Hogan knocks Trump: 'I'd prefer endorsements from people who didn't lose Maryland by 33 points'

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) knocked former President Trump on Monday over the former president's loss in the Old Line State during the 2020 election

"Personally, I'd prefer endorsements from people who didn't lose Maryland by 33 points," Hogan wrote on Twitter shortly after Trump announced that he was endorsing Maryland state Del. Daniel Cox (R) for governor in next year's GOP primary. Hogan, who is barred from running for reelection due to term limits, is backing state Commerce Secretary Kelly Schultz in the race.

Trump lost the 2020 presidential election in Maryland to President Biden by 33.2 percentage points, according to The New York Times.

Trump, in his endorsement on Monday, called Hogan a "RINO," an acronym for "Republican in name only," and said he "has been terrible for our Country and is against the America First Movement."

Hogan has been a sharp critic of Trump, condemning the then-president for prematurely declaring victory in the 2020 presidential race and blaming him for inciting the crowd at his rally that preceded the Capitol riot on Jan. 6.

In May, the governor said Trump is "toxic for the Republican Party and for the country."

Hogan, who will leave the governor's mansion after serving two consecutive terms, has been a rumored potential candidate for president and U.S. Senate, though he has not signaled what is to come.

Trump on Monday also said Cox, whom he called a "tough lawyer, and smart businessman," is "very strong on Election Integrity," adding that he "fought against the Rigged Presidential Election every step of the way, and will bring secure Elections back to Maryland."

The former president's endorsement sets the scene for a high-stakes primary race in Maryland.

Former Maryland state Del. Robin Ficker is also running for the Republican nomination.

In a statement to The Hill on Tuesday Schultz's campaign pointed to her "life experience, credentials and record of accomplishment" in an effort to show that she is "uniquely qualified" to lead Maryland.

The campaign underscored her close alliance with Hogan.

"She is proud to have stood next to Governor Hogan over the last 8 years as they fought to make Maryland a better, safer, and more affordable place to live and raise a family," the campaign said.

"Don't be fooled - Kelly Schulz is the only Republican who can win this race and the only person running who has the strength and ability to prevent the Maryland legislature from passing any law and tax they wish," the campaign added.

Updated 2:57 p.m.