Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan Declines 2024 Presidential Run, Vows to be a “Voice of Reason” for the Republican Party

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has announced that he will not be running for the Republican nomination for president in 2024. In an interview with CBS News, Hogan said that it was the “toughest decision I ever made.”

The decision comes as Donald Trump topped the straw poll of declared and likely 2024 presidential candidates at this week’s Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC). Trump earned 62% of the vote, with Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, widely seen as Trump’s chief rival, yet to declare his candidacy officially.

Despite not running for president, Hogan is reportedly heading to Iowa, the first presidential nominating state for Republicans, later this month. He said that he had given “serious consideration” to mounting a bid for the White House in 2024.

Hogan said he wanted to be a “voice of reason” and to get the Republican party back to a “more hopeful, positive vision for America.” He added that he was still considering other ways to help the party, such as speaking engagements and fundraising.

The CPAC straw poll was conducted online, not using voting machines. It remains to be seen whether the results will reflect the actual outcome of the 2024 Republican presidential primary.