Larry Hogan facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Larry Hogan
Hogan in 2021
62nd Governor of Maryland
In office January 21, 2015 – January 18, 2023
Lieutenant	Boyd Rutherford
Preceded by	Martin O'Malley
Succeeded by	Wes Moore
Chair of the National Governors Association
In office July 26, 2019 – August 5, 2020
Deputy	Andrew Cuomo
Preceded by	Steve Bullock
Succeeded by	Andrew Cuomo
Vice Chair of the National Governors Association
In office July 21, 2018 – July 26, 2019
Preceded by	Steve Bullock
Succeeded by	Andrew Cuomo
Secretary of Appointments of Maryland
In office January 15, 2003 – January 17, 2007
Governor	Bob Ehrlich
Preceded by	Erin Castleberry
Succeeded by	Jeanne Hitchcock
Personal details
Born	Lawrence Joseph Hogan Jr. (1956-05-25) May 25, 1956 (age 69) Washington, D.C., U.S.
Political party	Republican
Spouse	Yumi Kim ​ (m. 2004)​
Relatives	Lawrence Hogan (father) Patrick N. Hogan (half-brother)
Education	Florida State University (BA)
Signature

Lawrence Joseph Hogan Jr. (born May 25, 1956) is an American politician. He served as the 62nd governor of Maryland from 2015 to 2023. He is a member of the Republican Party. His father, Lawrence Hogan, was a U.S. representative.

Hogan ran for Congress twice in 1981 and 1992, but did not win. He later worked for Governor Bob Ehrlich as Maryland's Secretary of Appointments from 2003 to 2007. In 2011, Hogan started an organization called Change Maryland. He used it to share his ideas for his 2014 campaign for governor.

He ran as a moderate Republican. He won the election in 2014, which surprised many people. Hogan was reelected in 2018. He was the first Republican governor in Maryland to win a second term since 1954. He could not run for a third term in 2022 because of term limits. Wes Moore became the next governor.

After leaving office, Hogan decided not to run for president in 2024. He later supported Nikki Haley. In February 2024, Hogan decided to run for the U.S. Senate in Maryland. He won the Republican primary election in May 2024. However, he was defeated by Angela Alsobrooks in the general election in November 2024.

Early Life and Education

Hogan was born in 1956 in Washington, D.C. He grew up in Landover, Maryland. He went to Saint Ambrose Catholic School and DeMatha Catholic High School. In 1972, his parents divorced. He moved to Florida with his mother. He graduated from Father Lopez Catholic High School in 1974.

His father, Lawrence Hogan Sr., was a U.S. Representative for Maryland. He also served as the executive for Prince George's County. Hogan Sr. was the first Republican on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee to ask for Richard Nixon to be removed from office. Hogan's parents were both of Irish background.

Hogan studied at Florida State University from 1974 to 1978. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in government and political science.

Early Career in Politics

Larry Hogan grew up around politics because his father was a U.S. representative. He worked on political campaigns and citizen votes from a young age.

While in college, Hogan worked in the Florida legislature. After graduating, he worked in Washington, D.C. He helped his father win a campaign for Prince George's County executive in 1978. He then worked for his father as a low-paid "intergovernmental liaison."

In 1981, at 24, Hogan first ran for office. He wanted to fill a vacant seat in Maryland's 5th congressional district. He finished second in the Republican primary election.

In 1985, Hogan started Hogan Companies. This company works with land, commercial, and residential properties. He worked in the private business sector for 18 years.

In 1992, Hogan ran for Congress again. He was the Republican candidate for Maryland's 5th congressional district. He ran against the current Democratic representative, Steny Hoyer. Hoyer spent much more money on his campaign. Hogan won 44% of the vote, but Hoyer won the election.

Hogan took a break from his business for four years. He served as Maryland's Secretary of Appointments for Governor Bob Ehrlich from 2003 to 2007. In this role, he helped appoint over 7,000 people to jobs in the Maryland government.

In 2011, Hogan started Change Maryland. This group was against high taxes and criticized Governor Martin O'Malley's administration. The group helped promote Hogan's campaign for governor.

