Stevensville, Md. — Andy DePaola, owner of DePaola’s Bagel and Brunch, welcomed former Governor Larry Hogan to his family’s restaurant with warmth, but a cautionary whisper followed. DePaola, a self-proclaimed “Trumper,” advised Hogan to tread carefully regarding his opinions on former President Donald Trump.
Hogan, seeking to become the first Republican senator from Maryland in over four decades, faces a delicate political tightrope walk. As a vocal critic of Trump within the Republican Party, Hogan’s bid for the Senate hinges on maintaining his diverse political coalition while navigating the deep-blue terrain of Maryland.
The Senate race in Maryland has garnered national attention, as a Hogan victory could tip the balance of power in the U.S. Senate towards Republicans. However, Hogan’s anti-Trump stance has drawn skepticism from Trump loyalists, while Democrats are banking on issues like abortion rights to challenge his bid.
In an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, Hogan reaffirmed his Republican allegiance but distanced himself from Trump’s “Make America Great Again” movement. Despite concerns about Trump’s influence, Hogan reiterated his commitment to caucus with Republicans in Washington.
Meanwhile, Democrats are gearing up for a heated nomination process to select Hogan’s opponent. Labor, immigration, and progressive groups have criticized Hogan’s record on issues like abortion, minimum wage, and healthcare.
Throughout his low-profile “Back to Work” bus tour across Maryland, Hogan has downplayed divisive political disputes, preferring to connect with voters on a personal level. Despite concerns about his party affiliation, Hogan’s middle-of-the-road approach has resonated with voters from diverse backgrounds.
As Hogan seeks to distance himself from Trump while retaining Republican support, the Maryland Senate race remains a high-stakes battleground with national implications. With Hogan’s careful political balancing act underway, the outcome of the election will shape the future of Maryland politics and influence the balance of power in Washington.
