Maryland Republican gubernatorial candidate Larry Hogan scored a stunning upset Tuesday, knocking off Democratic Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown in a contest few were paying attention to only six months ago.
The Associated Press called the race for Hogan early Wednesday morning after Hogan led 52 percent to 47 percent with more than 88 percent of the vote counted. Brown has conceded the race, the Baltimore Sun reported.
Brown, who was looking to make Maryland history by becoming the state’s first black governor, enjoyed double-digit poll leads as recently as September. A victory by the Democrat, a protege of outgoing Gov. Martin O’Malley, also would have boosted O’Malley’s credentials as he considers a 2016 presidential run.
But Hogan focused most of his campaign on the bevy of tax increases approved during O’Malley’s tenure. The Republican also blasted Brown for his ties to Maryland’s troubled healthcare exchange website.
Hogan is only the second GOP governor elected in Maryland since the 1960s in a state where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans 2-1.
