By Phaedran Linger
Baltimore Watchdog Staff Writer
Lt. Gov. Boyd K. Rutherford’s announcement last month that he would not run for governor in 2022 leaves an opening for other Republicans to step up.
And step up they have.
Hours after the announcement, Commerce Secretary Kelly M. Schulz entered the race as the first Republican candidate for 2022.
She was followed by former delegate and perennial candidate Robin Ficker of Montgomery County.
Former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele, who also served as chairman of the Republican National Committee, has reportedly expressed interest in a possible campaign.
Others who have been named as potential candidates include Natural Resources Secretary Jeannie Haddaway-Riccio, former Howard County Executive Allan Kittleman, former Anne Arundel County Executive Steve Schuh, and J.B. Jennings, the former minority leader in the Maryland Senate.
Hogan has enjoyed high approval ratings for a Republican in a traditional blue state, though those numbers have dropped in recent months. Nevertheless, Hogan cannot seek re-election because Maryland limits governors to two consecutive terms.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Schulz is considered the “Hogan-affiliated candidate.”
John McTague, an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at Towson University, said Rutherford’s decision to opt out will affect Maryland’s Republican Party.
“The biggest implication seems to be that the Republican Party is less likely to have a contentious primary,” McTague said. “The state party seems poised to rally around Kelly Schulz now. Had Rutherford run, that would have been a more difficult choice for Republicans.”
He said parties like to avoid competitive primaries so they can focus energy and resources mobilizing to oppose the other party in the general election.
Towson Professor Richard E. Vatz said Rutherford would have been a strong Republican candidate.
“He is brilliant and competent, but he assessed that he would not enjoy the job. That seems a smart basis on which to decide (not to run),” Vatz said.
Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, a Democrat, recently announced his 2022 campaign in a video to introduce himself to voters as a candidate for governor.
“Franchot is also brilliant, politically savvy and he knows how to win moderate Democrats and Republicans’ votes,” Vatz said. “Franchot, I believe, would continue some of the Hogan fiscal conservatism.”
Rutherford said that even though he is not running he will continue to have an active role in enhancing the state’s response to the opioid crisis, transforming the mental and behavioral health delivery system, modernizing state procurement, and highlighting the rich history and resources of the state parks.
“It has been a great honor and joy to serve as Lieutenant Governor of Maryland for the last six years and to partner with Governor Larry Hogan to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for the people of our state,” Rutherford said in April when he announced he would not seek higher office.