In a surprising political move, former Democrat-turned-independent Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) has endorsed former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the state's closely contested Senate race.

The endorsement from Manchin, who has often been critical of his former party’s direction, could shift the dynamics in a race where Hogan and Alsobrooks are already in a close contest, as Breitbart reports.

Manchin’s support for Hogan, announced Thursday, marks a critical moment in the Maryland Senate race. Hogan, a former two-term governor with bipartisan appeal, is running for a seat that is crucial for Democrats to keep control of the Senate.

A loss in Maryland, a historically Democratic state, would deal a major blow to the party's hopes of maintaining its Senate majority in the 2024 elections.

Hogan's Favorability And Alsobrooks' Struggles

Manchin’s endorsement adds weight to Hogan’s campaign, as the former governor continues to poll well with various key demographic groups. Hogan enjoys favorability not only among Republicans but also with independents, women, and Black voters -- groups traditionally seen as essential for a Democratic candidate to win.

Angela Alsobrooks, meanwhile, has struggled to gain widespread recognition. Polling indicates that only about one-third of Maryland voters are familiar with her, placing her at a disadvantage in the race against Hogan, who is widely known for his bipartisan appeal. The race between the two is currently in the low single digits, according to recent surveys.

Manchin: Hogan Is “The Right Person”

Manchin, who has been a frequent critic of the Democratic Party's direction, framed his support for Hogan as a move beyond partisanship. “Forget about being a Democrat or Republican,” Manchin told DC News Now. “Larry Hogan is just the right person with the right attitude for the job. He’s not afraid to speak against your party, and he won’t be controlled by any party or any type of ideology.”

This endorsement echoes Manchin’s recent actions, as he has previously aligned with Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) in opposing several significant measures proposed by the Biden administration in recent years. Manchin’s actions suggest a consistent pattern of challenging the Democratic agenda, and his support for a Republican candidate further solidifies this trend.

Republican Prospects Improve in Key Senate Race

While Maryland is typically a Democratic stronghold, Hogan’s candidacy has been marked by the Cook Political Report as “likely D.” However, Manchin’s endorsement could shift that projection, given Hogan’s strong favorability and Manchin’s influence as a national political figure.

A victory for Hogan could have wide-reaching implications for the balance of power in the Senate. With Democrats holding a slim majority, the loss of a Maryland seat could significantly alter the political landscape, potentially giving Republicans the upper hand in retaking control of the chamber. Hogan’s bipartisan appeal may attract voters disillusioned with the current political environment, particularly in a state where Democratic dominance has long been the norm.

Challenges For Angela Alsobrooks

For Alsobrooks, Manchin’s endorsement of her opponent could not come at a worse time. She faces increasing pressure to build recognition and broaden her appeal in a race that is growing more competitive by the day. Without strong name recognition or the same bipartisan support that Hogan commands, Alsobrooks will need to mobilize the Democratic base in a way that overcomes Hogan’s cross-party appeal.

Alsobrooks, currently serving as the Prince George's County Executive, has limited statewide exposure. This is a considerable hurdle as Hogan, a two-term governor, continues to draw from a broader network of supporters.

Manchin's History Of Opposing Party Lines

This latest move by Manchin is not out of character. Over the past few years, Manchin has garnered a reputation for breaking away from party lines. Alongside Sinema, he helped block some of the more progressive elements of President Biden’s legislative agenda in 2021 and 2022.

His endorsement of Hogan is consistent with his philosophy of supporting candidates he believes prioritize governance over partisanship. “He’s someone who will stand up for what's right, regardless of what his party tells him,” Manchin emphasized in his interview.

Senate Control At Stake

The significance of the Maryland Senate race cannot be overstated. If Hogan manages to flip the seat, it could be a decisive victory for Republicans, shifting the balance of power in the Senate. With several other competitive races across the country, Maryland could become a pivotal state in the 2024 election.

For Democrats, losing Maryland could trigger broader concerns about their ability to retain control of the Senate. As more seats become competitive, the party faces an uphill battle in defending its slim majority.

Conclusion: A High-Stakes Election

The Maryland Senate race is shaping up to be one of the most closely watched contests of the 2024 election cycle. Joe Manchin’s endorsement of Larry Hogan complicates the race for Angela Alsobrooks, who must now contend with a highly popular former governor with bipartisan appeal.

As Hogan gains momentum, the stakes for Democrats grow higher, with Senate control hanging in the balance. Hogan’s favorability with diverse voter groups and Alsobrooks’ struggle to build name recognition make this race a potential tipping point for both parties.