Staff Reports
Donald Trump endorses Larry Hogan, despite Hogan’s years of opposition to the former president. Trump expressed his support for the former two-term governor, stating that he believes Hogan has a good chance of winning and that he would like to see him succeed. However, the Hogan campaign rejected the endorsement, emphasizing that Hogan did not support Trump in 2016 and 2020 either. The campaign was not given advance notice of the endorsement.
The Senate seat, currently held by retiring Democrat Ben Cardin, is a crucial one for Republicans to secure a majority in the Senate. Hogan, known for his centrist Republican views and outspoken criticism of Trump, presents an opportunity for the GOP to flip the traditionally blue seat. However, Trump’s endorsement could potentially hinder Hogan’s efforts to appeal to centrist Democrats and independents, as well as Republicans.
https://t.co/SJdNzBhF8S #MD #MDSenate2024 pic.twitter.com/bhW6prCXgg
— Blue Portia ⚖️🏛️👩⚖️🏳️🌈🌊💙☘️🐝🪶🦈🧸 (@NemxxNemx) June 14, 2024
Democrats were quick to criticize the endorsement, with Hogan’s Democratic opponent and Senate Democrats’ campaign arm reacting negatively to Trump’s support for Hogan. They highlighted recent Republican Senate votes and linked Trump’s endorsement to their opposition to key issues. Despite this, Trump’s endorsement of Hogan came after a closed-door meeting with Senate Republicans, during which he pledged party unity and support for Senate candidates in their bid to regain control of the chamber.
