Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) said on Sunday that he would “absolutely” consider staying out of the presidential race in 2024 if his candidacy appeared to benefit former President Donald Trump.
As more Republicans think about 2024, there are concerns that it could ultimately help Trump win the nomination.
“That would be a good reason to consider not running,” Hogan told NBC’s “Meet the Press.”
Hogan, a moderate Republican and Trump critic, has said he cares more about the future of the GOP than his own future in the party, as he considers running for the Republican presidential nomination.
“If we can stop Donald Trump and elect a great Republican common sense conservative leader, that will be a factor,” Hogan added.
Hogan has been floated as a 2024 presidential candidate, but he told NBC’s Chuck Todd that he hasn’t made a decision yet.
“I said I’m going to be serious about it and I’m traveling around the country just trying to get a feel for what the Republican voters want, what the American people want, and we’re going to make a decision. in a relatively short period of time,” Hogan said.
Last week, former US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley became the first Republican to launch a bid to challenge Trump, who announced his candidacy in November.
Haley, who also previously served as governor of South Carolina, called for “a new generation of leadership.”
Other potential candidates include Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.
Hogan said it was “stupid” for the Republican National Committee to require candidates to pledge their support for the party’s presidential nominee to get on the debate stage.
RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel has reportedly been considering a move to merge the party, according to The Washington Post.
“If they say you’re not going to be on the debate stage if you’re not committed to supporting the nominee, then President Trump is not going to be on the debate stage, and I don’t think anyone believes that’s going to happen,” Hogan said.
Hogan previously blamed Trump for the party’s poor performance in the November midterm elections.
“It’s basically the third election in a row that Donald Trump has cost us the race, and it’s like, three strikes, you’re out,” he said.
Hogan said he is not voting for Trump in 2020.