Starting the US Republican Presidential Race... 'Korean Son-in-law' Hogan Declares He Will Not Run (Comprehensive)

With about 600 days remaining until the next U.S. presidential election, the Republican presidential race is gradually heating up. While former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley, who had previously stated she would not run if former President Donald Trump entered the race, reversed her stance and entered the race early, Larry Hogan, former governor of Maryland and known as the 'Korean son-in-law,' announced on the 5th (local time) that he would not run. Former President Trump, who has already officially declared his candidacy, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, considered the leading 'anti-Trump' candidate, will soon head to Iowa, the 'first primary state' for the Republicans, to compete for votes.

On the 4th (local time), former President Donald Trump attended the annual event of the conservative group, the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC).
[Photo by AP Yonhap News]

◆Outline of the presidential race... Republican contenders sharpening their stance against Trump

The competitive landscape within the Republican Party aiming for the next presidency began to take shape when former Ambassador Haley launched her full-fledged campaign in mid-last month. The officially declared Republican primary candidates so far include former President Trump, former Ambassador Haley, entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, and Perry Johnson. Additionally, potential candidates expected to announce their candidacy soon include Governor DeSantis, former Vice President Mike Pence, former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin. According to a Quinnipiac University poll last week, former President Trump leads with 42% support as the Republican presidential candidate, followed by Governor DeSantis at 28%, and former Ambassador Haley at 5%.

In particular, former Ambassador Haley's early entry, emphasizing a 'generation change' narrative, is expected to accelerate the decision-making timeline of other potential candidates. The so-called 'anti-Trump' faction opposing the leading former President Trump is also becoming clearer.

Larry Hogan, former governor who has long been considered a potential Republican presidential candidate, declared his non-candidacy in an op-ed for The New York Times (NYT) on the same day, stating, "I will never run for president to sell books or to create a position for myself in the next administration." Married to Korean-American Yumi Hogan and thus known as the 'Korean son-in-law,' he is a moderate centrist and a prominent 'anti-Trump' figure within the party who has openly criticized former President Trump. Hogan believes that his candidacy would only split the anti-Trump vote and would not benefit the Republican Party.

In his op-ed, Hogan criticized former President Trump and his supporters, saying, "Republican voters are tired of the drama and are open to new leadership." He added, "I am optimistic about the future of the Republican Party but deeply concerned about the next election," and argued, "To become a successful ruling party again, we must move away from Trump."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the same day, former Secretary of State Pompeo also directly criticized former President Trump, saying, "This is not a moment for celebrities or stars. America needs serious conservative candidates." Appearing on Fox News Sunday, he said, "In this election, we must choose thoughtful people who will make America the greatest nation. They do not disparage the internet, throw hamburgers, or spend all their time thinking about Twitter," seemingly targeting former President Trump.

When asked if these remarks referred to former President Trump, Pompeo replied, "I was just talking about what is happening across America," adding, "This is a time for thoughtfulness, gravity, and seriousness. We have drifted away from these, and we need to return to the pre-Trump era." When asked if he believed former President Trump performed his duties properly during his tenure, he criticized, "A debt of over $600 million is not the right direction."

Pompeo also confirmed that he will decide whether to run within the next few months. Former Vice President Pence, who also served in the Trump administration, has stated that his final decision is imminent.

◆Trump and DeSantis head to Iowa, the first primary state

The journey to Iowa, the first Republican primary state, is also underway. Former President Trump, Governor DeSantis, and former Ambassador Haley are all expected to visit Iowa soon. NBC News reported, "There is no better sign that the presidential cycle is in full swing than the gathering of presidential hopefuls in Iowa." Local media analyze that the outcomes of early primaries, including Iowa, will be decisive.

Governor DeSantis, expected to be former President Trump's strongest competitor in the Republican presidential race, did not appear at the annual conservative event 'Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC)' held by conservative groups, which ended on the 4th. The event was effectively a 'Trump celebration.' Instead, he visited California that afternoon to deliver an official speech in front of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library. He is scheduled to head to Iowa, the first Republican primary state, on the 10th.

Recently, Governor DeSantis published a book titled The Courage to Be Free and has been touring the U.S. to promote it, effectively conducting a preliminary campaign. This visit to Iowa is also part of solidifying his position as a leading presidential candidate. He enjoys public support from major Republican donors and is expected to make an official announcement after the Florida state legislative session ends in May.

Ron DeSantis, Governor of Florida
[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Former President Trump will also visit Iowa on the 13th. Local media analyze that Trump's visit to Iowa is related to the increased activity of Republican presidential hopefuls since last month. This will be Trump's first visit to Iowa since he officially launched his presidential campaign last November. Additionally, former Ambassador Haley, who visited Iowa at the end of February, is expected to return between the 8th and 10th, and former Vice President Pence is expected to visit on the 18th, according to local media.

Meanwhile, former President Trump demonstrated his strong support among conservatives by topping the presidential candidate preference at CPAC last weekend. In a poll released on the final day of the event, the 4th, Trump received 62% support, far ahead of his competitor Governor DeSantis at 20%. However, some evaluations suggest that since the event is considered pro-Trump, these results may not hold significant meaning. During the event, former President Trump claimed, "Joe Biden is leading us down the path of national ruin," and confirmed that he will not give up running in the 2024 presidential election even if indicted due to ongoing investigations.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.