Maryland’s Democratic primary for the Senate seat to succeed retiring Sen. Ben Cardin was a contentious battle between Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks and Rep. David Trone. Trone, who invested over $60 million of his personal fortune, faced internal division within the Democratic party over whether to support his financial advantage or Alsobrooks, a black woman representing a loyal voting bloc for Democrats.
Alsobrooks emerged victorious with 52.6% of the votes, setting up a general election showdown with former Republican Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan. Despite Alsobrooks’s potential historic win as Maryland’s first black U.S. senator, Hogan’s popularity poses a challenge.
The Democratic machine largely backed Alsobrooks, who gained momentum in the final days of the primary, while Trone relied on his vast wealth. Trone’s financial resources played a significant role in the competition, as he loaned his campaign over $60 million. The primary also saw some controversy, including a campaign ad cut and the use of a racial slur by Trone in a House hearing.
Maryland’s general election will be closely watched, as both parties gear up for a competitive race. With Hogan’s entry into the Senate race, Democrats face an uphill battle to maintain control of the Senate in 2024. The total ad spending for both the Democratic and GOP primaries reached a record-high of $56 million, making it the most expensive state election in history.
