Exiting third-party presidential speculation, former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan backed Nikki Haley for the GOP candidacy on Sunday, calling her “is the strongest chance” for Republicans to win in November. Hogan told CNN's "State of the Union" that “it's pretty clear” that former President Donald Trump will win Monday's Iowa caucuses, but Haley “has all of the momentum” to be a great contender.
When he left No Labels, Hogan, one of his party's staunchest Trump critics, fanned suspicion that he was preparing for a third-party campaign. A resignation letter dated Dec. 15 provided no criticism of the group, and Hogan declined to comment until The Associated Press got it this month.
Hogan claimed Sunday that he quit the group to “nominate the strongest possible Republican we can” and didn't want to stir speculations that he was running. Hogan: “It kind of created a whole lot of speculation.” “I didn’t mean that. My No Labels stance remains.”
No Labels is seeking nationwide ballot access as it prepares for a presidential run. Many Democrats and Trump detractors worry the plans would steal votes from Democratic President Joe Biden and help Trump win again.
On Monday night, Iowa's GOP caucus will decide second place between Haley and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis. The penultimate pre-caucus Des Moines Register/NBC News survey had Trump leading with over half of potential caucus-goers, compared to 20% for Haley and 16% for DeSantis.
Haley might win next week's New Hampshire primary, which would put her in a stronger position when she advances into her home state of South Carolina, according to Hogan.
Some expected Hogan to run for GOP nomination this year. Hogan said in an op-ed in March that he wouldn't run because he cares “more about ensuring a future for the Republican Party than securing my own future in the Republican Party.”
Some Republicans anticipated Hogan, the new champion of a tiny number of “Never Trump Republicans,” would oppose Trump in 2020. A year after his 2018 reelection, Hogan said governor appreciated “all of the encouragement” to run for president but will not. Hogan told AP he never wanted a “kamikaze mission.”
Hogan has said he did not vote for Trump in the last two presidential elections. In 2016 and 2020, Hogan wrote in the name of his father, former Rep. Larry Hogan Sr., and Ronald Reagan.