It’s already been one year



 



John,

How time flies! It’s already been an entire year since I had the honor of
completing my second term as your governor. But we haven’t stopped going! We’ve
traveled all across the country talking to students, business leaders, and
Americans to spread the message that there is far more that unites us than
divides us.

I wanted to personally update you on all of the exciting things we’ve done and
let you know that we will have some big announcements soon!

One year ago, we completed a successful smooth transition of power. I was
proud that we did it without resentment or anger, unlike the disgraceful antics
in Washington DC. We warmly welcomed the new administration and gave them
everything needed to serve the people of Maryland.




After the Inauguration, I joined my friend Governor Bill Haslam at the Wilson
Center’s Frederic V. Malek Public Service discussion. The two of us discussed
the challenges facing America and how to find common ground and unity in our
politics.








In February, we headed down to Miami for the Knight Media Forum for a
discussion on overcoming America’s divisions and realizing that our strength
comes from the majority in the middle of our politics.








That same week, we also headed to Washington, DC, for a gathering with the
Jewish Community Relations Council, where I was deeply honored to be recognized
for our work with the Jewish community in Maryland. Our efforts bolstered
Maryland's relationship with Israel, notably in trade and academics, and we
opposed the BDS movement. We took a firm stand against anti-Semitism, enhancing
security for at-risk schools and supporting Jewish education through BOOST
scholarships.

During my travels around the country, both as Governor and after leaving
office, I had been asked whether I would consider running for President. On
March 5, I made the decision that I would not seek the Republican nomination
for president and sat down with Robert Costa on Face the Nation to explain my
reasoning. The decision was centered around not having a repeat of the 2016
election with a multi-car pileup that only enabled Donald Trump to secure the
nomination.




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From talking about the Republican Party to just partying! It was great to
head to Ocean City to be the Grand Marshal of their St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
On our way, it was an honor to stop by the Maryland State Police barrack to
thank our men and women in law enforcement for their tireless dedication and
bravery in protecting our communities.








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Later that month, I headed to Georgetown University to join my former
communications director, Michael Ricci, and his students at the Georgetown
Institute of Politics and Public Service today to discuss how we successfully
overcame various crises during our time in office.








In May, I had the distinct privilege of delivering the commencement address in
front of an audience of over 7,000 people for the American University School of
Public Affairs and was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service.









Just a few short days later, I was proud to be with Yumi as she was awarded a
Doctor of Fine Arts from MICA. It was a big Mother’s Day weekend for Dr. & Dr.
Hogan!








One of my signature accomplishments as Governor was helping to change our
workforce to meet the challenges of the 21st century. We had back-to-back
events in June where we continued this work. The first was the Ronald Reagan
Institute at their Reagan Institute Summit on Education (RISE), where I
addressed how to adapt our education systems to better serve our changing
workforce and give our children the best shot at success regardless of zip code.

The second was a trip down to New Orleans to speak with the innovative
thinkers at Jobs for the Future for a fireside chat to discuss how we
successfully made Maryland a national leader in workforce development.

Taking a break to spend some much-needed family time, we were so happy to
celebrate our granddaughter Gemma’s birthday and enjoy Father’s Day weekend
with all of my daughters.









We then traveled down to Little Rock, Arkansas, to join Former President Bill
Clinton for the latest installment of the Kumpuris Distinguished Lecture
Series. Our discussion focused on the need for bipartisanship, common-sense
solutions, and the power of inclusive leadership.




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Coming back home, Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford and I joined hundreds of our
longtime friends at the 12th Annual Cavey Family Pig Roast, for an evening
filled with fond memories and good laughs.








We then headed to Wilmington, Delaware, where I joined Ben DuPont and
Governor John Carney for an important discussion on bipartisanship, the role of
the National Governors' Association in fostering dialogue, ensuring the U.S.
remains globally competitive through state initiatives, preparing our workforce
for future jobs, and optimizing public-private partnerships for economic growth.

Shortly after, I joined the Prevent Cancer Foundation to present Rep. Jamie
Raskin with the 2023 Special Recognition Award for the inspiration he provided
through his battle with cancer.

