Angela Alsobrooks wins contentious Democratic Senate primary in Maryland

Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) has won the Democratic primary for Maryland’s open Senate seat, according to a projection from Decision Desk HQ.

Alsobrooks beat out fellow Democrat Rep. David Trone (Md.) in what had become a tumultuous race. Just days earlier, an Emerson College Polling/The Hill/DC News Now found the two in a dead heat. 

She will make history if she wins in November, becoming the first Black woman to represent the Old Line State in the Senate.

“My name is Angela Alsobrooks, and I am officially your Democratic nominee in Maryland’s Senate race,” she said in a statement posted to X following her victory.

“On November 5, 2024, we are going to defeat Larry Hogan, keep Maryland blue, and keep our Senate under Democratic control — spread the word.”

Alsobrooks had the backing of Trone’s fellow Maryland congressman, Rep. Jamie Raskin (D), and other top Democrats, including Sens. Chris Van Hollen (Md.) and Chris Murphy (Conn.). The Washington Post editorial board also endorsed her over Trone. 

The race had been tense for months, especially after Trone accidentally used a racial slur during a committee hearing earlier this year. The co-owner of Total Wine, Trone had spent tens of millions of dollars in the primary and argued that his wealth was a key reason why he would be a stronger candidate in November.

Alsobrooks is set to face off against popular former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in the fall.

“Electing Angela Alsobrooks will stop Republicans from taking control of the Senate, and ensure that Republican Larry Hogan’s party cannot pursue their dangerous agenda like passing a national ban on abortion,” Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.), chair of the Senate Democrats’ campaign arm, said in a statement. 

“In the Senate, Angela will stand up for Marylanders and be a voice for all of her state, just like she has throughout her time in public service. Marylanders know the Senate majority is on the line, and that’s why they are unified behind Angela and ready to defeat Republican Larry Hogan in November.” 

Democratic Sen. Ben Cardin announced plans last year to retire after three terms in the role, opening up a competitive primary to replace him. Hogan’s entry on the Republican side threw a wrench into the race with signs that the popular GOP governor could put up a formidable fight in the blue-leaning state. 

The nonpartisan election handicapper Cook Political Report shifted the Maryland seat from “solid” to “likely Democrat” after Hogan jumped in – but the Emerson poll notably showed both Democratic options beating Hogan in November hypotheticals.