Former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan challenged his Democratic opponent in the state’s Senate race on Friday, reproaching Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks for her public safety record, accusing her of offering hollow promises regarding gun control.
Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed Alsobrooks on Friday during an event in Maryland commemorating “Gun Violence Awareness Day.”
“Instead of just offering more platitudes, we urge her to tell voters how she will address the skyrocketing crime on her watch in Prince George’s County,” Hogan stated.
The former two-term governor highlighted county crime statistics that have deteriorated “after years of underfunding and deprioritizing public safety under her leadership,” noting significant increases in homicides, carjackings, and other violent crimes.
The Alsobrooks campaign did not respond to a request for comment.
Overall, nationwide crime decreased by double digits in 2023 following a pandemic-era spike, including in Prince George’s County. However, county police earlier this year indicated that violent crime in the area was again on the rise, making the issue a top concern for Maryland voters in a recent Washington Post-University of Maryland poll.
Data shows violent crime in Prince George’s County increased by 12% from 2019 to 2023. Carjackings surged nearly 500%, from 86 in 2019 to 508 last year. Year-over-year crime in 2023 also saw increases, including a 7% rise in murders, a 17% rise in carjackings, and a 141% increase in stolen vehicles, according to county police.
Alsobrooks took office in December 2018. Before that, she served as the state’s attorney for Prince George’s County since 2011.
Hogan reiterated his 10-point crime plan, which includes increased funding for law enforcement, cracking down on repeat violent offenders, and removing guns from individuals with mental illnesses and violent criminal records.
Harris and Alsobrooks emphasized that a Democratic win in the contested race is crucial for the party to advance long-stalled plans to implement an assault weapons ban and stricter gun control measures.
“We will not accomplish these goals to keep America safe without a Senate majority,” Alsobrooks declared. “The path to the majority runs through Maryland.”
The Maryland Senate seat is one of eight battleground races that Democrats must secure to maintain control over a potentially 50-50 split chamber, provided President Joe Biden is reelected. A victory by Hogan or the presumptive GOP presidential nominee, Donald Trump, would likely result in a Republican majority.
“Maryland, this November, you have the power to elect leaders who have actually kept our communities safe,” Harris urged.
