New Poll: Gov. Hogan's Highest Approval Rating Comes From Democrats Under 35

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (WJZ)--Maryland Governor Larry Hogan is getting support from some unexpected places.

The new Baltimore Sun-University of Baltimore poll finds that his highest approval among democrats comes from young people and African Americans.

Political reporter Pat Warren has reaction from the governor.

At a non-partisan Maryland pro-business group luncheon Governor Hogan greets folks who would seem likely to support him, democrats as well as republicans.

Surprise, young people and African American democrats do too.

"Well it's really exciting that we're reaching out to various constituencies that people wouldn't expect to be supportive," said Hogan.

Out of 402 democrats polled, the republican governor's highest approval comes from the youngest:

-68% of voters under 35

-65% of voters under 50

-52% of voters over age 50

"Young people today for some good reasons tend to be fairly dissatisfied with the status quo in Maryland, the democrats," said Matthew Crenson, political scientist.

61% of democrats identifying themselves as African Americans think Hogan is doing a good job compared to 55% of whites.

"Young black democrats was the biggest surprise, but I 'm very happy to have the support and have people feeling like we're doing a good job," said Hogan.

Political scientist Matthew Crenson thinks it could be more than the job.

"On certain kinds of issues African Americans tend to be relatively liberal democratic, civil rights, economic equality. But on other issues, social issues, they tend to be more conservative," said Crenson.

Not surprisingly, Hogan's approval is 29% more likely among conservative to moderate democrats than liberals.

Polls can be wrong but in every poll since he's taken office, republicans, democrats, and independents have given him a thumbs up.

The Sun poll also shows Hogan approval is higher among democrats with less formal education.