The 45th president could become the 47th president — but he may need some help from an unexpected source.
Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan could put former President Donald Trump back in the Oval Office in a reelection match-up with President Joe Biden, a stunning new poll shows.
The third-party centrist group “No Labels” has approached Hogan, a moderate Republican popular with Maryland Democrats, with the idea that he could run as an independent.
If that happens, the polling company Data for Progress said the majority of Hogan’s support would come at the expense of Biden.
Trump remains very popular with Republicans, but struggles somewhat with independent voters. However, Biden is unpopular with Democrats — and more of his support would bleed over to Hogan.
It would potentially put Trump over-the-top.
According to the poll, Biden is narrowly ahead of Trump, 47-45 percent in a 2020 election rematch.
That shifts if Hogan enters the race to a split, 44-44 — which would likely favor Trump on the electoral college map.
Perhaps sensing an opening, Trump praised Hogan’s CBS News interview on Sunday… but also because he criticized Trump’s chief Republican rival, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Take a look —
NEW – Trump praises Former Governor Larry Hogan and his criticism of DeSantis (R-MD): pic.twitter.com/WY5cCPsC1B
— Malcolm Davis (@MalcolmDavisGA) June 22, 2023