Governor of Maryland

Hogan giving the State of the State address in 2016

As governor, news outlets often called Hogan a "moderate Republican" and a "pragmatist." This means he often tried to find middle ground in politics. In 2015, The Washington Post said he kept his promise to govern from the center.

In 2022, a poll showed Hogan was one of the most popular governors in the U.S. He had a 70% approval rating. Even with his popularity, Democrats still gained more power in the state legislature during his time as governor.

Hogan often took a less direct approach to making laws. He did not often speak for the bills he proposed. He said he "never intended to enact a bunch of policies." Hogan often rejected bills passed by the Maryland General Assembly. The General Assembly was controlled by Democrats. This meant they often had to vote again to pass bills over his rejections.

Hogan was the vice chair of the National Governors Association (NGA) from 2018 to 2019. He then served as chair from 2019 to 2020. In 2019, he thought about running for president but decided not to. He promised to work against tax increases.

Hogan's real estate business was sometimes looked at closely while he was governor. He was part of the Maryland Board of Public Works. This board could set rules for state housing projects and give money to developers. After becoming governor, Hogan put his business into a special agreement. His younger brother managed it, but Hogan could still get updates on its investments.

In January 2020, a magazine reported that Hogan continued to meet with his firm's managers. It also said he owned properties near state transportation projects that he helped fund. A spokesperson for Hogan said he followed all state ethics laws. In 2021, the Maryland General Assembly passed a law requiring state officials to share more details about their businesses. This law became active without Governor Hogan's signature.

In October 2024, an investigation found that Hogan's firm's clients received a large portion of state housing awards. The report found no record of him stepping aside from these decisions. Maryland Democrats called for investigations into these contracts. They also supported a law requiring future governors to use "blind trusts" for their money. Governor Wes Moore signed this law in May 2025.

Between 2015 and 2017, Hogan's Facebook page blocked over 450 people. His office said some used "hateful" language. Others were part of a "coordinated attack."

In March 2017, it was found that Hogan's staff changed headlines of news articles on his Facebook page. This made it seem like the General Assembly supported his "Road Kill Bill." After the newspaper contacted his office, the problem was fixed.

2014 Campaign for Governor

Hogan in 2013

In November 2013, Hogan started exploring a run for governor. On January 20, 2014, he officially announced his campaign. He chose Boyd Rutherford as his running mate.

Hogan used the state's public campaign financing system. He focused on money issues during his campaign. He avoided questions about social issues like gun control. He said he would respect Maryland's current laws. He won the Republican primary election in June 2014.

In the general election, he ran against Lieutenant Governor Anthony Brown. Brown ran negative ads against Hogan. Brown also spent much more money on his campaign. On November 4, 2014, Hogan won the election. Many saw this as a surprise victory. His win was due to strong support in rural areas and low voter turnout for Democrats.

2018 Reelection Campaign

In the 2018 election, Hogan ran against Ben Jealous. Hogan had more support in polls and raised more money. He won the election, becoming the second Republican governor in Maryland history to be reelected.

2022 Gubernatorial Election

Hogan with Governor-elect Wes Moore, November 2022

Hogan could not run for a third term in 2022. He supported his commerce secretary, Kelly Schulz. However, Schulz lost the Republican primary to Dan Cox. Hogan then said he would not support Cox in the general election. He blamed Democrats and Donald Trump for Cox's win. Hogan did not say who he voted for. He congratulated Governor-elect Wes Moore after the election. Hogan gave his farewell speech on January 10, 2023. His term ended on January 18.

Cabinet Members

After winning in 2014, Hogan promised to have a cabinet with both Republicans and Democrats. He started announcing his 26 cabinet members in December 2014. Five of them were Democrats.

Key Issues as Governor

Education

Hogan signing an executive order requiring schools to start after Labor Day, August 2016

Hogan supported expanding charter schools. He wanted to give them more control over hiring and admissions. The Maryland legislature passed a simpler version of his ideas in 2015. In 2016, Hogan and the General Assembly agreed to create a state-funded scholarship program for private schools. This was for students from low-income families.

