Several Black lawmakers have chosen not to endorse their Democrat colleague, Rep. David Trone, in a closely watched Senate race after he used a racial slur during a House Budget Committee hearing. Trone used the term “jigaboo” while discussing tax policy with a Black colleague, Shalanda Young, who was testifying before the committee. Despite apologizing and claiming to have misspoken, Trone faced backlash from Black lawmakers, including Reps. Barbara Lee, Yvette Clarke, Gregory Meeks, Joyce Beatty, and Jasmine Crockett, who have chosen to support Trone’s primary opponent, Angela Alsobrooks.
Trone, who is running to replace retiring Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin, has faced criticism for his use of the racial slur as well as his left-wing positions on granting citizenship and voting rights to illegal immigrants. While Trone holds a fundraising and polling advantage in the crowded Democrat primary field, Alsobrooks is his closest challenger. Trone is expected to face Maryland’s former Republican governor, Larry Hogan, in the general election. Early polls suggest a tight race between the two, with Hogan currently leading by double digits in a recent poll.
Despite Trone’s attempt at an apology and recognition of his “privilege” as a White man, Black lawmakers who were offended by his use of the racial slur have chosen to support his opponent in the Senate race. The decision not to endorse Trone could impact his chances in the primary and general election, where he is expected to face a tough challenge from Hogan, a popular former governor. Trone’s left-wing views on immigration and voting rights for illegal immigrants have also drawn criticism and could further impact his campaign.
This incident has highlighted tensions within the Democratic Party and among Black lawmakers over issues of racial sensitivity and political positions. Trone’s use of a racial slur has led to a significant backlash from Black lawmakers, who have chosen to support Alsobrooks, a Black woman, in the Senate race. Trone’s attempts to apologize and explain his use of the term “jigaboo” have not been enough to sway his colleagues or repair the damage done to his reputation in this closely watched election.
The race for the Senate seat in Maryland is becoming increasingly competitive, with Trone facing challenges from his Democrat primary opponent as well as the Republican former governor. Trone’s use of a racial slur and his controversial positions on immigration and voting rights have become focal points of the campaign, with Black lawmakers choosing to support his opponent in response to his use of the offensive term. The outcome of this race will have significant implications for the balance of power in the Senate, as well as the broader issues of racial sensitivity and political representation within the Democratic Party.
