ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan hinted at a potential run for a third term as governor through a social media post offering his 2024 campaign recreational vehicle for sale, sparking speculation in Maryland politics just hours before Gov. Wes Moore hosted a fundraiser in Ocean City.
Hogan, a Republican who served two terms from 2015 to 2023, posted photos on Facebook and Instagram of the RV, one showing it wrapped with his “Let’s Get Back to Work” slogan and stylized Maryland flag from his unsuccessful U.S. Senate campaign last year, and another without the wrapping. “Slightly used 2024 RV, only 15,000 all Maryland miles. Never slept in. Could make a good deal. Or … I guess we could always rewrap it and get back out on the road again?” he wrote, without listing a price.
The post, made Thursday morning, quickly drew attention for its teasing tone amid ongoing discussions about Hogan’s political future following his Senate loss to Democrat Angela Alsobrooks. Hogan’s adviser, Russ Schriefer, later told reporters the RV is parked in Hogan’s backyard and “needs something to do,” adding fuel to questions about a 2026 Larry Hogan governor run.
Moore, a Democrat elected in 2022, responded during a ribbon-cutting event in Salisbury, saying, “Anybody who wants to try [to challenge me]: Come on.” He emphasized his administration’s focus on job growth, crime reduction and population increases, dismissing social media speculation. “I’m focused on Maryland’s progress,” Moore added, according to coverage of the event.
The exchange highlights tensions in Maryland politics as the 2026 gubernatorial election approaches. Recent polls show a competitive hypothetical matchup. A January Gonzalez Research survey of 811 registered voters found Moore leading Hogan 53% to 38%, with Moore’s job approval at 61%. Another Gonzales poll from the same period pegged the race at 52-38 in Moore’s favor. An August Maryland Now poll indicated Moore’s approval dipping to 50%, with significant declines among Democrats, potentially opening a path for a Larry Hogan governor run.
Hogan’s post aligns with his history of using social media for political jabs, a tactic that helped him win governorships in a Democratic-leaning state. During his tenure, Hogan prioritized fiscal conservatism, infrastructure and cancer awareness, drawing bipartisan support but clashing with the Democratic-controlled General Assembly on issues like tax policies. His approval ratings remained high upon leaving office, with 76% of Marylanders viewing his performance positively in a May Ragnar Research poll.
Maryland’s constitution limits governors to two consecutive terms but allows non-consecutive service, making Hogan eligible for another bid after sitting out one cycle. He opted not to run in 2022, instead launching a Senate campaign where he positioned himself as a moderate Republican critical of former President Donald Trump. Hogan lost the Senate race 56-41 to Alsobrooks, but outperformed Trump in Maryland by 23 points in concurrent polling, according to an Emerson survey of registered voters.
In Southern Maryland, where conservative voters in counties like Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s often supported Hogan, a Larry Hogan governor run could resonate on local issues such as transportation funding and environmental policies. Hogan’s administration allocated resources to the Thomas Johnson Bridge replacement, a key project for the region, and he vetoed legislation expanding offshore wind farms, citing concerns for coastal communities like those in nearby Worcester County. Moore has advanced wind energy initiatives, leading to debates at events like this week’s Maryland Association of Counties conference in Ocean City, where protesters opposed turbines for potential impacts on fishing and tourism.
Hogan’s enduring influence persists nearly two years after leaving office. Senate Republicans in April scored a budget win dedicating tire fees to highways, echoing Hogan-era priorities, as detailed in legislative reports. His potential candidacy could reshape the 2026 field, where early Republican contender John Myrick has already named former Del. Brenda Thiam as his running mate.
Speculation intensified at the MACo gathering, described as “unpredictable” with a focus on upcoming elections. Hogan did not attend but made noise remotely, as noted in political analyses. Moore, meanwhile, continues building his record, including responses to budget pressures and renewable energy pushes.
As Maryland prepares for the 2026 cycle, Hogan’s RV post serves as a reminder of his knack for keeping the spotlight. Whether he rewraps the vehicle for another campaign remains unclear, but the teasing has already stirred the political landscape.