In August 2016, Hogan ordered public schools to start after Labor Day. This was opposed by the state teachers' union.

In 2017, Hogan proposed a budget that cut funding for Baltimore City public schools. He criticized the school system for how it managed money. In January 2019, he released a budget that focused on increasing education funding.

In May 2018, Hogan signed a bill to provide $15 million for scholarships. This allowed low- and middle-income students to attend community college for free.

In August 2019, Hogan said he would reject any tax increase to pay for the "Blueprint for Maryland's Future." This was a plan for education reforms. In May 2020, Hogan rejected the Blueprint. He said it was due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on Maryland's economy. In February 2021, the General Assembly voted to pass the Blueprint despite Hogan's rejection.

Environment

Hogan and officials at the Conowingo Dam, 2017

Hogan supported efforts to restore the Chesapeake Bay. He wanted to reduce pollution in the Susquehanna River. In February 2015, Hogan proposed a $250 million project to remove sediment from the Conowingo Dam. He believed the dam's owner, Exelon, should pay for it. In October 2019, Hogan's administration reached an agreement with Exelon. The company would invest $200 million in environmental projects.

In February 2015, Hogan proposed changes to rules about phosphorus pollution in the Chesapeake Bay. This pollution came from agricultural runoff (like chicken manure). He suggested giving farmers more time to follow the rules. In March 2015, Hogan reached a compromise with Democrats. This set a firm deadline for farmers to comply.

In 2016, Hogan signed a law to reduce carbon pollution by 40% by 2030. In 2017, he rejected a bill to increase the use of renewable energy. This bill would have required 25% of the state's electricity to come from renewable sources by 2020. The General Assembly passed the bill despite his rejection. In April 2022, Hogan allowed a bill to speed up these efforts to become law without his signature.

Hogan supported banning hydraulic fracturing (fracking) in Maryland. In April 2017, he signed a law to ban it. However, he also supported pipelines that transport natural gas from other states.

In June 2017, Hogan supported the Paris Agreement on climate change. In January 2018, he announced Maryland would join the United States Climate Alliance.

Transportation

The Baltimore Red Line light rail project (pictured in map) was canceled by Governor Hogan in June 2015.

In June 2015, Hogan canceled the Baltimore Red Line project. This was a federally funded light rail project. He chose to use the money for road construction instead. Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake criticized this decision. In May 2022, Hogan rejected bills that would create a Baltimore transit board and fund a new study of the Red Line.

Hogan approved funding for the Purple Line in the Washington, D.C. suburbs. This was on the condition that local counties contributed more money.

In 2016, the General Assembly passed a bill to make transportation funding more transparent. Hogan rejected this bill, calling it the "Road Kill Bill." He said it would force him to cancel 66 transportation projects. The General Assembly passed the bill despite his rejection.

During his second term, Hogan worked to expand parts of the Capital Beltway and Interstate 270. He proposed adding toll lanes to reduce traffic. This plan was very controversial. Many officials and citizens opposed it. The cost of the plan increased from $9 billion to $11 billion. Hogan's administration said private companies would pay for it.

In May 2019, the Prince George's County Council voted for Hogan to do more environmental reviews. In June, the State Board of Public Works approved the proposal. Hogan and State Comptroller Peter Franchot voted for it, while State Treasurer Nancy Kopp voted against it.

Gun Control

During his 2014 campaign, Hogan said he opposed a 2013 law that restricted gun purchases. However, he supported background checks for gun purchases and banning assault weapons.

In October 2018, a law Hogan signed went into effect. It banned "bump stocks" and gun ownership for people convicted of domestic abuse.

In April 2022, Hogan allowed a bill to ban the sale of privately made firearms to become law without his signature. He rejected a bill that would require gun shops to have more safety measures. The General Assembly passed this bill despite his rejection.

In July 2022, Hogan directed the Maryland State Police to change how they issue carry permits. This was after a U.S. Supreme Court ruling.

