Angela Alsobrooks is set to clinch Maryland's Democratic nomination for the US Senate, a projection by CNN indicates. Her victory, which catapults her potentially historic bid into the fiercely contested general election, carries significant implications for the Senate's future control.
The defeat of three-term Rep. David Trone, who poured a record-breaking $61.77 million of his own money into his campaign, marks a stunning turn of events. Alsobrooks, the Prince George’s County executive, will now face Republican former Governor Larry Hogan, whose late entry into the race earlier this year reshaped the Senate battleground.
With Republicans already poised to seize a Senate seat in West Virginia, they need just one or two more seats to secure a majority, depending on the presidential election outcome. This raises the stakes for Maryland, where Hogan's popularity is expected to intensify the contest to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Ben Cardin, particularly in a state that Joe Biden won by a significant margin in 2020.
Alsobrooks is positioned to become only the third Black woman elected to the Senate and the first Black senator from Maryland. Her potential history-making candidacy has struck a chord with supporters, many of whom are also advocating for a woman to join Maryland's currently all-male 10-person congressional delegation.
In her victory speech, Alsobrooks highlighted the significance of her win, especially in overcoming the odds. She emphasized the importance of hard work in maintaining Maryland's status as a blue state. Meanwhile, Trone, despite his significant financial advantage, pledged his support to Alsobrooks in keeping the Senate under Democratic control.
The focus now shifts to the general election, where Alsobrooks will need to rally Maryland Democrats against Hogan, who remains a popular figure in the state. Both candidates ran campaigns that aligned with Democratic values, and it is expected that Marylanders will unite to protect women's rights, enhance public safety, and maintain a Democratic majority in the Senate.
Alsobrooks' campaign emphasized her record in Prince George’s County and positioned her as the stronger candidate on key issues like abortion rights. She and her supporters contrasted her positions with Trone's past contributions to Republicans who support abortion restrictions. Pro-choice Democratic political action committee EMILY’s List also made significant investments in highlighting Trone's donations to Republicans in their support for Alsobrooks.
Trone, on the other hand, highlighted his ability to self-fund his campaign and his independence from special interests as strengths. However, some voters were put off by the massive amount of money he spent, viewing it as excessive.
The general election is expected to be closely watched, with national implications. Alsobrooks has already garnered support from various Democratic leaders and groups, indicating a fierce battle ahead as both parties vie for control of the Senate.