Today marks 292 days since Hamas abducted innocent civilians during its attack on Israel.
But what we saw yesterday in Washington was a disgrace and an insult.
We witnessed pro-Palestinian protesters remove American flags and set them on FIRE.
We saw them replace our flags with Palestinian flags during Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s address to lawmakers.
Let me be absolutely clear: This is an insult to every American who has worn the flag on their arm and died for our nation. It’s disgusting and disgraceful.
There should be no division or indecision when it comes to supporting Israel. I will always be proud to stand with our ally and Maryland’s Jewish community.
It is critically important to stand with Israel right now. That’s why we’ve launched a petition to stand with Israel–to collect signatures from across Maryland and the United States and support our longtime ally.
We must all TAKE A STAND in the face of genocidal acts.
There is no “both sides” when it comes to the murder, rape, and kidnapping of children.
There is no room for justification or equivocation for calls to “kill all the jews.”
This is NOT a partisan issue.
At this critical hour, Maryland and America’s Jewish community need leaders who will stand with them regardless of the political winds. This is not about the differences between right and left–it is about the differences between right and wrong.
We all want the violence to end, but the way to do so is to force Hamas terrorists to release every hostage, to surrender and to be held accountable for their crimes.
As governor, I faithfully stood with Israel, including by signing an executive order prohibiting agencies and departments from entering into contracts with any business that boycotts Israel.
Following the Oct. 7 massacre, I also withdrew from two fellowships at Harvard when I saw that the university refused to condemn the protests that justified and celebrated Hamas’s terrorism.
That is the kind of leadership I will take to the Senate.
When I launched my campaign for the U.S. Senate, I did so with a deep resolve to maintain the leadership style and principles that guided me during my eight years as governor.
Fifty years ago, my father, Maryland Congressman Larry Hogan Sr. made a tough decision. He became the first Republican to come out for the impeachment of President Nixon. He put aside party politics and his own personal considerations and stepped up to do the right thing for Maryland and the nation.
Today, Washington is completely broken because that kind of leadership and willingness to put country over party has become far too rare. But it’s not in my nature to sit back and watch the dysfunction continue without doing what I can to roll up my sleeves and get to work.
I’m under no illusion this will be an easy road. But I’m no stranger to uphill battles, and I know I can’t do it without your support.
I don't aspire to be a United States senator. I don’t need a title and I don’t need a job, but I’m more concerned than ever about the direction of the country and I have become more convinced that I can make a difference by taking the approach and style of leadership I had during my eight years as governor to Washington.
It’s no surprise this mindset has made me a target of the Washington partisans. Despite early polls showing a lead, I know I’m the underdog in this race. And that’s why your support TODAY is so crucial.
For eight years, we proved that the toxic politics that divide our nation didn’t need to divide our state, and we got results! Let’s get back to work again and send a message to Washington that will be heard loud and clear across the country!
