Larry Hogan calls out ‘open border’ Dems and ‘status quo’ GOP in new ad on border crisis

EXCLUSIVE — Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan wants voters to know that he believes there’s plenty of blame to go around for the surge of illegal immigration at the southern border.

In his latest campaign ad, first seen by the Washington Examiner, the Maryland GOP Senate candidate condemns what he calls “open border Democrats” and “status quo Republicans” in Washington for failing to contain the crisis.

“Every day, Washington politicians let the border crisis continue and do nothing. They fail the American people,” the ad’s narrator says. “Open border Democrats and status quo Republicans are both to blame. We need commonsense leaders with the guts to get it done.”

The 30-second spot is part of Hogan’s broader $1 million ad campaign in the deep blue state that seeks to woo voters by touting the former two-term governor’s bipartisanship. Its release comes just one day before early voting begins in Maryland on Thursday and on the heels of a trip last week by Hogan to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Hogan met with border sheriffs, state law enforcement officials, and the South Texans’ Property Rights Association and received a tour of the Rio Grande that’s frequently traversed by immigrants to enter the United States illegally.

“Typical D.C. politicians play politics instead of solving the problem,” Hogan states in the ad, which features clips from his recent border visit. “As governor, we fought sanctuary cities. Enough is enough. Secure the border immediately.”

Hogan is running for an open seat being vacated by longtime Sen. Ben Cardin (D-MD). But what was once one of Democrats’ safest seats in the country has become one of the most watched races thanks to the centrist Republican.

Rep. David Trone (D-MD) and Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks are seeking the Democratic nomination for the seat.

A bipartisan border security package that failed in the Senate earlier this year after Republicans revolted against it was the catalyst for Hogan making an 11th-hour entry in the race.

Illegal immigration has also become a leading criticism of President Joe Biden by Republicans, as the issue is among voters’ top concerns in recent polls.

The administration contends it requires more statutory authority from Congress to stem the influx of illegal border crossings, while Republicans accuse the president and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas of creating the crisis by rolling back Trump-era policies.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Hogan is looking to capitalize on Marylanders who are fed up with both sides of the issue.

“In the Senate, I’ll fight to keep our communities safe,” he states in the ad.