CHESTER, Md. — The political landscape in Maryland is heating up as Republican Jon Michael, who hasn’t always aligned himself with former Governor Larry Hogan’s viewpoints, has nevertheless cast his vote in favor of Hogan for the U.S. Senate. Similarly, Democrat Diane Stokes, who previously supported Hogan for governor, is not backing him this time around. Both individuals emphasize the significant implications of the upcoming race between Hogan and Democrat Angela Alsobrooks in this predominantly Democratic state.
With early voting underway on a pleasant autumn day, Maryland voters are confronted with a mix of emotions. In the Eastern Shore, a region more conservative than the state’s urban centers, some loyalty-driven Trump supporters grapple with their reservations about Hogan, while others rally behind him enthusiastically. Conversely, some Democrats in Annapolis find themselves torn between their appreciation for Hogan and concerns over aiding a Republican takeover of the Senate.
Michael, a self-identified far-right voter, notes his disappointment with Hogan’s decision to endorse former President Ronald Reagan rather than Trump during the 2020 election, as well as Hogan’s handling of COVID-19. However, he believes Hogan serves Maryland’s interests better than any alternative. “The Republican Party needs to be in power,” said Michael, 54, at an early voting site on Kent Island. “While I’m not a fan of Larry Hogan in all respects, he’s our best option.”
Meanwhile, Democrats in Annapolis are acutely aware of the stakes in this year’s Senate race. Never before has a Republican claimed a Senate seat in Maryland in more than four decades, but Hogan’s popularity as governor has led him to garner support from across party lines in past statewide elections.
At a recent news event, some Democrats who previously backed Hogan for governor expressed their reservations about the current election cycle. “Many of my friends and I — many of whom voted for Larry Hogan for governor — are deeply concerned about the Senate majority,” stated Stokes, a resident of Hyattsville. “Maryland is crucial for Kamala Harris to secure a Senate majority, and that’s exactly what we want to achieve.”
The potential implications of this year’s race in determining control of the Senate weigh heavily on voters’ minds, especially since Maryland typically favors Democrats by a two-to-one margin. The Democrats currently hold a slim 51-49 majority in the Senate, which includes independents who align with the party. This November, they are attempting to defend 23 of the 33 contested Senate seats nationwide.
If Hogan manages to claim Maryland’s open Senate position, it would pave a clearer path for Republicans to secure a majority in the Senate.
Both primary parties have significantly invested in advertising for the Senate race, with neither side enjoying a decisive lead in campaign spending. Reports indicate that between the May 14 primaries and the current date, both campaigns and their affiliated organizations have poured over $35 million into this contest, with a significant portion stemming from external groups.
Paula Dickerson, 70, shared her contemplative feelings regarding Hogan’s candidacy. Ultimately, the significance of Senate control prevented her from lending him her support. “Without the Senate leaning Democratic, policy changes would be monumental,” stated Dickerson after voting for Alsobrooks and Vice President Kamala Harris. “It makes things much more complex for our leading candidate.”
On the GOP side, Liza Hamill expressed her support for Hogan, asserting he has been the finest governor Maryland has had in a long time. Even though she has voted for Trump in the past, she appreciates Hogan’s straightforwardness regarding the former president. “Larry Hogan was saying the truth: Donald Trump is an ass,” remarked Hamill, 68, after casting her vote on Kent Island. “He doesn’t make the best decisions, but I believe his overall objectives favor the country more than the Democratic approach.”
In Prince George’s County, Bonnie Hadley was actively involved in a phone bank for Alsobrooks, remarking that this was her first time volunteering for a political campaign. “In my lifetime, this is the most crucial election,” said Hadley. “Democracy itself is on the line.”
Alsobrooks, the county executive of predominantly African American Prince George’s County, is striving to become Maryland’s first Black senator. During a recent campaign appearance, she acknowledged the palpable enthusiasm at early voting locations, with many voters excited about potentially electing a woman to the Senate. “They’re energized about, in many cases, electing a woman to the Senate, and some of them feel that I represent their values, while also maintaining a blue Senate,” Alsobrooks stated.
Students from the University of Maryland, College Park, gathered to hear from Alsobrooks during a campaign event. Peyton McDonald, a 19-year-old sophomore from western Maryland, shared her intention to cast a mail-in vote for Alsobrooks, expressing, “I believe having a Black woman in the Senate from Maryland would provide significant representation for our state.”
About 20 miles away in Millersville, Hogan rallied his supporters by sharing that he has always been the underdog, recalling that he was trailing in the polls during his initial gubernatorial campaign. “They say lightning can’t strike twice. We’re determined to make it strike three times,” Hogan declared, eliciting cheers from the crowd.
Virginia Umberger, a 72-year-old Republican in attendance, expressed her loyalty to Hogan, praising his leadership amid the COVID-19 crisis and his independence. “I admire that he stands up to anyone he disagrees with, prioritizing principles over mere agreement,” Umberger remarked.