The Washington Post editorial board announced Thursday it’s endorsing Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) over Rep. David Trone (D-Md.) in the Maryland Senate Democratic primary.
The Post editorial board cited Alsobrooks’s record on public safety and her work on state- and local-specific issues, like the FBI headquarters move to Maryland, in issuing its endorsement of her.
The board described her as having a “down-to-earth personal perspective and ample seasoning as a public official” and noted she would diversify the state’s congressional delegation and the U.S. Senate given the state’s current all-male congressional makeup. The state has also never elected a Black woman statewide before.
“She has been a fiscally responsible steward through the pandemic and a champion of economic development in areas historically left behind. She helped make the case for moving the FBI headquarters to Greenbelt,” the board wrote.
“She worked out a deal with Mr. Hogan when he was governor for up to $400 million in state bonds to ensure redevelopment along Prince George’s five-mile Blue Line Corridor even if the Washington Commanders leave their stadium,” the board continued. “She embraced innovative public-private partnerships to construct 10 new schools.”
The board acknowledged Alsobrooks might need a “learning curve” on foreign policy and federal issues but suggested she would be up for the task.
The editorial board, meanwhile, called Trone’s record “creditable” but also noted a recent gaffe the House Democrat had made last month when he used a racial slur during a congressional hearing.
Trone apologized following the incident, saying in a statement, “While attempting to use the word ‘bugaboo’ in a hearing, I misspoke and mistakenly used a phrase that is offensive.”
“Upon learning the meaning of the word I was deeply disappointed to have accidentally used it, and I apologize.”
Trone and Alsobrooks are running against each other to take on former Gov. Larry Hogan (R) in November for outgoing Sen. Ben Cardin’s (D-Md.) seat.
The Post’s backing could sway those Democrats who have yet to make up their minds ahead of the May 14 primary.
Alsobrooks wrote in a statement on social platform X that she was “honored” to have received the Post’s endorsement.
“BREAKING: I am so honored to announce that our campaign has received the endorsement from the @washingtonpost,” she wrote. “This endorsement shows that our grassroots movement has the momentum and energy needed to win this primary and keep Maryland blue!” <