Republican former Gov. Larry Hogan and Democratic county executive Angela Alsobrooks emerged victorious in Maryland’s primary races for the state’s open US Senate seat. Hogan, who served two terms as Maryland’s governor, easily topped the crowded GOP field with over 60% of the vote. Alsobrooks, the executive of Prince George’s County, fended off a fierce campaign mounted by Rep. David Trone, who poured over $50 million of his own money into the race, and won with 53.4% of the vote.
The Senate seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Ben Cardin is expected to be competitive despite Maryland’s Democratic-leaning electorate. Hogan, a moderate and critic of former President Donald Trump, was encouraged to enter the race by top Senate Republicans despite the state’s Democratic majority. Hogan signaled that he would continue with his centrist approach to politics if elected senator, showcasing a desire for bipartisanship in a deeply divided political landscape.
Hogan, who battled and beat stage 3 non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma during his first year as governor, has been in remission since 2015. Alsobrooks is seeking to become Maryland’s first black female senator and only the third Black woman elected to the Senate. She is focused on keeping Maryland blue and maintaining Democratic control of the Senate, with Democrats currently holding a slim majority but having to defend more seats than Republicans in the upcoming election.
Maryland hasn’t had a Republican senator in 37 years and has been consistently supporting Democratic candidates, with President Biden winning the state by a large margin in 2020. Democrats control both chambers of the state legislature, the governor’s mansion, and most of the state’s congressional delegation. Despite this, Hogan’s victory in the primary indicates a shift towards a more centrist and bipartisan approach to governance, with the former governor aiming to bring his track record of cooperation to Washington.
Hogan’s late entry into the Senate race and his strong showing in the primary suggests that his moderate stance and anti-Trump position have resonated with Maryland voters across party lines. Alsobrooks’ victory over a well-funded opponent like Trone showcases her grassroots support and appeal to voters in the state. Both candidates are gearing up for a competitive Senate race that will be closely watched as Marylanders decide who will represent them in the upper chamber of Congress.
Overall, the primary results in Maryland reflect a diverse and vibrant political landscape, with candidates from different backgrounds and political affiliations vying for the opportunity to shape the state’s future. The upcoming Senate race promises to be a battleground for ideas and policies, with Hogan and Alsobrooks leading the charge in representing Maryland on the national stage. As the campaign unfolds, voters will have the opportunity to engage with the candidates and make an informed decision about who they believe will best serve their interests in the Senate.