Immigration

Hogan meeting resettled Afghan interpreters in 2021

During his 2014 campaign, Hogan said he opposed "open-border policies." He supported returning undocumented immigrants to their home countries.

After the November 2015 Paris attacks, Hogan asked the federal government to stop settling Syrian refugees in Maryland. He wanted assurances that they posed no threat. He opposed President Donald Trump's decision to end the DACA program. He also pulled Maryland National Guard forces from the U.S.–Mexico border to protest family separation policies.

In May 2021, Hogan rejected a bill that would require counties to end contracts with Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The General Assembly passed the bill despite his rejection.

In August 2021, Hogan announced that Maryland would welcome Afghan refugees. The state took in 1,348 Afghan refugees.

Policing and Justice

A Maryland National Guard soldier in front of Baltimore City Hall, April 28, 2015

In April 2015, Freddie Gray died while in Baltimore Police Department custody. This led to protests in Baltimore. Hogan declared a state of emergency and activated the Maryland National Guard.

In July 2015, Hogan announced the closure of the Baltimore City Detention Center. This jail had a history of poor conditions. He did not tell Baltimore City mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake or state leaders about the plan beforehand.

In September 2019, Hogan asked Attorney General Brian Frosh to prosecute more violent crime cases in Baltimore City. He said the city's justice system was too lenient.

In 2021, Hogan rejected bills that would change how police use force and discipline officers. The Maryland legislature passed these bills despite his rejections.

In April 2021, Hogan rejected a bill to end life without parole sentences for young offenders. The legislature passed the bill despite his rejection.

In May 2021, Hogan pardoned 34 victims of racial lynchings in Maryland from 1854 to 1933.

In October 2021, Hogan proposed a $150 million "Re-Fund the Police" plan. This aimed to support law enforcement and victims of violent crime.

Redistricting

In May 2017, Hogan rejected a bill that would have created nonpartisan redistricting in Maryland. This would have happened if other states also passed similar laws.

Hogan signing a bill adopting new congressional districts for Maryland on April 4, 2022

In January 2021, Hogan created the Maryland Citizens Redistricting Commission. This group was made of Republicans, Democrats, and independent voters. Its goal was to create fair legislative maps. Hogan accepted the commission's map in November 2021. However, the General Assembly created its own map and passed it despite Hogan's rejection. After a judge ruled against the legislature's map in March 2022, the General Assembly drew a new map. Hogan signed this new map into law on April 4, 2022.

Sick Leave and Paid Family Leave

In December 2016, Hogan proposed a law requiring companies with 50 or more employees to provide five days of paid sick leave per year. The Maryland House of Delegates passed a more generous bill. It required companies with 15 or more employees to provide seven paid sick-leave days. Hogan rejected this bill, but his rejection was overturned.

In April 2022, Hogan rejected a bill that would provide 12 weeks of partially paid family leave. The General Assembly passed the bill despite his rejection.

Social Issues

LGBTQ Rights

In 2014, Hogan opposed a transgender rights law. As a candidate, he said he supported same-sex marriage. In 2015, Hogan expanded an executive order to protect gender identity for state employees. He allowed a 2015 bill that let transgender Marylanders change their birth certificates to become law without his signature.

In May 2018, Hogan signed a law banning conversion therapy for minors.

In June 2021, Hogan allowed two bills to become law without his signature. One banned the use of the "gay panic defense." The other created a commission on LGBTQ Affairs.

National Politics

Governor Chris Christie of New Jersey and Hogan at the 2015 Preakness Stakes

On July 15, 2015, Hogan supported New Jersey Governor Chris Christie for president. In June 2016, Hogan said he would not support Donald Trump. On election day, Hogan wrote in his father's name for president. He later attended Trump's inauguration. During Trump's presidency, Hogan sometimes criticized Trump and sometimes praised him.

In January 2019, Hogan hinted he might challenge Trump for president in 2020. In June 2019, Hogan announced he would not challenge Trump. He wanted to focus on governing Maryland. He also started a national group called An America United.

