Maryland GOP Senate candidate Larry Hogan has surprised many by touting an endorsement from former President Donald Trump in a private donor call, despite repeatedly stating that he did not want Trump’s endorsement. Hogan clarified during the call that he did indeed receive Trump’s endorsement, interrupting a donor to emphasize the point. This move comes after Hogan, a popular GOP governor, has clashed with Trump in the past and even considered a primary challenge against him.
Hogan’s campaign spokesperson emphasized that the candidate rejects hatred in politics and is willing to work with anyone who is elected, even if it means going against some members of his own party. Despite the endorsement, Hogan has maintained that he will always be an independent voice and won’t be supporting Trump.
The Maryland Senate race has become more competitive with Hogan’s entry, which was personally recruited by Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Hogan faces Democratic candidate Angela Alsobrooks in the upcoming election. During the donor call, Hogan addressed concerns from some Trump supporters who may be resentful of his anti-Trump rhetoric, pointing to the endorsement as a way to win them over.
Throughout his campaign, Hogan has consistently stated that he would not seek or accept Trump’s endorsement and has even rejected it in interviews. However, with Trump’s endorsement in hand, Hogan is now seeking to appeal to the “hardcore” Trump supporters in the race.
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