Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks made history Tuesday night, Nov. 5 as early returns showed her with a strong lead over former Governor Larry Hogan in the race for Maryland’s open U.S. Senate seat. The Washington Jewish Journal had the chance to meet Hogan in Annapolis earlier in the campaign, underscoring the high-profile nature of this historic contest.
Alsobrooks’ victory sets her up to become Maryland’s first Black woman senator, following in the footsteps of Barbara Mikulski, the state’s first female senator, who retired in 2017. Speaking to an energized crowd at The Hotel in College Park, Alsobrooks declared, “I will never stop working to prove that public service can and must change lives for the better.”
The room was filled with cheers, applause, and chants of her name as supporters wearing vibrant black-and-lime-green campaign shirts celebrated. Wanda Durant, a Prince George’s County activist and mother of NBA star Kevin Durant, praised Alsobrooks, calling her “a lover of the people.” Durant added, “She has proven time and time again that Maryland truly matters to her.”
Meanwhile, Hogan supporters gathered in Annapolis, holding onto hope that the popular two-term Republican governor could pull off an upset in the heavily Democratic state. Delays in counting early and mail-in ballots briefly extended the suspense, but by 9:30 p.m., the race was called for Alsobrooks.
“Tonight didn’t bring the outcome we wanted,” Hogan said. However, he struck a positive tone, saying, “Regardless of who you supported, we can all take pride in the election of Maryland’s first Black woman senator. Now is the time to unite, move forward, and respect the will of the voters.”
Hogan emphasized his campaign’s bipartisan approach. “This was the only campaign in America reaching out to Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike,” he said. “We need to stop dismissing those we disagree with and start believing in each other again because there’s far more that unites us.”
A Heated Race with Historic Stakes
The contest attracted unprecedented national attention and funding. Hogan, known for his bipartisan appeal during his gubernatorial tenure, entered the race at the urging of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Democrats, aiming to retain control of the Senate, focused on painting Hogan as aligned with national Republican policies, particularly on abortion.
Alsobrooks emphasized Hogan’s past opposition to abortion rights, contrasting it with her steadfast support for reproductive freedom. “Maryland voters made their voices heard tonight,” Alsobrooks told supporters, citing her commitment to safeguarding abortion rights.
Hogan, who stated during the campaign that he supports codifying Roe v. Wade despite his personal anti-abortion stance, pushed back on what he described as mischaracterizations of his record. “I’ve always been a problem-solver, not a partisan,” he said during the campaign’s sole debate.
The Washington Jewish Journal met with Governor Hogan in July at his Annapolis office, where he spoke candidly about his steadfast support for Israel and his commitment to combating antisemitism. “It’s not just about policy; it’s about standing up for what’s right and ensuring that Jewish communities feel safe and supported,” Hogan said. He reflected on his efforts as governor to strengthen ties between Maryland and Israel and his dedication to protecting the Jewish community from rising hate crimes.
In a deeply personal conversation, Hogan displayed a down-to-earth demeanor, speaking passionately about the importance of preserving Jewish heritage and fostering unity. “We have to work together, across all divides, to ensure that every community, including the Jewish community, feels valued and protected,” Hogan told the Journal. His sincerity left a strong impression, highlighting his ability to connect with people beyond political lines.
With Angela Alsobrooks now poised to represent Maryland in the U.S. Senate, the Washington Jewish Journal looks forward to the opportunity to sit down with her and discuss her plans to address the needs of Maryland’s Jewish community. We would be honored to hear her vision for strengthening U.S.-Israel relations, combating antisemitism, and fostering unity across the state.
Campaign Clashes and Voter Sentiments
Alsobrooks’ campaign leaned heavily on themes of unity and representation. “I had the honor of traveling across this state to meet Marylanders where they live, work, and dream,” she said in her victory speech. “This campaign was about lifting every voice in Maryland.”
Some voters, like Naekasah Johnson, a Prince George’s County teacher, said the stakes were too high to take risks. “I voted for Alsobrooks because I worried about what Republican control of the Senate could mean for women like me,” Johnson explained.
Hogan’s campaign focused on his bipartisan track record and his ability to win over Democrats and independents in the past. “This wasn’t about party lines; it was about Maryland’s future,” Hogan’s campaign manager David Weinman said. “Larry Hogan has always put people before politics.”
Despite the uphill battle, Hogan’s campaign resonated with many voters. “He showed us that even in defeat, leadership is about bringing people together,” said Anne Wallace, a Hogan supporter in Annapolis.
Looking Ahead
Alsobrooks’ victory marks a milestone for representation in Maryland and across the nation. She becomes the first Black woman senator from Maryland and joins Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, Delaware’s newly elected senator, in making history as two Black women simultaneously serving in the Senate.
Hogan’s legacy as a bipartisan leader remains intact, with many praising his ability to transcend party lines. His campaign underscored his message of unity and problem-solving, themes he said would remain relevant as the state and nation move forward.
“I’m proud of the campaign we ran and the values we stood for,” Hogan said. “Maryland has always been a place where progress is possible, and tonight we saw that again.”
Alsobrooks’ win signals a new chapter in Maryland politics, with her poised to bring her local leadership experience to the national stage. “This is just the beginning,” she said. “Together, we’ll make history, and we’ll make Maryland proud.”
As Angela Alsobrooks prepares to make history as Maryland’s next U.S. Senator, the Washington Jewish Journal is eager to connect with her to discuss her priorities for the state’s Jewish community. We look forward to learning more about her vision for supporting U.S.-Israel relations, tackling antisemitism, and fostering inclusivity and collaboration across Maryland. Her leadership represents a significant milestone, and we are excited to engage with her on how she plans to build a brighter future for all Marylanders.
