Incumbents Governor Larry Hogan and Lt. Governor Boyd Rutherford have won the general election against Democratic challengers Ben Jealous and Susan Turnbull.

Hogan, who has taken a centrist approach to governing in a state where democrats out number republicans 2-1, had maintained high approval ratings throughout the election cycle and promised to continue to work across the aisle. From The Washington Post:

The governor’s promises to roll back taxes and work with Democrats, coupled with his high approval ratings, lifted him to victory over Democratic challenger and political newcomer Ben Jealous.

“Tonight, in a deep-blue state in this blue year, with a blue wave, it turns out I can surf,” Hogan, 62, told a boisterous crowd in Annapolis. “The people of our great state voted for civility, for bipartisanship and for common-sense leadership.”

Hogan’s win makes him only the second GOP governor in Maryland’s history to be re-elected to a second term. The last GOP governor to do so was Theodore Roosevelt McKeldin who served two terms as Governor from 1951-1959.

Hogan secured 1,196,352 votes (56.2%) to Jealous’ 909,923 votes (42.7%), and won 21 out of 24 jurisdictions. The Baltimore Sun on Jealous’ concession:

Of Hogan, he said, “While we have different visions and values, I have no doubt that he cares deeply about our state and the families who call it home. It is not an easy task to serve as a Republican governor in a blue state. … I pledge to Governor Hogan that as we find points of agreement, I will work with him to get things done for the people of our state.”

For more information:

Republican Gov. Larry Hogan wins a second term in deep-blue Maryland (The Washington Post)

Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan re-elected, soundly defeating Ben Jealous (The Baltimore Sun)

Vote totals and percentages in this article are based on unofficial results from the Maryland State Board of Elections as of 5:27 am Wednesday, November 7, 2018.