While we don't always agree on politics, I will always be proud to stand
shoulder-to-shoulder with Congressman Raskin in the important fight against
this terrible disease.

We then traveled down to Austin, Texas, for the Texas Tribune Festival, where
I joined Major Garrett for an important discussion on “Bridging the Political
Divide” and how, in deep blue Maryland, we were able to work across the aisle
and deliver real, commonsense solutions to the serious problems that faced our
state. If we were able to do this in Maryland, then there’s no place in America
where these same principles cannot succeed.

With a quick turnaround, and despite a hurricane, we headed back to Maryland
to celebrate Yumi C.A.R.E.S. Yumi C.A.R.E.S. (Children’s Art for Recovery,
Empowerment, and Strength)—a nonprofit founded by the Former First Lady—which
offers pediatric patients opportunities to participate in art therapy to
emotionally and physically heal.

As an artist, caregiver, grandmother, and mother, Yumi is committed to
providing hope and comfort to these children and their families.









I then had the honor and privilege of welcoming the Republic of Korea’s Navy
to Baltimore and to honor the 70th anniversary of the ROK-USA Alliance.









University of Chicago’s Institute of Politics named me as a Pritzker fellow,
one of several academic institutions I’ve had the privilege to work with
following my time as Governor. During this fellowship, I had the opportunity to
talk with students interested in politics, public service, and potentially
running for office and offered seminars such as “Reflections of a Red Governor
in a Blue State” and “Governing During Crisis” where we discussed solving
problems in a bipartisan manner and some of the challenges I faced as governor,
including my battle with cancer, the riots in Baltimore, and the COVID-19
pandemic.








The University of Chicago fellowship was a huge success, and I was looking
forward to talking with students at Harvard University, which had offered me
two fellowships, at the School of Public Health and the Kennedy School of
Public Policy, respectively. As a guy who went to Florida State, it was pretty
neat to be asked to come be a fellow at two of Harvard’s schools.
Unfortunately, Harvard’s failure to unequivocally condemn the Hamas terror
attacks against Israel on October 7th and their failure to protect Jewish
students on campus made it impossible for me to ethically partner with the
University. There is no “both sides” when it comes to the murder, rape, and
kidnapping of innocent women and children.








When I was Governor, we took steps to make Maryland the Cyber Capital of
America. I had the privilege to speak with tech industry leaders at DataTribe’s
annual investor summit about the great opportunities that exist in this state.

I also had the opportunity to join my very good friend, Lt. Governor Boyd
Rutherford, for a fireside chat. What was going to be a small group of a dozen
people quickly turned into a full theater of several hundred!

It was great to see so many old and new friends coming out to hear me and the
LG talk about how we changed Maryland for the better and bridged the divide to
work across party lines to get things done.








Given the threats that America faces at home and abroad, I put out an ad
calling on our leaders to embrace the tried-and-tested foreign policy of Ronald
Reagan.



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After that, we came home to enjoy our family’s Thanksgiving and get ready for
the holiday season! We enjoyed a great holiday surrounded by family. It was a
much-needed respite from all of the travel!

The time home was short-lived as we then headed down to Tuscaloosa, Alabama,
for the fourth Republican Presidential Debate. I had a great time joining
NewsNation for their pre and post-debate coverage, discussing what each
candidate needs to accomplish and each one’s performance and what the
implications are for the Republican primary.

And right before Christmas, I had the honor of being invited to attend Morgan
State University’s 2023 Fall Commencement and received another Honorary
Doctorate of Public Service! I applaud all of the fall graduates of Morgan
State University for their tireless dedication and hard work. They not only
received a world-class education but are also prepared to make a real impact in
the world.

We then came home for Christmas and New Year, where Yumi and I were so
excited to welcome back our daughters and all of our grandbabies! It was a
wonderful holiday!








Following a wonderful time with family, we went right back to work. At the
end of the year, I resigned as National Co-Chair of No Labels
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, and I endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican primary.



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Last year was an exciting year, I can’t wait to see what this year brings!

Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your continued support. I look
forward to seeing each and every one of you in the near future. In the
meantime, stay tuned for more updates!

Thankfully,
Larry Hogan
62nd Governor of Maryland
 




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