Hogan Distances Himself From Maryland GOP Rebuild
Former Republican Governor Larry Hogan says he has no obligation to keep helping Republicans who are not listening to him.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Political Parties
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Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan distanced himself from efforts to rebuild the state's Republican Party, telling reporters Thursday he is focused on a new generation of leaders. The comments follow Republican losses that included two seats in the Maryland House of Delegates and several local races.
Why it matters
The remarks highlight a rift between a prominent former Republican governor and the state party as Republicans struggle in Maryland, where Democrats hold a commanding advantage. Hogan's stance signals that party rebuilding in the state may proceed without his direct involvement.
Republicans lost 2 seats in the Maryland House of Delegates, including House Del. Stuart Schmidt and Barry Beauchamp, and several incumbents lost local races. It remains unclear what specific steps the state GOP will take to rebuild.
The players
Larry Hogan
Larry Hogan is a former Republican governor of Maryland who is now teaching at Washington College and remains a prominent voice in the state's GOP.
Stuart Schmidt
Stuart Schmidt is a Maryland state House of Delegates member who lost his reelection bid in the recent election.
The details
Hogan made the comments to reporters on Thursday while teaching at Washington College and speaking at the Ronald Reagan Center on Civility and Democracy in Washington. Among the local losses were Wicomico County Councilman Bobby Lee Leath and Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins.
Timeline
Thursday, November 5, 2026: Hogan made the comments distancing himself from Maryland GOP rebuilding efforts.
Political Context
Hogan won the Maryland governorship twice as a Republican in a state where Democrats dominate, making his distance from the state party a notable break from the model he once represented. The Republican losses in Maryland reflect a broader pattern of the party struggling to hold ground in the state.
Maryland voters may see changes in how the state Republican Party organizes and recruits candidates in coming cycles. Residents in affected counties such as Wicomico and Frederick may notice shifts in local government leadership following the recent losses.
The takeaway
Party rebuilding efforts in Maryland may depend on new candidates rather than former leaders. Readers following state politics can watch for how the party recruits the next generation of candidates.
Further reading
For more on the state's party landscape, see our Political Parties coverage in Maryland.
Live Poll
Do you think Maryland's political parties are doing enough to earn your trust?
