Larry Hogan Makes Final Pitch to Asian American Communities Before Election Day

GAITHERSBURG, Md – Election Day is around the corner. Republican U.S. Senate candidate Larry Hogan was making another visit to Asian American communities in Montgomery County, delivering his final pitch to this key demographic in Maryland.

His meet-and-greet lasted just five minutes. During it, Hogan pledged to prioritize addressing key issues, not party politics, if elected. He highlighted his record of doing so as Maryland's governor. Recognizing that many Asian American voters are busy and may doubt the impact of their votes, Hogan urged them to turn out. He said that in this closely contested race, every vote matters.

Asian Americans are typically reserved at political events, though they have become increasingly active and engaged. However, after Hogan's brief speech, they broke tradition, chanting his name while erupting in applause to show their support.

Corinna Kuo Shen, co-chair of Chinese for Hogan and a former Commissioner for Women in Hogan’s administration, expressed strong confidence in his ability to serve in the Senate, based on her experience working with him.

“We want him to continue working for Marylanders. He’s friendly to Asian people and has done so much to support Asian businesses,” said Shen, who ran a Chinese restaurant before retiring.

While his Democrat opponent, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks courts the Black community, even backed by Former President Barack Obama on Halloween, Hogan repeatedly visited Asian American voters.

He reminded them of his roots in the community: He married Yumi Hogan, a Korean American, and his first fundraiser in 2014, when he ran for governor, was hosted by an Asian American. He’s had their tremendous support ever since. With Election Day near, he was back to make his final pitch.

Hogan told Yuan Media that he has spent the past decade serving Maryland’s Asian American communities, not just during his current campaign.

“Even though most of them are Democrats, they chose to cross over and vote for the person, rather than just the party. And I’m asking the Asian community to once again trust me and give me a chance to represent them,” Hogan said, expressing confidence in his name recognition among Asian American communities. “I think it’s gonna be a big winning part of our victory next Tuesday.”

The event even attracted overseas media from Taiwan, showing the importance of the Senate's role in foreign policy and geopolitics.

Maryland’s Senate race initially captured national attention over the summer. The contest to fill retiring Senator Ben Cardin's seat was viewed as pivotal in flipping the Senate from blue to red. However, with seats in states like West Virginia and Montana now more likely to turn Republican, Hogan’s race has faded from view.

Recent polls showed Hogan trailing by around double digits. The Cook Political Report now predicts that Maryland’s Senate seat will likely remain Democratic.

In previous interviews with the New York Times, Hogan said that his seat wouldn’t be the one to flip the Senate. He clarified to Yuan Media that this remark doesn’t reflect a lack of confidence in winning his race.

“I’m very confident. We’re going to win. I’m just not gonna be the win to flip the Senate.”