Maryland Senate Race Updates: Hogan Leads Alsobrooks, Trone in Recent UMD Senate Poll
Former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) is currently leading both Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Rep. David Trone (D) by double digits in a March poll conducted by the University of Maryland, putting the U.S. Senate majority in play for Republicans.
Hogan led Trone 49% to 37%, and Alsobrooks 50% to 36%. However, 55% of poll respondents were in favor of Democratic control of the U.S. Senate.
Trone led Alsbrooks 34% to 27% in the most recent head-to-head polling, with many Maryland Democrats still undecided.
Alsobrooks has made healthcare and abortion access some of her staple issues in the campaign to compare with her competitors, while Trone is emphasizing his dedication to criminal justice and work in Congress to address both addiction and Alzheimers.
When asked in a March 7 Axios interview if he supported codifying Roe v. Wade into federal law, which would protect reproductive rights, especially in Southern states, Hogan did not agree.
“If Marylanders want to vote for that, they should have the right to do that,” Hogan said regarding the upcoming statewide ballot referendum to enshrine reproductive rights in the Maryland constitution. “They’re already completely protected in Maryland.”
Congressman Trone Uses Slur During Hearing, Alsobrooks Garners New Endorsements
During a March 21 congressional hearing, Congressman Trone used a racial slur which he claims was accidental and has apologized for.
“Today, while attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ in a hearing, I used a phrase that is offensive,” Trone said in a statement. “That word has a long, dark, terrible history. It should never be used any time, anywhere, in any conversation. I recognize that as a white man, I have privilege. And as an elected official, I have a responsibility for the words I use, especially in the heat of the moment. Regardless of what I meant to say, I shouldn’t have used that language.”
Following this incident, Alsobrooks was endorsed by Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-Md.) and Congressional Black Caucus members Reps. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.), Congressman Gregory Meeks (D-N.Y.), Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-Ohio), Rep. Yvette D. Clarke (D-N.Y.), and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas). She’s also been endorsed by longtime Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md), Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Comptroller Brooke Lierman (D), and three African Americans currently serving in the U.S. Senate.
“I am excited to support Angela and am confident she’ll be a voice that is sorely missing in the Senate,” said Lee, who just came in fourth in California’s open primary for U.S. Senate. “At a time when there is so much at stake for our country, we need someone who will fight for our rights – from decisions about our own health care to our fundamental democracy. Angela is the candidate who will not only take on those fights, but who can beat Larry Hogan in November. She’s the leader both Maryland and the U.S. Senate needs.”
“The enthusiasm and support behind our grassroots campaign is growing as we continue our fight for Marylanders across the state,” said Alsobrooks following the newest round of endorsements.
If County Executive Alsobrooks advances to the general election, she is not required to vacate her position.
Trone has been endorsed by Democratic House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.) and House Whip Katherine Clark (D-N.Y.), California Senate nominee Adam Schiff (D) and Ohio Democrat Tim Ryan (D), He is also endorsed by Prince George’s County Council member Krystal Oriadha (D-District 7), who is featured in commercials supporting him, and the Maryland State Education Association (MSEA).
The primary election for Maryland’s Senate and congressional seats will happen on May 14; the general election will be held on Nov. 5. Register to vote here.
Congressman Ivey Celebrates 14th Anniversary of the Affordable Care Act
In celebration of the 14th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) passage, Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-Md.) took a healthcare tour of his congressional district on March 23. During the tour, Ivey emphasized how the landmark bill has expanded healthcare access to tens of millions of Americans and protects those with pre-existing conditions from discrimination.
Kingdom Fellowship AME Church’s First Lady Shawna Watley joined Ivey during the tour, and the Prince George’s County Office of Social Services and Office of Veterans Affairs served as partnering organizations.
“Joining Shawna Watley of Kingdom Fellowship AME Church on the 14th anniversary of the passage of the Affordable Care Act for an area-wide healthcare tour, it is vitally important to recognize Obamacare’s impact on our communities,” said Ivey.
The tour began at the Fresenius Medical Center in Fort Washington, followed by a lunch at the NuVegan Cafe in College Park and ended at the Riderwood Senior Living Community in Silver Spring.
“Whether it’s the service and care of dialysis centers like Fresenius, or preventative measures that prevent chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease by eating at NuVegan, or understanding our senior citizens and their healthcare needs at the Riderwood Village, I remain committed to reaching our residents from southern Prince George’s County to Burtonsville and everywhere in between.”
He also expressed gratitude to the businesses and organizations that helped make the tour successful and possible.
“I want to thank the staff at the Fort Washington Dialysis Center, Vernon Woodland of NuVegan Restaurant in College Park, and the kind and active retirees at Riderwood for a day of informative discussions and insights into our healthcare system,” Ivey said. “Your voice helps me represent you better in the fourth Congressional District and in the U.S. Congress.”
Such businesses, like NuVegan Cafe, are also working to collaborate with leaders to help residents prioritize health.
NuVegan Cafe catered the County Council’s first MeatOut Day – encouraging Prince George’s residents to choose plant-based diets – on March 20.
Woodland has been vegan for 20 years and suggests others give the diet a chance.
“Try your local vegan restaurant. Go into the grocery store to have options and if you’re just undecided, just ask for samples and try it. You might like it.” the NuVegan Cafe owner said.
