Hogan Stands Out in Maryland Senate Race, ‘Defying Gravity’

In a surprising twist, Democratic strategist David Axelrod has pointed out that Republican Larry Hogan is currently “defying gravity” in the race for the Maryland Senate seat, running against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks. This observation was shared by Axelrod on social media, highlighting the unusual competitiveness of the race.

According to a recent poll conducted by Anzalone and Fabrizio, the race is a statistical tie, with both Hogan and Alsobrooks garnering 46 percent of support from voters. The survey also revealed that 7 percent of respondents were undecided, while 1 percent indicated support for another candidate. Axelrod remarked on Hogan’s popularity, noting that it underscores the former governor’s appeal in a state typically leaning Democratic.

Hogan has a notable political history, having been elected to two terms as governor of Maryland. During his tenure, he built a reputation as one of the most popular governors in the country. A key factor in his current standing appears to be his support among independent voters, with the poll indicating that 55 percent of independents back Hogan in this Senate race.

While the Senate race is neck-and-neck, the political landscape looks quite different for the presidential contest in Maryland. The same poll showed Vice President Kamala Harris leading former President Donald Trump by an impressive margin of 32 points, illustrating the significant Democratic advantage in the state at the presidential level.

Hogan’s candidacy represents a glimmer of hope for Republicans in Maryland, who see potential to flip the Senate seat in the upcoming election. In his campaign, Hogan has emphasized his independence from traditional party lines, further bolstered by his decision to reject an endorsement from Trump. This move has allowed him to position himself as a moderate choice, appealing to a broader spectrum of voters, including Democrats and independents.

Previously, Hogan served as a co-chair of the political group No Labels, which explored the idea of launching a “unity” ticket featuring candidates from both parties. However, the organization ultimately decided against this approach and Hogan stepped down earlier this year to focus on his Senate campaign.

As the election approaches, attention will be closely focused on Hogan’s ability to maintain momentum against Alsobrooks, who also has a solid base of support. While Hogan’s popularity and independent backing make him a formidable candidate, Alsobrooks remains a seasoned political figure with significant backing from her party.

The outcome of this race could potentially signal shifts in voter sentiment in Maryland as well as broader trends in national politics. With Hogan’s unique blend of bipartisan appeal and Alsobrooks’ Democratic stronghold, the contest for Maryland’s Senate seat promises to be a critical watchpoint in the upcoming election cycle.

As both candidates continue to campaign in the coming weeks, their strategies and the evolving political dynamics in the state will be pivotal in determining the eventual victor in this high-stakes race. The engagement of independent voters and their preferences could ultimately sway the election in favor of one candidate or the other.

As the Maryland Senate race unfolds, observers will be keenly awaiting further polling data and subsequent developments that may shift the balance between Hogan and Alsobrooks.

Source: Nexstar Media, Inc.