Maryland GOP Governor: Trump announcing a 2024 presidential run could ‘cost us seats’

Maryland Governor Larry Hogan (R) said Sunday that Republicans should worry if former President Trump announces a 2024 presidential run since it could impact the GOP’s chances of regaining control of the House and Senate. 

Hogan’s remarks came during an interview with ABC’s “This Week,” in which he said: “I think most people are very concerned about the damage it does to the party if he announces now. And it may help in very red states or very red districts. But in competitive places and purple battlefields, it’s going to cost us seats if he were to do that.”

The former President hasn’t officially announced a presidential bid but has been teasing the thought for the past few months at his “Save America” rallies. While nothing is official, there has been talks of an announcement before the midterm elections from a close source.

“There’s discussions about an early launch, and people are planning. There are no specifics, but people are preparing, they are laying the groundwork” the source said, per the New York Post.

While the thought of the former president making the bid official excites some, it worries others within the GOP. Hogan pointed out certain losses for the Republicans under the former president during his presidency. “Trump already lost us the White House, the Senate, the House, now he’s costing us governor seats and Senate seats,” he said.

The Maryland Governor, who would be unable to run for reelection due to term limits in the state of Maryland, endorsed a moderate Republican candidate, Kelly Schulz to be his successor. While there was hopes for Kelly to win the GOP primary governorship, she was defeated by Dan Cox, a Trump endorsed candidate.

Earlier this year, in mid-February, Hogan suggested that he may run for president in 2024 after he exits his seat as governor. He made another tease for the presidency earlier this month, saying that he may launch a presidential campaign if “there’s a possible road to victory.”