Maryland Dem considering bid to take on Trump

Rep. John Delaney (D-Md.) has decided to not seek reelection or run for governor and is instead considering a presidential bid in 2020, a source confirmed to The Hill.

An announcement could come as soon as Friday, a source familiar with the plan told The Hill. 

Click Here: Fjallraven Kanken Art Spring Landscape BackpacksADVERTISEMENT

The surprise bid would make Delaney the first Democrat to openly begin planning to take on President Trump. But the wealthy congressman would likely be one in a sea of Democratic candidates and would face long odds, even if he telegraphs his move early. 

Bethesda Beat, a local Maryland blog affiliated with Bethesda Magazine, reported earlier this week that Delaney is planning to announce a presidential bid. The magazine said Delaney is considering announcing his intentions with an op-ed in The Washington Post. 

Delaney had been considering a bid against incumbent Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R).

One of the richest members of Congress, Delaney could have easily self-funded the bid. But while his fortune could be helpful in a presidential race, it wouldn’t go nearly as far.

And if Democratic heavy-hitters like Sens. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.), Elizabeth WarrenElizabeth WarrenWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases OVERNIGHT DEFENSE: Joint Chiefs chairman says he regrets participating in Trump photo-op | GOP senators back Joint Chiefs chairman who voiced regret over Trump photo-op | Senate panel approves 0B defense policy bill Trump on collision course with Congress over bases with Confederate names MORE (D-Mass.) or Kamala Harris (D-Calif.) jump into the 2020 contest, Delaney could have trouble finding a network of donors to keep him afloat.  

The decision could also have implications for the race to control the House. Republicans could make a play for his seat.

Delaney won by 14 points in 2016, but he survived by less than 2 percentage points in 2014, the year that saw Hogan’s upset victory in the governor’s race.  

This story was updated at 4:50 p.m.