Published on February 20, 2024, 2:26 am

In a surprising move, Republicans are bolstering their chances of reclaiming the U.S. Senate. The former two-term Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland has announced his intention to run for the now vacant Senate seat. This strategic decision is perceived as an impressive recruitment win for the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. It also sets up an advantage for the Republicans in traditionally Democratic Maryland during a presidential election year.

The popular ex-governor had exited office with an impressive 77% approval rating. Contrary to speculations of him running as a third-party ‘No Labels’ ticket because of his repeated criticism of former President Donald Trump, Hogan showed political loyalty by endorsing former Ambassador Nikki Haley for president. This validates his continued commitment to contributing within the Republican Party’s fold.

In his campaign announcement, Hogan stresses on eliminating petty partisanship in politics. He lamented that Washington is broken due to its lack of leadership and scarcity of willingness to put country over party lines. Reassuring voters, he avowed his pragmatic approach towards governance, stating categorically that he does not belong to the “performative art school” politics but hails from where work gets done.

The entry of Larry Hogan in Maryland’s Senate race is viewed as a nightmare scenario for Chuck Schumer. While currently, Senate favors Democrats at 51-49, they will be defending 23 out of 34 seats in this year’s election. States such as Ohio, Montana, and West Virginia which voted Trump in previous elections appear ripe for Republican takeovers.

While winning Maryland has historically been challenging for Republicans, with the last victory dating back to Charles Mathias’ win in 1980, Hogan’s popularity and track record hold promise. Despite Democrats outnumbering Republicans two-to-one and facing stiff competition from a significant lead by Joe Biden over Trump in recent elections, Hogan managed to clinch gubernatorial victories twice.

Hogan’s election is seen as a representation of Republicans that appeal to moderates, independents, and can possibly sway Democratic voters. However, transitioning from being a governor to a Senate role may pose challenges due to federal issues’ nationalization.

While Hogan’s history and name recognition play strongly into his favor (his father was also a known congressman), it’s the independent poll by The Baltimore Banner showing Hogan leading his likely competitor Angela Alsobrooks by 42% to 36% that suggests his strategy might be paying off.

Yet, it should be emphasized that Hogan’s feud with Trump could create some cracks among Republican ranks. Ideally, Nikki Haley would make an excellent nominee as she polls robustly with independent voters. Matthew Foldi of Spectator opines that Republicans will rally behind Hogan primarily because they’re tired of losing.

The control for the U.S. Senate hangs precariously as Democrats attempt to pass measures like D.C. statehood, court-packing, and end filibustering using their potential expanded majority. It’s no secret Republicans have been enduring losses over previous election cycles due to nominating less-than-optimal candidates in winnable races.

Larry Hogan may not stand as the most conservative senator, but he appears well-suited for representing Maryland and could tip the favor towards Republicans reclaiming control of the Senate again.