Staff Reports
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan, a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump, has made a strategic move that could shake up the political landscape. Hogan, a moderate Republican, recently stepped down from his leadership role at No Labels, a third-party movement. This departure has set tongues wagging about a potential presidential run using the group’s ballot line.
The announcement, made in a letter to No Labels President and CEO Nancy Jacobson, was received with mixed reactions. While Hogan did not explicitly address his own future plans, his resignation from the co-chair position has sparked speculation about his next steps. The move has been dubbed as a cunning political maneuver by some and as a potential threat to the Democratic Party by others.
Former Governor Steps Down from Board Position in Possible Sign He’s Running for President pic.twitter.com/CR1rUqsqde
— The Liberty Loft (@thelibertyloft) January 11, 2024
No Labels has been actively seeking ballot access across the nation as part of its groundwork for a potential presidential ticket. This has left many Democrats and Trump critics on edge, fearing that the third-party movement could split votes to the detriment of Democratic President Joe Biden and potentially pave the way for Trump’s return to the White House.
Hogan’s decision to step down was accompanied by a letter in which he expressed his intention to make way for new leaders who can fully dedicate themselves to the political operation. The group’s plans to nominate a presidential ticket in the coming months have raised concerns and stirred up speculation across the political spectrum.
In a separate development, No Labels has secured enough verified signatures to appear on the ballot in Hogan’s home state of Maryland. Although the group intends to decide on a presidential ticket this spring, details about the nomination process remain unclear, and the group has faced setbacks in meeting its own targets for announcing plans.
While Hogan, a prominent critic of Trump, has ruled out running for the GOP nomination, his resignation from No Labels has sparked curiosity and debate about his potential bid for the presidency. The speculation comes on the heels of former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie’s decision to withdraw from the Republican presidential race, reflecting the ongoing rift within the GOP.
Notably, former Connecticut Senator Joe Lieberman, a co-chair of No Labels, has openly expressed his interest in Christie considering a run on the No Labels ticket, emphasizing Christie as “the kind of candidate No Labels is looking for.” This move has raised the stakes and added a layer of intrigue to the unfolding political drama.
Additionally, West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a moderate Democrat, has been contemplating a run with No Labels. His upcoming appearance in New Hampshire, just ahead of the state’s pivotal presidential primary, has further fueled speculation about the potential impact of a third-party candidacy in the 2024 election.
As Hogan’s strategic maneuver continues to reverberate across the political landscape, the implications and repercussions are being closely monitored by political analysts and enthusiasts alike. The stage is set for an electrifying showdown as the chess pieces of the political game are being strategically positioned for the upcoming presidential race.
