How About Larry Hogan for U.S. Senate?

Now that Maryland U.S. Senator Ben Cardin has officially announced his retirement, there is bound to be an endless parade of Democrats lining up to take his spot.

But is it worth it for Republicans?

Next year is a Presidential Election which doesn’t fare well for Republicans. Democratic turnout is much higher than a Gubernatorial election.

There are probably Republican members of the General Assembly who plan to run for Congress, County Executive and possibly Governor in 2026. If any of those candidates want to run for the vacant senate seat, the 2024 election would give those candidates a chance to build up some name recognition and to hold on to their current seats if they were unsuccessful in a statewide senate race.

How about a candidate that can win or the only Republican candidate that can win? Would Larry Hogan consider running for Senate?

Republicans tried to get Hogan to run for the other U.S. Senate seat in Maryland against Chris Van Hollen in 2022. It was a more winnable cycle with the Gubernatorial election than 2024 but Hogan proved he could win in a strong Democratic year in 2018.

Brian Griffiths of The Duckpin wrote that he believes Hogan prefers another executive position and a job where he is not one out of 100.

I agreed with that statement for turning down the 2022 Election against Van Hollen, but is Hogan looking to wait around to run for president?

If Joe Biden is reelected, Hogan would have to wait until 2028 to run. If Donald Trump or another Republican is elected President, Hogan would have to wait until 2032. That would be almost 10 years since his last days as Governor.

Why not try to become U.S. Senator now and then seek the Presidency at the right time?