Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks won Tuesday's Democratic primary for a Maryland Senate seat, setting her up against a popular Republican former governor that could determine control of the House. I set it up.
The Associated Press on Tuesday night called for Allbrooks, 53, to run against U.S. Rep. David Tron, a wealthy lawmaker who has poured more than $61 million of his own money into his campaign. Mr. Tron outnumbered Mr. Alsobrooks by a nearly 10-to-1 ratio, but Mr. Alsobrooks appeared to be on track to defeat him by a double-digit margin.
She is seeking to become the first black woman to represent Maryland in the Senate. There are currently only four black members in the chamber, three men and one woman. Sen. LaFonza Butler has announced that she will resign at the end of her term in January.
At the victory rally, Ms. Allbrooks said she spoke to Mr. Tron on the phone and agreed to put aside their differences.
“We are united in keeping the Senate on board and we appreciate his support,” she said.
Allbrooks, a former prosecutor, trailed Tron in the early stages of the race, but received a boost from widespread support among Maryland Democrats who rallied to her campaign.
She will face off against popular former Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan in what will be a closely watched race. Hogan was scouted as a candidate by Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell of Kentucky as the party seeks to retake the Senate.
Democrats and three independents who mostly vote Democratic currently control the House with a 51-49 vote, but Republicans are favored to take West Virginia and Democrats hold Maryland. The need is growing.
Mr. Albrooks and Mr. Hogan will be vying to replace Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin, who has held the seat since 2007 and is retiring.
Surrounded by supporters, including Gov. Wes Moore, Allbrooks and other prominent Democrats took turns stressing the need to defeat Hogan.
“The battle ahead will not be easy,” Allbrooks told the crowd gathered for the celebration. “A lot of people look at our state and say, 'Oh, it's Maryland. It's a blue state. It's okay to worry about another race in another place.'” Indeed. , Maryland has always been a blue state and will only continue to be a blue state if we work hard. ”
Hogan welcomed Allsbrooks to the race in an online post. “I know Angela well and value our respectful relationship,” Hogan wrote. “I look forward to a real discussion about what this campaign is about: who can actually help solve the mess in Washington.”
The primary race between Mr. Albrooks and Mr. Trone turned negative as it became a close race, splitting Democrats inside and outside Congress. Maryland has not had a Republican senator in nearly 40 years, so contested primaries are unusual. Hogan's decision to enter the race changed everything.
As Mr. Trone embarks on costly battles in several battleground states to maintain control of Congress, Congressional leaders were eager to find wealthy candidates who could finance his own Senate races. gained support from. But all but one Democratic member of the state's congressional delegation supported Allbrooks.
