Gov. Hogan: Too Many Candidates In GOP Race

Former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan has voiced his concerns about the crowded field of Republican presidential candidates, emphasizing the need for unity and conservative values as the 2024 race takes shape. 

Hogan shared his thoughts during an interview on CBS News’ “Face The Nation” with guest host Robert Costa over the weekend, saying, “Look, I think there’s too many people in the field.”

He urged candidates who do not make it to the debate stage to seriously consider stepping aside.

“You should not be in the race if you’re — if you don’t make the debate stage, you likely should consider getting out. If you’re on the debate stage, and you’re willing to stand up and challenge the leader that’s at 50 percent — if you’re unwilling to challenge Donald Trump, you should get off the stage,” Hogan added firmly.

Hogan, who stands against former President Donald Trump, went on to address those who might have ulterior motives for their candidacy. 

“If you’re in there running for vice president, or you’re trying to be a Cabinet secretary, or you’re trying to become famous, or write a book, or get on television, you should get the heck out of the race,” he stated.

Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan: Some GOP Candidates Need To Drop Out Of Race https://t.co/qLtMiFehgM pic.twitter.com/t3M5aAvKmc

— Daily Wire News (@DailyWireNews) September 4, 2023

One name Hogan specifically mentioned was former Rep. Will Hurd (R-TX), suggesting that he should withdraw from the race. “He’s not going to be president,” he asserted, maintaining that it was time for candidates without a genuine chance to bow out gracefully.

In his interview, Hogan also pointed out that there might be a wave of pressure from other Republicans to encourage the lower-polling candidates to prioritize the collective good of the country and the party over their personal aspirations. 

He highlighted the need to “put aside their own egos and their own goals to just make sure we do the right thing for the country and the party.”

Addressing the possibility of him running for president, Hogan confirmed that he might still be throwing his ring in the presidential race on a No Labels ticket. 

“If I believe that we can actually win the race, we might have to try to pull off something that’s never been done,” he stated.

https://youtu.be/9iVWdygqyrc?si=Jv9hCWiFLisFo-Tf

The GOP presidential pool has already seen one dropout with the recent departure of Miami Mayor Francis Suarez after failing to qualify for the initial primary debate on Aug. 23. 

“While I have decided to suspend my campaign for President, my commitment to making this a better nation for every American remains,” he stated, highlighting the failures of the Biden administration and calling for a need for better governance.