Former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) stepped down as co-chair of No Labels last month, raising speculation about a potential third-party presidential campaign.
Hogan’s resignation letter, dated Dec. 15 and first reported by The Associated Press on Thursday, doesn’t disparage the organization or its mission, but also doesn’t provide details on why he left.
The moderate Republican governor has long fueled rumors regarding a potential 2024 presidential campaign with No Labels. The group has pledged to put forward a “unity” ticket consisting of one Democrat and one Republican for president.
Hogan has repeatedly sidestepped direct questions over his 2024 future, only saying he would not pursue the GOP nomination. His PAC has published multiple cryptic ads hinting at a future campaign.
“In stepping aside, it is my intent that new leaders, who can devote themselves full-time to the effort, will be able to take the helm to direct the No Labels political operation,” Hogan wrote.
Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) and former Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) have also been connected to the group.
The No Labels effort has attracted bipartisan criticism, with detractors claiming that the group’s attempt to run a third-party ticket with one Democrat and one Republican has no chance of finding success. Some critics have suggested such a ticket could instead draw votes away from President Biden, potentially leading to former President Trump winning another term in the White House.
No Labels backer and former Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-Conn.) shot back at those criticisms in an interview earlier Thursday, reiterating that the group does not want to play spoiler or help elect Trump.
“None of us want to be spoilers here, and to be more explicit, most of us at No Labels certainly don’t want to be spoilers who help reelect Donald Trump, because as much as we are focused on restoring bipartisanship, national interest, et cetera, to our government, you know, Trump represents a whole series of separate challenges, threats to our government beyond too much partisanship,” he said.