I know running as a Republican in Maryland is a long shot.
I also knew it was a long shot for a Republican to be elected governor in our state. But then we went out and did it TWICE.
Today, I want to tell you the story behind my decision to first run for governor in 2014. I hope it will give you a more complete understanding of the principles, values, and type of leadership that I will bring to the Senate.
In the ‘80s, I decided to take a job working in real estate. After three years of learning the real estate business in a large commercial brokerage, I opened my own firm.
I started my small business in the basement of my townhouse with one associate, and the business grew from there.
As I continued to grow my small business, I saw firsthand all of the high taxes, rules, and regulations in Annapolis and Washington that made things more complicated than they needed to be.
Then, I watched Governor O’Malley cripple the state with ridiculous taxes — even to the point of taxing the rain.
Maryland had lost 8,000 businesses and 100,000 jobs since Martin O’Malley had been elected governor in 2006 and our unemployment rate had nearly doubled. Our overall economic performance ranked 49 out of the 50 states. Taxes, fees, and tolls had gone up $10 billion.
The shape of our state’s economy wasn’t felt by just one party. Republicans, Democrats, and Independents were all expressing the same frustrations.
It was time we started electing leaders who would change things in Maryland. So, I ran for governor.
I knew running for Governor as a Republican in Maryland would be an uphill battle.
But that didn’t bother me. I wasn’t focused on party politics. I was focused on the problems and solutions that would unite everyone.
Because of people like you, who believed there was a better way to lead, we pulled off the biggest upset in America by ending one-party rule, and four years later I became the second Republican Governor to be re-elected in the entire history of our state.
I got to work on day one. For eight years, we proved that the toxic politics that divide our nation didn’t need to divide our state, and we got results!
Now, I am running for U.S. Senate because I am tired of politics as usual and Washington politicians who put party over country.
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 help solve the most pressing issues facing Marylanders and Americans.
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!
