Report Discusses Maryland Hogan
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan surprised the political world last week by announcing his unexpected bid for the U.S. Senate. Hogan, who had repeatedly stated he was not interested in running for Senate during his time as governor, has now changed his mind and believes it is his duty to try to fix the gridlock on Capitol Hill.
In an exclusive interview with FOX 5, Hogan explained that after a year out of public office, he became increasingly concerned about the polarization in Washington and the role of the Republican party in contributing to it. He sees running for Senate as an opportunity to be part of the solution and help bridge the divide.
While some are skeptical of Hogan's motivations for running and his sudden change of heart, recent surveys show him leading against Democrat opponents in the Maryland race. Hogan's experience as governor has likely given him a high profile and familiarity with the issues important to voters in the state, which could give him an advantage in the race.
However, Hogan is already facing criticism from Democrats who accuse him of posing a threat to reproductive rights. Despite his assurance that he will not support a national abortion ban and his record of not rolling back abortion rights during his tenure as governor, Democratic opponents are concerned about the potential for a shift in the balance of the Supreme Court under a Republican-controlled Senate.
Hogan's decision to run for Senate could have wider implications for the upcoming midterm elections. Maryland, a solidly blue state, could potentially flip to the Republican side if Hogan wins the Senate seat. This would have a significant impact on the balance of power in the Senate, which is currently controlled by Democrats with a slim majority.
However, Hogan's bid for Senate is not without challenges. He is not the first choice for many Republicans, and his moderate views may not align with the base of the party. If he wins the Senate seat, it could also create tension within the party between more moderate and more conservative members.
Other Senate races to watch in the 2022 midterms include Ohio, Montana, and Arizona, which are currently rated as toss-ups by The Cook Political Report. Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin are leaning towards Democrats, but there is potential for a shift if the right candidates emerge on the GOP side.
While Hogan's decision to run for Senate may have come as a surprise, it highlights the competitiveness and importance of these upcoming Senate races. With the potential to sway the balance of power in the Senate, these races will be closely watched and hotly contested by both parties.
It remains to be seen how Hogan's campaign will unfold and if he will be able to rally enough support to win the Senate seat in Maryland. But his unexpected entry into the race adds a new dynamic and could significantly impact the outcome of the 2022 midterm elections. Only time will tell if Hogan's gamble will pay off and if he will be able to make a difference in the highly polarized political climate of Washington.
MARYLAND POLL: Emerson
SEN:
Larry Hogan (R): 44% (+7)
Angela Alsobrooks (D): 37%
.
Larry Hogan (R): 42% (=)
David Trone (D): 42%
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DEM SEN:
Trone: 32% (+15)
Alsobrooks: 17%
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PRES:
Biden: 55% (+23)
Trump: 32%
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538 Rank: #8 (2.9/3.0) | RVs | 2/12-13https://t.co/MmZXc63X4v pic.twitter.com/vXjKth3nKQ— InteractivePolls (@IAPolls2022) February 15, 2024