Former Maryland governor Larry Hogan said Sunday that he would consider not running for president in 2024 if his bid would boost former President Donald Trump’s chances of winning re-election.
Hogan said, “I’m a lifelong Republican who wants to support the party’s nominee, whoever it is. However, you know, I’ve said it before, I didn’t support Trump, and I won’t support Trump.” ” An exclusive interview on NBC News’ “Meet the Press”.
Host Chuck Todd asked Hogan, an outspoken GOP critic of Trump, who is weighing his own presidential bid, “If you think your candidacy … is going to inadvertently help Donald Trump, Wouldn’t that be a reason?”
“That would be a very good reason to consider not running. Absolutely,” Hogan said, “I don’t care much about my future in the Republican Party. I care about making sure that we have a Republican Party future.” Is.”
Hogan was also asked to comment on an alleged attempt by the Republican National Committee to block Republican presidential candidates from the debate stage if they did not sign a pledge to support the eventual GOP nominee.
“I think it’s silly because it’s not going to happen,” he said.
“I mean, if they say you won’t be on the debate stage if you don’t commit to supporting the nominee, then President Trump won’t be on the debate stage,” Hogan said. “And I don’t think anybody believes that’s going to happen.”
In an appearance on conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt’s show this month, Hogan was asked whether he would support the former president if he is the GOP nominee in 2024. , But I will support the nominee.
Hogan later clarified on Twitter: “Trump will not commit to endorsing the Republican nominee, and I will not commit to endorsing him. As I have said repeatedly, I fully support the Republican nominee.” expect to do — which I don’t think Trump will.
In recent years, Hogan has also criticized those within the GOP who stood with Trump during his refusal to accept the 2020 presidential election.
“It bothers me that you have to take an oath of allegiance to the beloved leader or you will be thrown out of the party. Hogan told “Meet the Press” in May 2021, “It doesn’t make any sense.”
Trump announced his third presidential bid in November. Nikki Haley, the former governor of South Carolina and ambassador to the United States under Trump, also announced her candidacy this month. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis and Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina are also considered potential presidential candidates.
When asked if he had made a decision about his possible run for the White House, Hogan said he had not, but would “consider it very seriously.”
Hogan said, “I’m traveling around the country just trying to get a feel for what Republican voters want, what Americans are looking for, and we’re going to make a decision in a relatively short amount of time.”