Harris, a vocal critic of Moore’s fiscal policies, expressed confidence during a Tuesday interview on WMAL that Hogan’s previous tenure as governor gives him a strong case for a comeback. Hogan, who served as Maryland’s governor from 2015 to 2023, left office with a reputation as a fiscally responsible leader. He is credited with managing the state’s finances well, steering Maryland away from deep deficits, and leaving behind a surplus for Moore’s administration to work with. Under Moore, however, Harris contends that the state has seen a shift toward increased taxes and spending, leading to a growing deficit.

“Remember, Larry Hogan can run for another term,” Harris said to radio host Larry O’Connor, emphasizing that while Hogan could not run for a third consecutive term, state law does not bar him from seeking office again after a break.

“It wouldn’t be consecutive, and I think when Gov. Moore is done raising taxes by over a billion dollars, they’re going to have to raise taxes more next year and more the year after that, the election year,” Harris said. He suggested that by then, Hogan could make a compelling argument for returning to the governor’s office, particularly by reminding voters of the fiscal stability they enjoyed during his previous terms.

Harris also pointed out that Hogan has not been shy about offering critiques of Moore’s administration.

The former governor has been active on social media, frequently addressing what he sees as Moore’s mismanagement of Maryland’s finances.

“Unfortunately, just two years later, we’re facing multi-billion-dollar deficits and record tax hikes. The vast majority of Marylanders now believe the state is way off track—and 52% are even considering moving out of the state,” Hogan wrote in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

It’s a damn shame, and it breaks my heart.

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 27, 2025

“It’s a damn shame, and it breaks my heart,” he added.

Hogan has maintained that, under his leadership, Maryland had a surplus and fiscal policies that were more responsible.

“Today is a sad and unfortunate day for Maryland that was entirely avoidable. The tax hikes proposed would cripple Maryland’s economy and already struggling Marylanders. They are the exact opposite of the approach we took for eight years to cut taxes and create a record surplus. I am calling on Governor Moore to take a stand: it’s time to reverse course and return to fiscal sanity,” Hogan said on X.

Today is a sad and unfortunate day for Maryland that was entirely avoidable. The tax hikes proposed would cripple Maryland’s economy and already struggling Marylanders. They are the exact opposite of the approach we took for eight years to cut taxes and create a record surplus. I…

— Governor Larry Hogan (@GovLarryHogan) March 20, 2025

Moore’s significant proposed tax hikes and hiring increases of thousands of state employees in just two years have left some Republicans, including the vocal Maryland Freedom Caucus, eager for an alternative.

Harris suggested Hogan could be that alternative, positioning himself as the clear choice for those dissatisfied with Moore’s leadership.

“I think that he believes that he could have a shot. And I think he could,” Harris said, adding that Hogan showed Maryland voters during his tenure that he was a stable and fiscally responsible option.

When pressed about whether Hogan was actually contemplating a return to politics, Harris diplomatically deferred to Hogan’s decision-making process but hinted that the former governor’s public statements suggest he has not entirely ruled out the possibility.

“I suspect that he is,” Harris said.

This speculation around Hogan’s possible return comes at a time when the Maryland Republican Party is looking for a voice to challenge Moore’s leadership. Harris, along with other Maryland Republicans, has expressed frustration with what they see as a lack of strong opposition to Moore’s fiscal policies because the party is outnumbered in the state.

Harris also joked about the possibility of inside knowledge on Hogan’s political future, referencing his wife, Nicole Harris, who is the chairwoman of the Maryland Republican Party.

“I’ll be seeing her later today,” Andy Harris quipped, hinting that he might have a better sense of what Hogan’s plans might be after their conversation.

LARRY HOGAN WEIGHS HIS NEXT STEPS IN THE AGE OF TRUMP

The Washington Examiner reached out to Hogan for comment.

In 2024, Hogan ran as the Republican candidate in Maryland’s U.S. Senate race, seeking to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin. Hogan won the Republican primary but lost in the general election to Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), the former Prince George’s County executive.