Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican running for the U.S. Senate, is more committed to the abortion issue than ever before in his political career.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan, a Republican running for the state’s vacant Senate seat, is more committed to the abortion issue than ever in his political career.
In an interview with The New York Times, Hogan described himself as a “pro-choice” person and said he supports legislation that would codify abortion rights into federal law.
Hogan also said that as Marylanders, he intends to vote to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution, which is expected to be voted on in November.
“It’s not at all surprising to see abortion voting efforts doing so well, even in red states,” said Todd Eberly, a political science professor at St. Mary’s College in Maryland. Ta. “In blue states like Maryland, that’s the reality of what’s going on right now.”
Hogan has historically avoided talking about abortion. But that has changed a lot.
“Hogan has, for the most part, done everything he can to avoid this problem,” Eberly said. “It was already resolved in Maryland law, so I was able to do that when I ran for governor.”
After securing the Republican nomination in Tuesday’s Senate race, Hogan also mentioned abortion in his victory speech.
“Once again, let me set the facts straight,” Hogan said. “To the women of Maryland: I am committed to continuing to protect your right to make your own reproductive health decisions.”
Still, Democrats have said Hogan will vote in favor of federal abortion restrictions in the Senate. The Maryland Democratic Party said in a social media post Thursday. He called Hogan a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.””
“Larry Hogan has been a lifelong opponent of reproductive freedom,” the party said in a post.
Hogan’s Democratic opponent in the race, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Allsbrooks, issued a similar statement earlier this week.
“Larry Hogan has said he is a lifelong Republican, and if he is elected, he will give Republicans the majority they need to pass a national abortion ban,” Allsbrooks said.
Mr. Hogan and Mr. Alsobrooks are running to succeed retiring U.S. Sen. Ben Cardin.
If Hogan wins, he will become the first Republican to win a Senate seat in blue Maryland, where Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-to-1 statewide, in more than 40 years.
“He knows that no matter what, he can’t win without Democratic votes,” Eberly said. “He wasn’t going to get votes without making this commitment.”
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