(The Center Square) – Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan is holding a commanding lead over the top Democratic candidate for Senate, according to a new poll.
In a potential race between the Republican and Congressman David Trone, Hogan leads 49%-33%.
The Ragnar Research Partners poll surveyed 600 likely voters, pitting Hogan against top Democrats running for the soon-to-be vacant Senate seat held by Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin. He plans to retire.
The former governor fared even better when Hogan was matched against Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks 52%-29%.
Hogan threw his hat into the ring earlier this month after early speculation that he had his sights set on the White House.
The poll may provide Hogan much-needed momentum as he entered a crowded Republican field as one of seven candidates hoping to represent the GOP.
If Hogan wins the primary, he will likely have to win over moderate voters to pull off a win in the traditionally blue state. Democratic Gov. Wes Moore was elected in 2022 with 64% of the vote.
Hogan is taking steps to distance himself from this week’s Alabama ruling that frozen embryos are defined as “human.” The former governor may be trying to balance his previous policies against abortion in an attempt to win over the moderate vote.
“IVF helps give many Americans the chance to experience the joy of parenthood, and government should never stand in the way of that. The Alabama ruling should be overturned,” Hogan posted on X, the social media site formerly known as Twitter.