Top RINO calls it quits in a move that has Trump grinning ear to ear

Donald Trump is thrilled to see the establishment political class crumble. He’s wants the swamp drained completely.

And a top RINO calls it quits in a move that has Trump grinning ear to ear.

Larry Hogan, the former Republican governor of Maryland, has officially declared he’s sitting out the upcoming gubernatorial race against incumbent Democrat Wes Moore. Hogan, known for his moderate stance in a blue state, made the announcement on Tuesday, putting an end to speculation.

Hogan wrapped up two terms as governor, but Maryland’s rules only block runs for three or more consecutive terms, not a return after a break.

Still, after his failed bid for the U.S. Senate in 2024 against Democrat Angela Alsobrooks—who’s now in the seat—Hogan seems ready to step away from the spotlight.

“I care deeply about the state of Maryland, and I remain concerned about the direction of our nation’s politics, but I have no intention of running for office again,” Hogan said in an op-ed he wrote for The Baltimore Sun.

“It was an honor to serve, but it’s time to look forward, not back. The fight for Maryland and America’s future does not belong to any one person or any one party; it belongs to the people.”

Over on X, Ammar Moussa, who handles press for Moore, couldn’t resist a smug jab. “D*mn I would’ve enjoyed beating him. Again.” Typical Democrat arrogance—celebrating a non-fight like they’ve already won the war.

The Cook Political Report has pegged this race as a lock for Democrats, no surprise in a state that’s leaned left for years.

But whispers had been flying that Hogan might jump back in.

Hogan never shied away from calling out President Donald Trump, saying he backed Hogan to boost Republican chances in the Senate, as reported by the Associated Press.

Then came that August Instagram post from Hogan that got tongues wagging. He shared a pic of his old campaign RV, calling it “slightly used” and hinting they could “get back out on the road again,” per Fox 45 Baltimore. Fans perhaps saw it as a teaser for another go-round.

But by September, Hogan made it clear he wasn’t all-in on the Trump train, with reports from POLITICO saying he wouldn’t cast a vote for Trump in the 2024 presidential election.

Meanwhile, Wes Moore kicked off his re-election push in September, riding high from his 2022 landslide where he grabbed almost 65% of the vote.

Speculation’s been swirling that Moore eyes the White House in 2028, with his national profile on the rise.

But on NBC News’s Meet the Press last September, he played it cool, insisting he’s “not running for president.”

Hogan’s decision leaves Maryland Republicans scrambling for a strong contender against Moore’s machine.

At the end of the day, this saga highlights the frustrations of real Americans tired of the same old political games.

Hogan’s exit might open the door for a fresh face who truly champions conservative values—fighting for secure borders, lower taxes, and putting citizens first over special interests.