Hogan Ready to Take on Democrat Limp Out of Maryland Senate Primary

Former Maryland Republican Governor Larry Hogan is confident in his chances to claim a Democrat-held Senate seat in the upcoming primary, saying, "I don't know which one's going to limp out of that primary. But we'll be ready."

Former Republican Governor Larry Hogan of Maryland has emerged as a formidable candidate in the race to flip a Democrat-held Senate seat in the heavily blue state. With the Democrat primary contest heating up, Hogan is poised to face the winner and potentially secure a crucial victory for the GOP.

Hogan, a popular two-term governor, is considered the overwhelming front-runner in the Republican Senate primary, despite facing a field of more than half a dozen challengers. Senate Republican campaign committee chair Sen. Steve Daines of Montana expressed optimism about Hogan's chances, acknowledging the challenges posed by Maryland's blue status but emphasizing Hogan's popularity within the state.

The Democrat primary race, on the other hand, has become a battleground between big bucks and high-profile endorsements. Three-term Rep. David Trone, one of the wealthiest members of Congress, has poured over $50 million of his own money into his campaign, emphasizing his electability and vowing to protect democratic values such as women's rights and Social Security.

His main opponent, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, has secured the backing of much of the state's Democrat establishment, including Governor Wes Moore, Senator Chris Van Hollen, and five House members. Alsobrooks has highlighted her experience in governance and her commitment to working for the people.

Hogan, in an interview with Fox News' Mark Meredith on the eve of the primary, commented on the Democrat race, stating, "I don't know which one's going to limp out of that primary. But we'll be ready."

Republicans are eyeing a favorable election map this year, with Democrats defending 23 of the 34 Senate seats up for grabs. Three of those seats are in red states carried by former President Trump in 2020: Ohio, Montana, and West Virginia, where Democrat Senator Joe Manchin is not seeking re-election.

Republican Governor Jim Justice of West Virginia, who is term-limited, is the favorite to win Tuesday's GOP Senate primary. He faces a crowded field of candidates, including conservative Rep. Alex Mooney, who is his main competitor. The Republican nominee is considered the overwhelming favorite in November to flip the Democrat-held seat.

In Nebraska, four-term Republican Rep. Don Bacon is facing a challenge from his party's right flank from candidate Dan Frei. A primary victory by Frei would be considered a political gift to Democrats as they aim to flip the district in November.

West Virginia's GOP gubernatorial primary is also taking center stage, with state attorney general Patrick Morrisey, former state Rep. Moore Capito, auto dealer Chris Miller, and West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner among the candidates.

All three states will be holding presidential primaries, where Biden and Trump, who have both long since clinched their respective Democrat and Republican nominations, look to pad their delegate totals. However, the primaries could provide further headaches for both candidates, with the likelihood of more "uncommitted" votes in the Democrat primaries to protest the president's support for Israel in its war with Hamas in Gaza. In the GOP contests, expect a small percentage of continued support for former U.N. Ambassador and former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley, who ended her White House bid more than two months ago.