In the weeks following Maryland’s 2018 gubernatorial election, many commentators have sought to explain voters’ support for Republican Governor Larry Hogan in a blue state. His convincing re-election win has been attributed to his lasting popularity, his expertly-run and well-funded campaign, and the political missteps of challenger Ben Jealous, among other factors.

But in an electoral environment in which Republicans and Democrats hold each other in deep disregard, these election results deserve a closer look. How exactly did Larry Hogan win re-election in a state dominated by registered Democrats?

To answer this question, students from the political science department at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County launched the inaugural UMBC Retriever Exit Poll. On Election Day, our team of 25 undergraduate student researchers fanned out across Baltimore County, visiting a total of eight polling sites. We traveled from Dundalk to Woodlawn, all in search of voters who would be willing to answer a nonpartisan, scientific survey.

Read more in The Baltimore Sun.