Larry Hogan, the popular former Republican governor of Maryland, announced that he will run for the state’s open Senate seat, a move that makes it a battleground in the fight for control of the chamber.
“I am running for the United States Senate — not to serve one party — but to stand up to both parties, fight for Maryland, and fix our nation’s broken politics,” Mr. Hogan wrote on X. “It’s what I did as Maryland’s governor, and it’s exactly how I’ll serve Maryland in the Senate. Let’s get back to work.”
Mr. Hogan had previously said he would not run for the seat, which is currently held by Senator Ben Cardin, a Democrat who declined to seek re-election.
Mr. Hogan’s campaign for the Senate is expected strengthen the Republican bid to win the majority.
Republicans need to flip two seats to win back power if President Biden is re-elected, but just one if former President Donald J. Trump or another Republican captures the White House.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
