In Maryland GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan has stated that he has no interest in seeking former President Donald Trump’s endorsement in the race. Hogan made this announcement after Trump expressed his desire to see Hogan win the election. Hogan clarified his stance in an interview with CNN affiliate WTOP radio, stating, “Well, I just said I didn’t seek it. I didn’t want to have it. And I have no interest in it.”
He further emphasized that he would not be promoting or accepting Trump’s endorsement, especially in a state where Trump lost by 33 points. Hogan, a former two-term governor with high approval ratings in Maryland, has been working to distance himself from the national GOP. His critics argue that his alignment with Trump’s agenda could negatively impact his bid against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks for the Senate seat left vacant by retiring Sen. Ben Cardin.
Trump’s endorsement comments came shortly after Hogan made remarks urging Americans to “respect the verdict” in Trump’s New York hush money trial. Hogan’s campaign responded by highlighting his lack of support for Trump, emphasizing that Hogan did not support Trump in the 2016 and 2020 elections.
Hogan expressed surprise at Trump’s endorsement, calling it “a weak, half-hearted endorsement.” He noted the sudden shift in attitude from Trump’s allies, who had previously criticized him. Despite Trump’s change of heart, Hogan remains steadfast in his decision to distance himself from the former president’s endorsement.
