In a surprising move, Maryland Governor Larry Hogan has endorsed Democrat challenger Thiru Vignarajah to become Baltimore City’s next state attorney. The move comes after repeated clashes with incumbent State’s Attorney Marilyn Mosby who is notorious for her soft-on-crime record.

Fox News reports:

“For far too long, violent criminals have been allowed to terrorize the streets of Baltimore with impunity,” Hogan said in a statement endorsing Democrat Thiru Vignarajah to be Baltimore City’s state’s attorney.

“Every single day, the people of Baltimore pay a steep price for that failure with lost loved ones, terrified families, and countless lost potential. This crisis rises above partisan politics. It’s not about right or left. It’s about right and wrong,” Hogan continued. “As governor, there is nothing more important to me than the safety of our communities. Thiru Vignarajah will restore trust, hold violent criminals accountable, and make our streets safer.”

Hogan’s endorsement of Vignarajah, who is attacking Mosby over Baltimore’s crime rates also comes as he has been floated as a potential 2024 contender.

“Fighting violent crime is supposed to be the job of local leaders. For eight years, the governor has done his best to support the city in its battle against violent crime. But Governor Hogan knows that without leadership at the local level, this fight is infinitely harder than it needs to be,” Vignarajah said.

“In a moment of crisis like this, public safety must come before partisan politics. I am honored and overwhelmed by the Governor’s endorsement, which follows in the best traditions of our city and state,” he added.

Some speculate Hogan’s endorsement could be a major boon for Vignarajah because of his reported popularity among African American voters. A January Gonazles Polls Inc. survey showed that Hogan has a 79.9% approval rating with African-Americans.