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Gov. Larry Hogan won’t run because he fears that his candidacy would only help to give the nomination of Donald Trump.
“I’m not really part of the MAGA Movement and not drinking all of the Kool Aid that some of the people in the Party are. I think the Republican Party is trying to find itself and we’re having kind of a battle for the heart and soul of the Party.”
In an interview with New Hampshire Today’s Chris Ryan, the former Governor of Maryland, Larry Hogan, explains why he is not joining Republican field of presidential candidates; discusses how the race for the GOP’s nomination will go; and assesses the importance of social issues in the presidential election.
Larry Hogan is now a former governor whose term in office expired on January 18, 2023. He is proud of his accomplishments as a two term Governor of Maryland, a very blue state. Hogan’s record and temperament make him a candidate who would appeal to independent voters.
Working with a 70% Democratic Party controlled legislature, Hogan was able to cut taxes and reversed a $5 billion deficit into a $5 billion surplus. By working with the other side and getting things done, Governor Hogan left office with an impressive 77% approval rating.
After doing the necessary groundwork, Governor Hogan has concluded that, despite being a candidate who could do well in the general election, he would have difficulty winning in a crowded field in the primary elections.
Governor Hogan considers himself to be a conservative from the Reagan Movement, but he has decided not to run because he fears that his candidacy would only help to ensure the nomination of Donald Trump.
“I’m not really part of the Maga Movement and not drinking all of the Kool Aid that some of the people in the Party are. I think the Republican Party is trying to find itself and we’re having kind of a battle for the heart and soul of the Party.”
Although Trump could emerge as the Republican nominee in 2024, Governor Hogan doesn’t like former president’s chances in the general election.
“Whether you like Trump or not, he is not our strongest possible nominee. He’s the only guy who has lost to Joe Biden.”
Governor Hogan feels that the Maga segment of Republican voters are divided between President Trump and Florida Governor DeSantis and the possible challenger who could emerge might be Governor Sununu, Vice President Pence, Nikki Haley, or Mike Pompeo.
In Governor Hogan’s opinion, social issues should take a backseat to inflation, crime, taxes, and the problems which concern the average voter.
“If we’re fighting over social issues, the folks who are watching Fox News are enjoying it, but the other 90% of the country isn’t paying that much attention to it.”
Larry Hogan expects to return to working in the private sector, but he will continue to be active in politics.