by Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has warned that fears of dividing anti-Trump opposition within the GOP would be a “pretty good reason” to consider it when considering a 2024 presidential bid.
The blue-state Republican, fresh out of office after eight years as a popular governor, has publicly hinted for months that he could run for president. But on Sunday he seemed to give credence to the idea that too many Republican candidates entering the field in 2024 could oust any Republican with a shot at dethroning the former president.
“If you thought running for office would help inadvertently help Donald Trump, would that be reason not to run?” NBCs asked Meet the press Presenter Chuck Todd.
“That would be a pretty good reason not to run at all,” Mr. Hogan replied. “I mean, my future in the Republican Party isn’t that important to me; It’s close to my heart to make sure we have a future for the Republican Party. And if we can stop Donald Trump and elect a great Republican, sane, conservative leader, that would certainly be a factor.”
Mr. Trump remains the big favorite in polls to win the 2024 Republican nomination. Some polls have shown that Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has won a head-to-head match against the former president, but at least one other Republican — Nikki Haley — has announced her intention to also run for the nomination.
Complicating the problem for the right: No Republican other than Mr. DeSantis has consistently topped 10 percent in 2024 polls of the GOP electorate.
GOP pundits like CNN’s Ana Navarro have blamed the crowded Republican field for Donald Trump’s rise to power in 2016. The mainstream news media has also been met with its fair share of criticism for giving inappropriate airtime to the now-former President’s speeches and other antics.
With Ms Haley’s entry into the field last week, fears are already mounting on the right that this could happen again. that of the independent Eric Garcia was one of many who have hypothesized that her candidacy could hurt Mr. DeSantis or whoever might end up being the most credible alternative to Mr. Trump.
Mr. Hogan saw his home state of Maryland fall back into Democratic hands at the executive level in November after a far-right ally with Mr. Trump, Dan Cox, won his party’s primary against Mr. Hogan’s chosen successor.
