Manchin endorses Hogan in Maryland Senate race, says he won't be controlled by any party

West Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin, a Democrat turned independent politician, has endorsed former Maryland GOP Gov. Larry Hogan in his Senate bid.

“Forget about being a Democrat or Republican,” Manchin said Thursday in western Maryland, near the West Virginia border. “Larry Hogan is just the right person with the right attitude for the job.”

Manchin also said Hogan would not be controlled if elected senator by "any party or any type of ideology," according to DC News Now.

The Hogan campaign told The Hill newspaper the nominee “deeply appreciates Sen. Manchin’s friendship and is running for the Senate because we need more independent leaders like him who are truly committed to putting country over party.”

Hogan, was a popular two-term GOP governor in a Democrat-leaning state. He is in a close race against Prince George’s Democratic County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for the seat of retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin.

Manchin is not seeking reelection in 2024.