Maryland’s Larry Hogan appears in TV ad as centrist Senate candidate.

Republican Senate candidate Larry Hogan is sending a bold message to Republicans in Washington, D.C. He is making it clear that if Maryland voters choose him to represent them in the Capitol, he won’t be a predictable vote along party lines. In a recent TV ad broadcasted on Tuesday, the former Maryland governor emphasized his bipartisan credentials. “In the Senate, Republicans can’t count on my vote. But then again, neither can Democrats,” he declared.

Hogan is paving a path as a moderate Republican seeking victory in a predominantly blue state. He emphasized in the ad, “If they want my vote, they will have to do what is right for Maryland, not one political party.” This commitment echoes his approach as governor and signals the kind of senator he aims to be.

The latest ad from Hogan comes at a crucial time as Democrats face a tough battle to retain control of the Senate despite challenging election dynamics. They have targeted the Maryland Republican, portraying him as a puppet of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and a loyal GOP vote.

One particularly contentious issue in the election campaign is abortion, with Democrats suggesting Hogan would support a national ban on the procedure. However, Hogan has made it clear that he is “pro-choice” and would advocate for enshrining the landmark Roe v. Wade decision into law.

As the state of Maryland leans heavily Democratic, the Cook Political Report categorizes the race as “Likely Democratic.” Before Hogan entered the Senate race, the seat held by outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin was considered a safe win for the Democrats. However, Hogan’s popularity and unexpected challenge have stirred the political landscape in the state.

Despite his Republican affiliation, Hogan has gained traction in Maryland, particularly due to his reputation as a vocal critic of former President Donald Trump. In a poll conducted by the Washington Post and the University of Maryland in March, Hogan led over then-Democratic primary candidate Angela Alsobrooks by a significant margin of 50% to 36%. Notably, this poll was conducted during a heated Democratic primary race before Alsobrooks emerged victorious as the Prince George’s County executive.