Larry Hogan Says He Won’t Seek Office Again, Ending Speculation About 2026 Maryland Politics

Hogan closes the door on future campaigns after gubernatorial tenure and 2024 Senate run

Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan said Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026, that he has no intention of running for public office again, an announcement that ends months of renewed speculation about his political future as the 2026 election cycle accelerates.

In a message posted publicly, Hogan said he remains concerned about the direction of national politics but does not plan to seek elected office. He described his time in government as an honor and framed his decision as a move to “look forward” rather than revisit past campaigns.

A prominent Republican figure in a heavily Democratic state

Hogan, a Republican, served two terms as Maryland’s governor from 2015 to 2023, leaving office due to term limits. He handed over the governorship to Democrat Wes Moore, who was sworn in on Jan. 18, 2023.

During his years in Annapolis, Hogan became one of the nation’s most visible Republican governors in a state where Democrats hold a registration advantage and typically dominate statewide contests. His political profile and name recognition repeatedly placed him at the center of discussions about possible bids for other offices, including another run for governor after a break, or renewed interest in federal office.

Recent campaign history and the 2026 backdrop

In 2024, Hogan ran for U.S. Senate in Maryland and lost to Democrat Angela Alsobrooks. That defeat did not end public discussion of a potential return to the governor’s race in 2026, a contest scheduled for Nov. 3, 2026, with statewide primaries set for June 23, 2026.

Hogan’s announcement removes what would have been a high-profile option for Maryland Republicans at the top of the ticket. It also clarifies that his next role in state politics—if any—will not be as a candidate.

• Office held: Governor of Maryland (2015–2023)
• Latest statewide race: 2024 U.S. Senate campaign (loss to Angela Alsobrooks)
• Next Maryland statewide election: Nov. 3, 2026 (primary: June 23, 2026)

What Hogan’s decision changes—and what it doesn’t

Hogan’s statement is likely to reshape early strategic planning among prospective Republican candidates and donors, particularly given his established statewide profile. At the same time, the broader political dynamics in Maryland remain defined by long-running Democratic strength in statewide elections and by the governing agenda of the Moore administration heading into a reelection year.

Hogan’s announcement makes clear he is stepping away from future campaigns, even as the state begins to focus on the 2026 election calendar.