Hogan visiting Maryland Army National Guard troops deployed in Washington, D.C., two days before Joe Biden's presidential inauguration

In October 2019, Hogan supported the U.S. House of Representatives' investigation into Trump. In February 2020, after Trump was cleared by the Senate, Hogan criticized both Democrats and Republicans. In August 2020, Hogan said he was not excited about either Trump or Joe Biden for president. He ultimately wrote in Ronald Reagan's name.

In December 2020, Hogan became a co-chair of No Labels, a group that supports middle-ground politics.

In January 2021, after the storming of the U.S. Capitol, Hogan sent the Maryland National Guard to help. He said America would be better if the president resigned or was removed. He supported Trump's removal from office. Hogan later ordered the Maryland National Guard to help protect Biden's inauguration.

In August 2021, Hogan praised the passage of a law to improve infrastructure. He also criticized Republicans who targeted those who voted for it.

After Being Governor

Hogan decided not to run for president in 2024. He said he might run as a third-party candidate if the 2024 election was a rematch between Trump and Biden. At the end of 2023, Hogan left his role at No Labels. In January 2024, he supported Nikki Haley for president.

After Haley stopped her campaign, Hogan said he would not vote for Trump or Biden. He said he would write in a vote to show his unhappiness. After Joe Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and Kamala Harris became the Democratic nominee, Hogan repeated that he would not support Trump or Harris. On October 29, 2024, Hogan said he would not vote for anyone in the presidential election.

2024 U.S. Senate Campaign

On February 9, 2024, Hogan surprisingly decided to run for U.S. Senate in Maryland. He wanted to take the place of the retiring Senator Ben Cardin. Hogan had often said he was not interested in running for Senate. But he changed his mind after many Republican senators voted against a border security and foreign aid bill. He also said former President George W. Bush convinced him to run. When he entered the race, Hogan quickly became the favorite for the Republican primary.

Hogan won the Republican primary election on May 14, 2024. He then faced Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in the general election. The Washington Post said the election would "test how popular Hogan still is." This was especially true among Democrats, who outnumber Republicans in Maryland.

Hogan attends services at Beth El Congregation on the anniversary of the October 7 Hamas-led attack on Israel, 2024

During his campaign, Hogan supported increasing money for police and border patrol. He also wanted to lower federal taxes for businesses and seniors. Hogan said he would support federal laws to ban assault weapons. He also supported universal background checks for gun purchases. He supported Israel in the Israel–Hamas war. He said the war should not end until Hamas gives up and releases all hostages.

In May 2024, Hogan posted online that Americans should "respect the verdict and the legal process." This was about the legal case involving Donald Trump. Some pro-Trump Republicans criticized Hogan for this. However, in early June 2024, Donald Trump supported Hogan's Senate campaign. Hogan's campaign said he still did not support Trump for president.

Hogan lost to Angela Alsobrooks in the general election on November 5, 2024. His performance was the best for a Republican in a Maryland Senate race since 2006.

Personal Life

Hogan with his wife Yumi in 2018

While governor, Hogan lived in Government House in Annapolis. He lived there with his wife, Yumi Hogan. She is an artist from Korea. They met in 2001 and married in 2004. Hogan and his wife are Roman Catholic. Hogan is the stepfather to Yumi's three adult daughters from her first marriage. One of his stepdaughters, Jaymi Sterling, became the state's attorney for St. Mary's County, Maryland in 2023. His half-brother, Patrick N. Hogan, was a member of the Maryland House of Delegates.

In September 2014, Hogan said he lost weight while campaigning. He gained some weight back due to unhealthy eating and medication for non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2015. He later lost more weight during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In June 2015, Hogan announced he had stage-three non-Hodgkin lymphoma. He underwent treatment and announced in November 2015 that the cancer was gone. He was declared cancer-free in October 2016. In January 2021, Hogan had surgery to remove early stage skin cancer. He had similar surgery in 2018.

In 2021, Hogan bought a home in Davidsonville, Maryland.

Electoral History

See also

In Spanish: Larry Hogan para niños