Axelrod: Hogan ‘defying gravity’ in Maryland Senate race

Democratic strategist David Axelrod said Republican Larry Hogan is “defying gravity” in the Maryland Senate race against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks.

“It’s testimony to fmr @GovLarryHogan’s popularity in MD that he’s in a tie race for the U.S. Senate, according to a new Anzalone and Fabrizio poll, while @KamalaHarris is beating Trump by 32 points. I’d still bet on the Dem, Angela Alsobrooks, but Hogan, an R, is currently defying gravity,” Axelrod wrote on social platform X.

Axelrod appeared to be responding to a new AARP poll, which was conducted by Fabrizio Ward and Impact Research, that found Alsobrooks and Hogan tied at 46 percent support each, with 7 percent of respondents undecided and 1 percent saying they plan to support another candidate.

Hogan was elected to two terms as governor of Maryland and was one of the most popular governors in the country. He has garnered support among non-Republicans, according to the poll, which found 55 percent of independents back him.

While the poll showed a tight Senate race in the state, the presidential contest was not close. Vice President Harris has a 32-point lead over former President Trump, according to the poll.

Hogan has fueled some hope among Republicans that they could flip Maryland’s Senate seat this November by stressing his independence and rejecting an endorsement from Trump.

Hogan previously served as a co-chair of the political organization No Labels, which was considering putting forward a “unity” ticket with one candidate from both parties before it ultimately abandoned the effort. He stepped down earlier this year ahead of launching his bid for the Senate race.