Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan backed Nikki Haley for the GOP presidential nomination. This ends Hogan’s third-party bid rumors. Hogan said Haley is the best Republican candidate for November, citing her momentum. In an interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Hogan recognized that former President Donald Trump would likely win the Iowa caucuses but backed Haley.
Hogan Denies Presidential Ambitions, Backs Nikki Haley for GOP Nomination
When Hogan resigned from No Labels, suspicions of a third-party run circulated. Hogan had criticized Trump in the Republican Party. He reiterated on Sunday that his departure was not meant to telegraph his presidential ambition but to assist the GOP’s attempts to nominate a strong candidate.
Hogan’s former organization, No Labels, is fighting for national ballot access, worrying Democrats and Trump opponents. They worry that a third-party bid could hurt Democrats and help Trump win.
A Des Moines Register/NBC News survey shows Nikki Haley and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis competing for second place in the Iowa caucuses, with Donald Trump leading. Hogan suggested that Haley’s second-place showing in Iowa could boost her in the New Hampshire primary and her home state of South Carolina.
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Hogan Shifts Support: Backs Nikki Haley for GOP Nomination
Some Republicans expected Larry Hogan to run for president, but he declined in March, citing his commitment to the GOP’s future. After not voting for Trump in the past two presidential elections, Hogan now supports Nikki Haley and believes she may win the GOP nomination.
Hogan’s endorsement boosts Haley’s candidacy and changes the Republican Party’s dynamics ahead of the elections.