Despite previously stating he had no intention of pursuing a Senate seat, citing a lack of need for employment or desire for another title in his extensive political career, the distinguished Republican figure and ex-Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, made a surprising move in February by initiating his Senate campaign. Hogan claimed his decision was driven by his dissatisfaction with Donald Trump’s dominance over the Republican Party and its members.
Trump and the control of the Republican party
Donald Trump has dramatically changed the Republican Party, wielding huge influence over its policies and members. Known for his strong leadership style and populist approach, he’s shaped the party’s direction and decisions. This influence has reshaped the party’s identity, affecting how it governs and connects with voters. Trump’s impact raises questions about what the future holds for the Republicans and American politics. And these concerns made Hogan to launch his campaign, as explained earlier this week.
Hogan reveals the reason for his decision to run for Senate
Last Monday, Larry Hogan shared that the reason he decided to run for the Senate was because of how Donald Trump influenced the debate surrounding a bipartisan border bill last month. It’s why I decided to run for Senate,” the Republican Maryland Senate candidate said during an appearance on MSNBC.
Hogan, who is 67 years old, made his plans public to go for the Senate seat that Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.), who is going to retire, holds right now. This was on Feb. 9. Before this, Hogan had always said he wasn’t interested in being a part of the Senate, mentioning how the Senate is full of conflicts.
“Actually, I had never given any consideration to this race,” Hogan said. “I’d said 100 times I didn’t aspire to become a senator. I didn’t need a job. I wasn’t looking for another title.
“But three weeks ago on a Wednesday night, when I saw a real solution to secure the border and provide funding for Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan — something that most of the Republican senators had said was, all those things were important, and they were told to vote against what they believed in — it made me frustrated and angry enough to say, I think I’m gonna go down there and try to do something about this.”
The failed border bill is a result of Trump’s influence in the Republican party
The border bill, which was worth $118 billion and worked out by President Biden’s team along with senators from both parties, didn’t pass on Feb. 7. This happened after Trump criticized it heavily, saying it was a huge favor to the Democrats and would be very bad for the Republican Party.
President Biden and other Democrats say that Trump, who is leading the way for the 2024 Republican candidates, played a big role in getting Republicans to say no to the deal. They think he did this to keep border issues as a main topic for the upcoming election on Nov. 5.
The border bill also included billions of dollars for Ukraine and Israel
The legislation included billions of dollars in military assistance for Ukraine and Israel, as well as billions of dollars in border security measures and a Title 42-style authority that would allow Biden, 81, to shut down crossings when migrant encounters exceeded a 5,000-per-day average over a one-week period.
Since the bill didn’t pass, the government hasn’t been able to make new laws just to send military help to Israel or Ukraine.
The anti-Trump, centrist former governor slammed the “new strain of isolationism in the Republican Party” and accused the GOP caucus of harboring “Putin sympathizers.”
“I think if we don’t do something to help Ukraine right now, then we’re going to be forced to send American soldiers because we’re going to be defending NATO countries,” Hogan said of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
Hogan is considered the favorite in the Maryland GOP Senate primary
Hogan is considered the favorite in the Maryland GOP Senate primary. The state hasn’t elected a Republican senator in 37 years. His top opponents on the Democratic side are the deep-pocketed founder of alcohol retailer Total Wine & More, Rep. David Trone (D-Md.), and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks.
The Maryland primary will be held on May 14.
