The former Maryland governor Larry Hogan announced unexpectedly that he was running for the United States Senate. Hogan leads Angela Alsobrooks, a Democrat, by 44 to 37. He is tied with Democrat David Trone at 42.

If Hogan can flip the Maryland seat in a state that saw President Biden defeat former President Trump, the GOP will be able easily to regain the Senate.

Hogan faces a tough battle, as he’s not the top choice of most Republicans. They might vote for Hogan if it means Democrats lose the Senate.

While it may be difficult to win certain seats, like defeating Jon Tester, in Montana as Rep. Matt Rosendale has dropped out, and former Navy Seal Tim Sheehy is trailing in the latest poll, he just received the endorsement from Trump. The GOP candidate in West Virginia is almost certain to win. Joe Manchin is likely to opt out of running again. The most recent poll, however, showed that all three GOP candidates defeated Manchin.

Kari Lake is in a close race with Democrat Rep. Ruben Galego. According to an internal poll, Lake would perform better than Gallego if Kyrsten Sinema decided not to run for another term.

Ohio is another state where the GOP may be able to gain ground, particularly after Sen. J.D. Vance (R), who defeated Tim Ryan during the midterm elections of 2022, is also a state Trump won in 2016 and 2010.

Michigan is a state that should be watched if Justin Amash, a former congressman, decides to run for the Senate. Rep. Elissa Slotkin is the Democrat’s frontrunner and will be a serious contender. The GOP needs someone like Amash who can challenge her.

According to The Cook Political Report, Ohio, Montana, and Arizona are close races, but Michigan, Nevada Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin tend to lean Democrat. No races are rated as leaning Republican. West Virginia, however, is a solid Republican. Maryland is rated likely Democrat, but as we mentioned, Hogan polls strongly and could turn that seat.

Chuck Schumer can be the Senate Minority leader once again in 2024 if the GOP takes over the Senate.