NeverTrump Maryland's Opening Move...

Mikenzie Frost, "Gov. Larry Hogan officially endorses Kelly Schulz to be Maryland's next governor"

Gov. Larry Hogan officially backed his former cabinet member, Kelly Schulz, in the race to be Maryland’s next governor, praising her for her intelligence and determination to continue his legacy in the state.

Schulz, a Republican from Frederick County, was a state delegate before joining Hogan’s administration from the beginning. First, she served as Labor Secretary and then moved into Commerce Secretary.

In the ballroom of the Waterfront Hotel in Annapolis full of supporters, Hogan made it clear who he wants to pass the baton to in 2023 and continue his legacy.

Here is only one candidate who has the ability, experience and desire to move Maryland forward your next governor Kelly Schulz,” Hogan said, which was met with applause.

The overarching theme woven into the statements was if voters want a continuation of polities from Hogan, Schulz is the candidate. Currently, Schulz is squaring off against Del. Dan Cox, a Republican endorsed by former President Donald Trump, in the Republican primary. Perennial candidate Robin Ficker is also running as a Republican.

Cox did not return a request for comment regarding Hogan’s official endorsement, though when the governor publicly called Cox a “QAnon whack job” in November 2021 and that Schulz was “the clear choice,” Cox said Hogan has attacked “our Party’s principles and its leader and America First champion President Trump.” Gov. Hogan has repeatedly citified former President Trump’s comments, policies and actions.

I pledge to continue to serve the people on the issues that matter such as school choice, reducing crime and poverty by providing and supporting law and order and real tax relief, ending CRT, ensuring secure elections with comprehensive election integrity, and ending and never again allowing the lockdowns and medical mandates that have harmed so many,” Cox said in a November statement.

According to the latest Goucher College Poll, Hogan has more than 60% approval among Republican, Democrat and Independent voters; something Hogan said he thinks Schulz can continue and potentially lean into if she clears the primary election.

“I think she can be a united and bring people together. She’s worked across the aisle her whole career,” Hogan said. “Obviously she’s focused on the Republican Primary, but I think she’s going to convince a lot of independents and Democrats to cross over.”

Schulz said Hogan’s endorsement “means everything to her,” and said she is confident in her ability to keep moving Maryland forward.

“I guarantee you each and every one of my opponents do to know how to do that and they are going to bring us backwards,” she said.

Quick to touch on some of the platform priorities, Schulz keyed into education and public safety as issues of importance for her. Shy on specifics, Schulz picked up on the importance of public safety; it’s the number one issue for Maryland voters, according to the latest Goucher Poll.

In cities like Baltimore where violence and criminal behavior continues to have a grip on the communities, Schulz used the opportunity to call on the General Assembly to pass Hogan’s anti-crime legislative agenda.

“We need to treat criminals like criminals and cops like heroes,” Schulz added.

The Republican hopeful would become the third GOP governor in a row to win election if successful; a first for the state of Maryland and the first female governor in state history. Schulz said keeping the governor’s seat in the party would be important for the state’s checks and balances, given the State House is routinely controlled by Democrats, often with veto-proof majorities.

“We can’t go back to a time where we were eight years ago where we have one party control,” she said. “Marylanders have become accustomed to being able to have a say.”

The endorsement from the governor comes as speculation continues to swirl about Hogan’s next political step; national Republicans tired to recruit the two-term Republican governor tor run for U.S. Senate, challenging U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen in 2022, though Hogan quashed those attempts. Some reports have surfaced that Hogan has been making trips to Iowa and New Hampshire, furthering his presidential run rumors.

While those rumors continue, Hogan appears committed to cementing his legacy of economic improvement for the state of Maryland.

She’s tenacious and hardworking and smart,” Hogan said. “I also think she would do the best job out of all 16 candidates running for governor.

Schulz leads the Republican pack when it comes to fundraising cash on hand. According to the latest filing report, she has just over $1 million in her coffers, compared to Cox’s roughly $271,000. However, compared to the top tier Democrats, Schulz trails behind. State Comptroller Peter Franchot has approximately $3.3 million cash on hand, Wes Moore has about $2.4 million and Tom Perez has roughly $1.2 million.

Political Analyst John Dedie called Hogan’s endorsement a symbolic stamp of approval for her to move forward utilizing Hogan’s record and policy efforts in the campaign.

“[Hogan] looks at his endorsement as the Good Housekeeping seal of approval,” Dedie said. “So, the fact is, he gave out this endorsement and is doing it kind of early, is signifying this is the candidate that I approve of.”

Dedie said because of Hogan’s high approval ratings, and the variety of candidates on the Democrat side of the race, he wouldn’t be surprised to see Hogan in some political ads as the race starts taking more shape.

“He wants Kelly Schulz to continue his legacy,” Dedie said.

Due to lawsuits challenging Maryland’s congressional and legislative redistricting maps, the primary election was rescheduled to July 19. Candidates also have until April 15 to file.