Former Gov. Larry Hogan Drops By Pikesville Deli to Court Voters

June 12, 2024 Staff Report

Fressen at the Essen: Former state senator Bobby Zirkin (left) enjoys a deli sandwich at the Essen Room with ex-Gov. Larry Hogan. (Photo by Robyn Stevens Brody)

There’s always time for a nosh. Especially when you’re a former governor stumping hard on the campaign trail.

On Tuesday afternoon, June 11, ex-Gov. Larry Hogan — Republican nominee for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by the retiring Ben Cardin — stopped by The Essen Room in Pikesville for a reuben sandwich and to greet a packed room of voters and old friends in the Jewish community.

Joining him was former state senator Bobby Zirkin, who last month was appointed co-chair of the “Democrats for Hogan” coalition supporting the former governor’s Senate bid.

“All smiles today here @theessenrooomdeli,” the eatery posted on social media. “Thank you @larryhogan for stopping by. … We appreciate you stopping in to have a bite from us!”

Earlier in the day, Hogan visited Marlin Steel, a Baltimore-based company that manufactures and exports steel wire and sheet metal products, and spoke at the annual National Federation of Independent Business Leadership Breakfast on Capitol Hill.

On Nov. 5, Hogan will run against his Democratic rival, Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, in a race that could determine control of the U.S. Senate.

“We grabbed lunch at The Essen Room in Pikesville with my good friend, former Democratic State Senator Bobby Zirkin, and small business owners from Maryland’s Jewish community,” Hogan wrote on social media. “It was a great crowd. Thank you to owner Lou Ellison for having us — and for one of the best reubens I have ever had!