MARYLAND – In possibly the only televised debate of Maryland’s competitive Democratic primary, both Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks (D) and Congressman David Trone (D- District 6) sought to show themselves as not only the best Democrat for the job but also as contenders to defeat former Governor Larry Hogan (R) in the general election. While Maryland has reliably sent Democrats to the Senate for decades, Larry Hogan is currently leading in head-to-head polls against both Trone and Alsobrooks and national Republicans helped fund a million-dollar ad buy to support his campaign.
One of Alsobrooks’ biggest points was that she supports campaign finance reform and that “money can’t buy you love, and it can’t buy you Maryland” in regards to Trone’s outsized personal spending on the race: campaign finance reports show that Trone has spent over $40 million total. Trone acknowledged this spending to help Democrats across the country and to open an abortion clinic in rural western Maryland that would also help West Virginians, along with that he is independent of the spending of special interests such as the pharmaceutical and restaurant lobbyists. He also cited his electability to beat Hogan and resources to run a general election campaign as one of his strongest points.
During the debate, Alsobrooks touted support from Governor Wes Moore (D) and Congressman David Raskin (D) while Trone was proud to announce fresh endorsements from Attorney General Anthony Brown (D) and Prince George’s County State’s Attorney Aisha Braveboy (D), who both endorsed in the days before the debate, along with Prince George’s County Councilmembers Krystal Oriadha (D- District 7) and Ed Burroughs (D- District 8). Outgoing Senator Ben Cardin has not endorsed and stated that he does not plan to unless the race gets divisive.
Two issues that the candidates were TikTok and the war in Gaza. Alsobrooks did not support a TikTok ban and cited Israel as an ally that needs accountability and restraint without widening Middle Eastern conflict, while Trone voted to change the ownership of TikTok to an American company in a House vote, viewing the social media app as a national security risk, and urges international cooperation in partnership with the United States to relieve tensions.
It is expected that more polling will be conducted prior to the May 14 primary. Many Maryland primary voters have already received their vote by mail ballots, and early voting will begin on Thursday, May 2.
To watch the debate in full, go here.
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please keep in mind, there are more Senate candidates than these 2