Larry Hogan’s Senate Run and the Battle for the Soul of the Republican Party

Larry Hogan, the former Republican governor of Maryland and a vocal critic of Donald Trump, is facing a tough battle as he runs for Senate in the upcoming election. Hogan, who once believed that Trump’s influence was diminishing within the Republican Party, now finds himself in a fierce fight to prove that there is still a path forward for anti-Trump Republicans seeking federal office in 2024.

Despite his initial optimism, Hogan acknowledges that his side of the party, which he refers to as “the Republican wing of the Republican Party,” has lost ground. Many of his fellow Never Trumpers have either lost re-election, retired, or changed their stance on Trump. However, Hogan remains determined to fight for the values he believes in, even if it means running towards a “burning building.”

Hogan’s entrance into the Senate race has turned Maryland into a legitimate battleground, with his surprise candidacy expected to secure victory in the upcoming primary. As he campaigns, Hogan is making a conscious effort to distance himself from the national party, emphasizing the importance of putting country over party.

Despite his popularity in Maryland, Hogan faces challenges from voters who are hesitant to give another Senate seat to a Republican, especially in a deep blue state. Concerns about Trump’s influence loom large, with some voters expressing reservations about supporting Hogan due to his party affiliation.

Hogan’s decision to run for Senate was influenced by a call from former President George W. Bush, who encouraged him to consider the importance of his voice in the party and the country. Hogan believes that the current strain within the Republican Party, characterized by isolationism and a focus on personality over ideas, is unsustainable. He remains hopeful that the party will eventually return to its traditional roots.

As Hogan gears up for the general election, Democrats in Maryland are facing a contentious primary, with voters torn between candidates who they believe have the best chance of defeating Hogan. The upcoming election will test whether Hogan’s brand of anti-Trump Republicanism can resonate with voters in a state that typically leans blue.

In addition to the Maryland Senate race, other key races to watch on Tuesday include the latest polling in Georgia, where former President Trump is leading President Biden by 10 points among registered voters. The state’s Democrats are facing challenges in mobilizing key voter groups, raising concerns about their ability to secure victory in the upcoming election.