In Maryland primary, a 2024 proxy battle brews between Donald Trump, Larry Hogan

The Maryland primary elections will not just be limited to selecting leaders for the Senate, House and other state offices. Former US President and outgoing Republican governor Larry Hogan have set up their own proxy battles in Maryland, which may give an early insight into the 2024 presidential elections in the United States. The elections in Maryland are scheduled for July 19, 2022.

Larry Hogan and Donald Trump have not yet officially announced their bid for the 2024 presidential elections so far. However, both have hinted at a possible race for the White House. 

Also Read: US primaries: 3 things to look out for in Maryland elections

What is the proxy battle in Maryland?

The Republican race for Maryland governor in Tuesday’s primary election pits a candidate backed by outgoing governor Larry Hogan against a rival endorsed by Donald Trump. It is an early showdown on Hogan’s home turf as he weighs a 2024 White House bid, potentially against the former president.

For the GOP, Kelly Schulz is running as Hogan’s hand-picked successor to carry on his legacy. Schulz served as a labor secretary in Hogan’s administration and later as the head of the state’s commerce department. She is a former state legislator from Frederick County.

She is running against Dan Cox, a state legislator who has been endorsed by Trump. Early in the pandemic, Cox sued over Hogan’s stay-at-home orders and regulations, saying they were unconstitutional, according to reports from Associated Press.

Also Read: US primaries: What’s on the ballot in Maryland?

Hogan vs Trump

Hogan, speaking to NBC News, hinted at a possible run for the White House in 2024. He said that voters are tired of the extremes in both parties and that there is “growing demand for exactly what we have done in Maryland over the last eight years.”

Trump, on the other hand, has tagged Hogan and his candidate Schulz as a “RINO” — a term used by the former President to define Republicans who we were not loyal to him. RINO means “Republican in Name Only.”