Angela Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County executive, has won the Democratic primary for Maryland’s Senate seat, setting up a significant contest against former two-term Republican Governor Larry Hogan. This race is crucial as it could potentially determine which party controls the Senate.
The Associated Press declared Alsobrooks, 53, the winner on Tuesday night, following a hard-fought campaign against Representative David Trone. Despite Trone’s significant financial advantage—spending over $61 million of his own money and outspending Alsobrooks nearly 10-to-1—Alsobrooks appeared to have secured a decisive victory with a double-digit lead.
Alsbrooks’ victory marks a historic moment as she aims to become the first Black woman to represent Maryland in the Senate. Currently, the Senate includes only four Black members: three men and one woman, Senator Alphonse Butler, who has announced her departure at the end of her term in January.
In her victory speech, Alsbrooks revealed that she had a conciliatory phone call with Trone, during which they agreed to move past their primary battle and focus on the upcoming general election. This unity is seen as vital for the Democratic Party as they prepare for a challenging race against Hogan, who remains a popular figure in Maryland politics.