Larry Hogan emerged victorious in the Maryland Republican primary for U.S. Senate, defeating six GOP rivals with ease. The Associated Press declared Hogan the winner shortly after polls closed, with him commanding 68% of the vote with only a quarter of the ballots counted.
In the upcoming general election in November, Hogan will face the winner of the Democratic primary between Rep. David Trone and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, a race that is still too close to call. A senior Hogan campaign adviser expressed hope that the victory signals a move past Trump for the Republican Party.
Despite facing criticism from his GOP opponent Robin Ficker for his stance against Trump, Hogan has made the Senate race in blue Maryland highly competitive. The seat is being vacated by Sen. Ben Cardin, who is retiring at 80 years old.
Known for his centrist approach and criticism of both parties in Washington, Hogan has positioned himself as a candidate appealing to voters across party lines. Republicans view this unexpected opportunity to flip a traditionally Democratic seat as a chance to shift the balance of power in the Senate.
