'Call Me Larry:' Next Governor is Friendly Neighbor, Regular Guy

A newspaper profile of Edgewater resident and Maryland governor-elect Larry Hogan paints him as a friendly neighbor who loves to drop in at Chad’s BBQ.

Residents say the incoming Republican governor – who scored a political upset Tuesday over Democratic Lt. Gov. Anthony Brown -- is friendly and active in his Withernsea Homeowners’ Association.

What’s your reaction to Larry Hogan’s election as Maryland governor? Tell us in comments below.

“He would attend meetings and was involved in the community’s events,” Hogan’s neighbor, Cheryl Ritz, told the Capital-Gazette. “He is an excellent neighbor and I’m very glad he was elected. People were leaving the state because of all the taxes.”

Hogan, owner of an Annapolis real estate firm, lives in Edgewater with his wife, Yumi Hogan, a first-generation Korean-American. Hogan is also the founder of Change Maryland, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to ensuring fiscal responsibility in government.

In a heavily blue state, the Republican Hogan ran an increasingly competitive campaign, pushing pro-business policies and cuts to outgoing governor Martin O’Malley’s string of tax increases, while shying away from social issues.

One of Hogan’s favorite dining spots is Chad’s BBQ, 158 W. Central Ave. in Edgewater, says the Capital-Gazette. The next governor’s favorite may be the smoked chicken wings, said Terry White, the hostess at Chad’s.

Hogan “comes in with his wife all the time … this is his neighborhood place,” White told the newspaper. “He is just a regular guy. Very approachable. He never presented himself as a politician.”

There’s no putting on airs by the rising political star, owner Chad Sargent said.

“He is Larry. Someone called him ‘Mr. Hogan’ one time, and he said ‘No, no, call me Larry,’ “ the barbecue owner told the newspaper.

»Read the full Capital-Gazette story here.