Republican Larry Hogan made his campaign for the GOP primary in the governor's race in Maryland official on Monday, announcing he will use public financing after filing his candidacy at the state election's board.
To qualify for public funding, Hogan will need to raise about $258,600 in contributions of $250 or less from individuals. Hogan officially kicked off his campaign last week and announced his running mate at the same event. He said he is just now getting focused on raising money.
"I think right now, over the next week, we're going to be focused on raising money to get our campaign off the ground," Hogan said.
Hogan agreed to a spending limit of about $2.6 million for the primary in order to participate in the public financing system.
Hogan is running against Harford County Executive David Craig and Delegate Ron George for the GOP nomination in the June 24 primary. Charles Lollar and Brian Vaeth also are running for the Republican nomination.
Campaign finance reports released last month showed the Republican candidates were off to a slow start. Craig led the pack with $154,577 cash on hand.
Democratic candidates had a much stronger showing in last month's campaign finance filings: $7 million for Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown and $6.3 million for Attorney General Doug Gansler.
Hogan is the second candidate to use public financing in the governor's race. Democrat Heather Mizeur also is using the public financing option. Mizeur has received more than $300,000 in public financing so far.
Hogan served as appointments secretary between 2003 and 2007 in Republican Gov. Robert Ehrlich's cabinet.
Incumbent Democratic Gov. Martin O'Malley is term limited.
