Former GOP Gov. Hogan declines 2024 Maryland Senate bid after Dem announces retirement

Former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan this week rejected the prospect of a 2024 Senate bid after Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin indicated he would not reelection to his seat.

Hogan twice won the statewide gubernatorial election in deep-blue Maryland. During the Trump administration, the moderate governor often clashed with populist commander-in-chief. He previously announced he would not seek the presidency in 2024 either.

"I’m getting a lot of calls about that," he said Monday, according to The Hill. "I’m getting called by senators, and donors, and I’m getting lots of inquiries from the media, but the thing that surprised me the most was that my wife said, ‘Why don’t you run for the Senate?'"

The former governor went on to explain his reservations about such a career move, saying "[t]he Senate is an entirely different job. You’re one of 100 people arguing all day. Not a lot gets done in the Senate, and most former governors that I know that go into the Senate aren’t thrilled with the job."

Hogan expressed confidence that he could win the election, but said "It's not something I'm pursuing."

Democrats are heavily favored to win the Senate seat in the deep-blue state and it is not immediately clear who among Republicans may seek to contest the seat.

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