Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has resigned from his leadership position with the No Labels organization. News of his decision, which originally took place in December but was not learned of until recently, was followed by an endorsement of Republican presidential candidate and former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley.
According to an Associated Press article published last week, Hogan initially submitted his resignation in December, with it scheduled to take effect immediately at the end of the 2023 year. The letter, which the AP reports was only recently obtained, was dated December 15, 2023.
In his letter, Hogan announced his resignation from his leadership position as a co-chair and gave his thanks to No Labels for its work. Notably, he refrained from offering any pointed criticism or critique of the organization and its goals. Hogan also did not disclose his future plans upon departure, leaving further room for speculation about his potential entry into the 2024 political field.
“In stepping aside, it is my intent that new leaders, who can devote themselves full-time to the effort, will be able to take the helm to direct the No Labels political operation,” Hogan is quoted as writing.
The following Sunday evening, Hogan announced his endorsement of South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, who is vying for the Republican Party’s presidential nomination. During an interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper, Hogan referred to Haley as the “strongest possible nominee” for Republicans, contending that she is in a position to have the most momentum of the field, even if she were to secure a distant second place in the Iowa caucuses.
“I think we want to have the strongest possible nominee in November. Polls show that that is Nikki Haley. That she’s 17 points ahead of Joe Biden. And it is a tossup with Trump and Biden,” Hogan said in his interview with CNN’s Jake Tapper. “Yes, it is time for the party to get behind Nikki Haley.”
According to CNN, a source “close to Hogan” stated that the Haley team had requested Hogan to postpone his endorsement until after the Iowa caucuses. Readers of Independent Political Report can find the complete Associated Press article by Steve Peoples and Jonathan Cooper on Larry Hogan’s resignation from No Labels here. Additionally, they can access the full CNN interview between Jake Tapper and Larry Hogan here.
I found it interesting that Haley wanted a delayed official support notice. I presume her campaign thinks they’re locked in on 2nd in Iowa and want a “surge” in NH. With that being an open primary, and an unofficial one on the Democratic side, who knows might jump in the GOP vote?