Manchin endorses Hogan in Maryland Senate race, rebuffing former party

Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) is endorsing former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in the state's U.S. Senate race.

The move is a sign Manchin is further distancing himself from the Democratic Party after changing his party affiliation to independent. His endorsement, which was made to DC News Now, is widely considered a snub to Democratic nominee Angela Alsobrooks .

“Forget about being a Democrat or Republican,” Manchin said. “Larry Hogan is just the right person with the right attitude for the job. He’s not afraid to speak against your party, and he won’t be controlled by any party or any type of ideology.”

The move is likely to frustrate some Democrats still given Manchin's willingness to caucus with the party. But Hogan's campaign messaging, which is that he will be a centrist who puts country before party, aligns with how Manchin has presented himself during his time in the chamber.

Hogan agreed that he'd be in a similar mold to Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) and Manchin during an August interview.

“No question about that,” Hogan replied. “I believe I will be exactly in that kind of a role.”

Hogan has strayed away from the Republican establishment, continuing to denounce former President Donald Trump and labeling himself as "independent" more often than not. Nevertheless, his candidacy has made way for a surprisingly close Senate contest in normally deep-blue Maryland.

While Republicans are already expected to capture the Senate, Hogan's candidacy has likely forced Democrats to redirect attention to the normally safe state. However, Alsobrooks has beat Hogan soundly in fundraising, raising at least $12 million to Hogan's $7 million.

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The Washington Examiner contacted the Hogan and Alsobrooks campaigns for comment.

An August poll showed Hogan trailing Alsobrooks 46%-41% with 11% still undecided.