Larry Hogan makes surprise jump into Maryland Senate race, upending contest

Larry Hogan, Maryland’s former two-term governor, has announced he’s running for U.S. Senate, giving the GOP a solid contender in a state that hasn’t had a Republican senator for 37 years.

The story was first reported by the Associated Press, and here’s what we know so far.

Larry Hogan makes Senate run announcement via social media video

FILE – Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan addresses supporters at the Maryland statehouse, Jan. 10, 2023, in Annapolis, Md. The former Maryland Governor announced Friday, Feb. 9, 2024, he will run for U.S. Senate, giving Republicans a prominent candidate who is well-positioned to run a competitive campaign for the GOP in a state that hasn’t had a Republican U.S. senator in 37 years. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)

Hogan, who stood out during his time as governor as one of the rare Republicans willing to criticize President Donald Trump, made the announcement on X, formerly known as Twitter, via a video from his nascent Senate campaign.

“This is a fight for Maryland and America’s future, and that is a fight worth fighting,” Hogan said in the video announcing his campaign. “And that is why I have made the decision to run for the United States Senate.”

Watch Hogan’s announcement here from X/Twitter:

The surprise move is a turnaround for Hogan, who had said in February 2022 that he had no interest in running for Senate, despite calls from national Republicans for him to dive in. Here’s what he said then:

“I sincerely appreciate all the people who have been encouraging me to consider it,” Hogan told reporters, per the AP. “A number of people have said that they thought I could make a difference in the Senate and be a voice of common sense and moderation. I was certainly humbled by that. And it gave me and my family reasons to consider it. But as I have repeatedly said, I don’t aspire to be a United States senator.”

Harris takes aim at marijuana: Rep. Andy Harris takes aim at marijuana as DEA considers big change

Hogan enters already crowded Senate field in Maryland

Hogan, who said he will file for the Senate race before tonight’s 9 p.m. deadline, joins a field that is already crowded on both the Democratic and Republican side in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin.

On the Democratic side, the frontrunners are U.S. Rep. David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.

On the GOP side, Hogan will jump into a crowded field that includes retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. John Teichert. Teichert, perceived until now by many to be the GOP frontrunner, released this statement Friday:

“The beauty of living in this great republic that I fought to defend for over three decades is that we give Americans a choice about who represents us in elected public office. Since I announced my campaign in October, I have run on a motto of leadership, not politics, and that message has resonated with Marylanders as I’ve crisscrossed the state during these last four months. We’ve formed coalitions, received endorsements, captivated hearts and minds, and are still gaining momentum every single day. Marylanders deserve to have a choice and I welcome anyone to the race who wants to offer them one.”

Beloved Maryland dog breeds: Maryland loves dogs, but which breed is most popular? Meet the top pooch here and in US

Important election dates coming up in Maryland

With this crucial Senate race on the ballot and also, of course the race for U.S. president, here are key election dates to remember.

Get to know other candidates for Senate from Maryland

Reporter Dwight A. Weingarten profiled Teichert and the two Democratic frontrunners, and you can read those stories here:

Alsobrooks profile: PG County Executive aims to expand work statewide as Maryland’s next U.S. senator

David Trone profile: From House seat, Trone aims for U.S. Senate in Maryland

Republican field takes shape: Republican field for open US Senate seat in Maryland starts to take shape

This article originally appeared on Salisbury Daily Times: Senate run by Larry Hogan comes as surprise, upends Maryland race