Governor races

Republican elected governor of Maryland in election stunner

Republican Larry Hogan has been elected governor of Maryland in one of the most stunning defeats for Democrats in the midterm elections.

Logan has pulled off an upset over Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown (D) in the traditionally blue state. The Associated Press called the race for Hogan with 88.34 percent of the votes tallied.

{mosads}Brown was the favorite in the race, but Hogan, a businessman, had been closing in on him in the final days of the campaign. Early voting turnout numbers also had Democrats concerned.

The Democrat had high-profile supporters campaigning for him, including President Obama and former President Clinton. Presumed 2016 Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and first lady Michelle Obama also campaigned on his behalf.

Republicans used Brown’s ties to Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) to attack him in campaign ads. O’Malley was unable to run for reelection because of term limits.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) made several campaign appearances for Hogan.

Brown’s loss guarantees that there won’t be an African-American governor next year.