Angela Alsobrooks Declared Winner of Maryland Senate Race; First Black Woman to Represent the State

On Election Day, Maryland voters took to their polling places, with many encountering lines to place ballots for the highly contested races. While the nation voted for the next president of the United States, in Maryland — a majority-blue state — the Senate race was undoubtedly the marquee ticket of the cycle, with many observers noting this seat could determine whether the Senate is controlled by Democrats or Republicans. 

At about 9:30 p.m., The Associated Press called the race for Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, who defeated former Maryland Republican Gov. Larry Hogan. 

At an event at the University of Maryland Hotel in College Park, loud cheers and applause could be heard shortly after the race was called.  

With 64% of Maryland numbers reported, Alsobrooks led by nearly 10% and eclipsed 1 million votes.

“At times we struggle together, and we work to build a better future for all of our children,” said Alsobrooks shortly after her victory was declared. “And to those Marylanders whose support I have yet to earn, I may not have won your vote, but I want you to know that I hear your voice, and I will be your senator, too.”

Early-vote and vote-by-mail numbers represented nearly half of Maryland’s electorate, and results came in fairly quickly. 

U.S. Sen. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Maryland Sen. Nick Charles (D-District 25), Delegate Kent Roberson (D-District 25), Delegate Alethia McCaskill (D-District 44B), and numerous other legislators attended the Maryland Democratic Party’s election night watch party at the University of Maryland Hotel in College Park.

“Angela Alsobrooks and the people of Maryland have made history tonight. Throughout this campaign, and during her time in public service, Angela has proven her commitment and passion for serving Marylanders time and again. And to win this election, Angela overcame a flood of super PAC spending and Republican attacks aimed at distracting voters, but Marylanders knew better,” said Van Hollen. 

He emphasized why Alsobrooks is a good fit for the Senate, and that is he is looking forward to working alongside her in Congress’ upper chamber.

“In electing Angela to the United States Senate, our state has chosen a dedicated public servant who has shown that she will work every day to stand up for our interests and values. I could not be more proud to have stood alongside Angela from the earliest days of this fight, and I’m excited to have her as a partner in the Senate. We will work together to deliver for Maryland and our nation,” he said.

Congressional, Down-Ballot Candidates Elected to Office

Prince George’s County Council Jolene Ivey (D-District 5) was elected to serve as the County Council At Large, which will necessitate a special election in the council’s Fifth District. 

In addition, Maryland Democratic Reps. Steny Hoyer and Glenn Ivey were both reelected, while Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewki and State Senator Sarah Elfreth were elected to Maryland’s second and third congressional districts respectively. 

“I am honored that the voters of Maryland’s Fifth District entrusted me to serve as their voice in the House of Representatives during the 119th Congress,” said Hoyer, who has represented Prince George’s and Southern Maryland in Congress since 1983. “Throughout my time in Congress, one priority has outranked all others: delivering results for Marylanders. Last year, Team Maryland celebrated our successful effort to bring the new FBI consolidated headquarters to Prince George’s County.  From rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge, to breaking ground on the new FBI headquarters, to investing further in health care, education, and other areas, much work remains to create new opportunities for Marylanders to get ahead.”

Hoyer also celebrated Alsobrooks’ victory. 

“For years, I’ve been proud to tackle that work with my dear friend Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks. Next Congress, I look forward to continuing that cooperation with her as she serves as Maryland’s next senator,” he said.

At press, former Biden administration official April McClain Delaney narrowly trailed former Delegate Neil Parrott (R ) in Western Maryland’s Sixth Congressional District.

In the Prince George’s Board of Education races, Tiffini L. Andorful (District 1) and Robin Brown (District 5) both won with fairly large margins, while two other Board races were extremely close and yet to be called. 

All three of the Appellate Court judges were retained, and the Circuit Court Judge slate were all successfully elected to the bench.

Statewide, Local Ballot Measure Results

The statewide ballot measure to codify abortion into law passed overwhelmingly, with nearly 75% of voters approving. All of the ballot questions in Prince George’s, including one to require council approval to exceed staffing limits in the operating budget, passed with over 80% support.

Charles County voters opposed a measure to create a County Executive, a similar governing structure to most of the larger counties in the state, for the second time in a decade. 

Ballot measures in Baltimore to allow the redevelopment of the Inner Harbor and create a cannabis reparations fund passed, while another measure to halve the size of the City Council failed. 

Hip Hop Caucus CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. emphasized the importance of participating in local elections.

“Participation in local and state elections is just as critical as voting in national elections, because the outcomes of local and state elections most directly shape our day-to-day lives. Local elections determine how our public schools and transportation systems operate,” Yearwood explained. “They determine who becomes the district attorneys, sheriffs, and judges that set the direction of our criminal legal system. State and local officials are also the ones who make decisions about business regulations and zoning laws, which have long-term impacts on the economic well-being and the environmental sustainability of communities. By voting in state and local elections, and down the ballot, we can have direct influence over the issues that matter to us most.”