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.

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.

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.

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.

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, and I endorsed Nikki Haley in the Republican primary.

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