As the November election draws nearer, former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is ramping up his efforts to win over voters in the typically blue state. His recent advertisement features Mr. Hogan declaring that he cannot be counted on by either Republicans or Democrats when it comes to his vote in the Senate. He emphasizes that any party seeking his support must prioritize what’s right for Maryland, rather than their political agenda.
During his time as governor, Mr. Hogan was known for championing bipartisan solutions and vows to carry this independent approach into the Senate. However, this pledge of non-alignment is complicated by a soundbite from the man himself asserting his lifelong commitment to the Republican Party. The advertisement also raises concerns about national policies such as a proposed nationwide abortion ban, questioning Mr. Hogan’s stance on these issues.
When asked if he would caucus with Republicans, Mr. Hogan’s response was clear: “Of course I am.” He reiterated his longstanding affiliation with the GOP, highlighting his involvement in the party for over 50 years.
His opponent, Prince George’s County Executive Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, plays a crucial role in the Democrats’ mission to maintain their Senate majority. As Maryland is seen as an essential seat for the Democrats to hold onto, ensuring they retain control of Congress, this election has taken on significant importance for both parties.
The DSCC ad directs viewers to Marylandkeepsthemajority.com, which redirects to a donation page urging people to “Keep Maryland Blue” and emphasizes the potential consequences of a Republican victory in the state. The website’s fundraising pitch warns that a win for Mr. Hogan could give Republicans control of the Senate, enabling them to pass a national abortion ban.
These campaign efforts aim to energize Democrat voters and highlight the broader implications of the Maryland Senate race. While Ms. Alsobrooks is viewed as more left-wing progressive than Mr. Trone, this may pose challenges for some voters in the upcoming election. Regardless, the two candidates are set to face off in November, marking a challenging general election opponent for Democrats in the Old Line State, which hasn’t sent a Republican to the Senate since 1980.