Maryland Democrats are concerned that a push in the Legislature for hundreds of millions of dollars in taxes and fees could potentially boost former Republican Gov. Larry Hogan’s campaign for a U.S. Senate seat. Hogan, a popular figure in the state who has criticized tax increases, could be a formidable opponent in the upcoming general election. While Republicans have not won a Senate race in Maryland since 1980, Hogan may have a chance to change that trend.
Hogan has been quick to condemn the revenue package proposed by Maryland’s legislature, stating that it would cost jobs and hurt families already facing financial challenges due to inflation. The proposed tax hikes have led to a budget showdown, with Hogan urging a rejection of the tax increases. Democrats hold a narrow majority in the U.S. Senate, and Hogan’s popularity in Maryland could make the Senate race unusually competitive in the traditionally Democratic state.
While Hogan’s potential opponents remain relatively unknown, a recent poll showed that Maryland voters still prefer a Democratic U.S. Senate candidate. Some Democrats argue that now may not be the right time for a tax and fee increase package to pay for transportation and education, and that waiting a year could potentially defer political blowback. The differences between the House and Senate on the budget plan have led to an extension of the legislative session.
The budget plan approved by the Senate focuses on investing in the state’s priorities without tax increases and maintains ample reserves in the rainy day fund. However, the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has highlighted the urgent need for transportation funding. Some Democrats believe that the outcome of the U.S. Senate race could impact the state’s long-term future, underscoring the need to maintain a Democratic majority in the Senate.
With Hogan’s track record of upsetting victory in 2014 and widespread popularity, Maryland Democrats are wary of the potential impact of a tax and fee proposal on the looming Senate race. Hogan’s ability to resonate with tax-weary voters and his criticisms of tax increases could make him a formidable opponent in the U.S. Senate race. The budget showdown and political tensions surrounding the proposed revenue package have intensified concerns among Maryland Democrats about the race’s outcome and the state’s priorities moving forward.
