Ex-Maryland Gov. Hogan drops ad hinting at independent presidential run

Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan on Tuesday debuted an ad hinting at a potential presidential run in which he lamented the chaotic state of world affairs and took aim at members of both parties for their handling of ongoing crises.

The ad largely addresses the ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Israel, flashing footage of violence interspersed with commentary from Hogan, Axios reported.

"Our allies question whether they should still trust us, and our enemies question whether they should still fear us," he said. "We must stand united now more than ever." It subsequently pans to Republican and Democratic lawmakers, whom he criticizes for their stances on Israel and Ukraine.

"I thought it was important to stand and try to make a difference," Hogan said. 

"I'm a Reagan guy and I believe in peace through strength. And I believe in standing up for our allies and standing up to our enemies. We need to stand with our allies and secure peace through strength," he concluded.

Hogan is a co-chair of No Labels, an organization that has floated mounting an organized third-party bid for the presidency in 2024. He previously explored a Republican primary bid, but opted against it.

A Hogan candidacy would throw a wrench in the campaign, adding to an already crowded field of independents that includes left-wing intellectual Cornel West and anti-vaccine activist Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on X, formerly Twitter.