Committee and daughter-in-law of the former president, criticized him, stating that he does not deserve the respect of anyone in the Republican Party. Questions have arisen about whether the GOP will provide financial support to Hogan’s campaign, with Lara Trump expressing skepticism due to his diverging views from the party.
While some party leaders and figures have criticized Hogan’s statements, the National Republican Senatorial Committee remains committed to supporting him as a top recruit for the Senate seat in Maryland. Senator Steve Daines, the committee’s chairman, stated that they plan to support Hogan and emphasized the importance of having more Republican members in the Senate to set the agenda. Outgoing Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell also expressed his support for all Republican candidates, including Hogan, highlighting the need for more GOP members in the Senate.
Some Republican figures, such as Ohio Senator J.D. Vance, have criticized Hogan for his comments but also expressed hope for his success in the Senate race. Vance believes that Hogan’s candidacy might challenge the majority of Republicans in Congress on various issues, but still wants him to win the election. Hogan faces an uphill battle in Maryland, where Democrats outnumber Republicans by a 2-1 ratio, with strong Democratic support in Baltimore and the suburbs of Washington. He is running against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, the chief executive of Prince George’s County.
Despite the internal divisions within the Republican Party regarding Hogan’s candidacy, there is a general consensus among party leaders that having more Republican senators is crucial for advancing the party’s agenda. While some figures have criticized Hogan for his differing views, there is still a unified effort to support him in his Senate bid. The upcoming election in Maryland will be a key battleground for both parties, with Hogan aiming to become the first Republican to win a Senate seat in the state in over 40 years. The outcome of this race could have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate.
