Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan confirmed that he will not vote for Donald Trump in the 2024 presidential election despite receiving his endorsement. Hogan emphasized his focus on bipartisanship and criticized Trump’s divisive rhetoric, while underscoring his commitment to a two-party system.
Hogan Rejects Trump’s Endorsement, Focuses on Independence
Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has reiterated that he will not vote for Donald Trump in the upcoming 2024 presidential election, despite receiving an endorsement from the former president in June. Speaking on CBS’ “Face the Nation,” Hogan said, “I didn’t vote for him in 2016 or 2020,” highlighting his desire to put “country over party.”
Hogan’s History of Independent Voting
Hogan, a Republican, has a history of independent voting choices, having written in his father, Lawrence Hogan, in 2016 and former President Ronald Reagan in 2020, instead of voting for either the Republican or Democratic candidates. Hogan is currently running for a Maryland Senate seat against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks, and if successful, he would be the first Republican to win a Senate seat in Maryland since 1980.
Criticism of Trump’s Rhetoric
During the interview, Hogan criticized Trump’s recent comments about Vice President Kamala Harris, where Trump referred to her as “mentally disabled.” Hogan described the remarks as “outrageous and unacceptable,” further condemning Trump’s rhetoric, which he has opposed for years. He stated, “Trump’s divisive rhetoric is something that we could do without. I think he’s his own worst enemy.”
Hogan’s Opposition to Trump’s Influence on the GOP
Hogan has been an outspoken critic of Trump’s influence on the Republican Party, even as Trump has labeled him a RINO (Republican in name only). Hogan cited Trump’s handling of the pandemic, particularly the lockdowns, as a key area of disagreement. Additionally, Hogan did not defend Trump after the former president’s criminal conviction earlier this year, which led to further attacks from Trump’s team.
Support for a Two-Party System
Although once linked to the third-party No Labels movement, Hogan stressed his belief in the importance of a two-party system. He voiced concerns about both parties moving away from their core values, with Democrats leaning too far left and Republicans transforming into a “Trump party.” However, Hogan remains committed to bipartisanship, aiming to build consensus for the common good as the foundation of his political career.
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