Alsobrooks scheduled to engage with Chicago Democrats in her quest to become Maryland's initially black senator
Even though neither openly uses their potential to revolutionize politics as a central point in their public messages, they're riding a wave of Democratic excitement about the possibilities in November.
As Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott put it to CNN on Tuesday, prior to a meeting of the Maryland delegation in Chicago, "Women, specifically Black women, have saved this country from itself multiple times. Now it's time to elect them."
Alsobrooks, the executive of Prince George’s County, is aiming to become the third Black woman elected to the Senate, joining Delaware’s Lisa Blunt Rochester. The current Black woman in the Senate – California’s Laphonza Butler – was appointed and will not be seeking another term.
Karen Darkes, the director of the Maryland Democratic Party, said, "The excitement is enormous, especially with Kamala Harris as the top of the ticket. Marylanders are aware of the unique opportunity we have, that we’re in an historic moment in our state, and we need to seize it by electing our first Black woman senator."
Alsobrooks is facing off against popular former two-term governor Larry Hogan, who entered the race in February, significantly increasing the stakes for Democrats who were already struggling to defend retiring Sen. Ben Cardin’s seat. With Republicans poised to flip a Senate seat in West Virginia, they only need one more seat or win the presidency to secure the majority.
Alsobrooks' prominent presence at the Chicago convention, where many Democrats in tight races prefer to remain inconspicuous, highlights how unique her race is in this year's Senate landscape. She’s campaigning in a state President Biden carried by over 30 points, while the majority of competitive races this year are happening in states that former President Trump either won or lost by a narrow margin.
Her victory in the Democratic primary was significant, defeating Rep. David Trone, who had spent a record amount on self-funding the campaign. Despite Trone's overwhelming spending advantage, there were several missteps that ultimately backfired (such as suggesting she'd need training wheels in the Senate). In the end, Alsobrooks won by over 10 points.
Her background, as a Black woman and her potential to break up the state’s all-male congressional delegation, played a significant role in her primary supporters’ decision to back her. Many of her supporters noted their desire for diverse representation and an authentic voice on abortion rights.
In the general election, Black turnout will be crucial to Democrats’ success, given that "Black women determine who wins votes in Baltimore," said Scott. With Harris at the top of the ticket and Alsobrooks running, they expect strong turnout – and in high numbers.
Wanika Fisher, who serves on the county council in Prince George’s County, put it simply: "These are Black folks with money and degrees, and that's just Black girl magic."
State Sen. Antonio Hayes also highlighted the significance of Harris and Alsobrooks both being a part of the Divine Nine. "Having two individuals from two different organizations represented in that way is a powerful moment," he said.
Their relationship, which dates back to their time as prosecutors, has added to the excitement of their campaign. They’ve supported each other over the years, and their collaboration is seen as a significant factor in the enthusiasm generated by their race.
According to Darkes, while they’ve both focused on the issues in their campaigns, the concept of electing Black women is what truly inspires people. There hasn't been any public polling since the primary that meets CNN standards, but Alsobrooks has managed to keep the money race competitive, outraising Hogan in the second quarter and ending up with a higher balance in her campaign account. In such a blue state, Democrats are working to tie Hogan to GOP leadership, which is made simpler by Trump’s endorsement of Hogan (a decision that Hogan has publicly rejected).
Hogan declined to attend the Republican convention in Milwaukee and has distanced himself from the national party – especially when it comes to abortion. He told The New York Times after his primary win that he would support federal legislation to codify Roe v. Wade (legislation which Alsobrooks criticized, citing his previous veto of a state law to expand abortion access).
"Just because you don’t say anything offensive like Trump doesn’t mean your policies aren’t offensive," said Fisher, who served as Assistant Majority Leader in the House of Delegates when Hogan was governor.
"And when you go to the halls of Congress, you’re there to express an idea and a value, you’re not executing anymore," she said, drawing a distinction between the executive experience she said voters want from a governor and the representation they want in Washington.
For the Maryland representatives gathering in Chicago this week, there's an evident excitement regarding who they desire to represent them – in the Senate and the White House.
"The ex-president has no idea about a proper Black job," Scott commented, "he's about to discover this fact quite swiftly."
The politics surrounding Alsobrooks' Senate campaign have sparked widespread excitement among Democrats, with Karen Darkes noting, "The excitement is enormous, especially with Kamala Harris as the top of the ticket." Additionally, the potential of electing a third Black woman senator, Alsobrooks, has become a central point of discussion in the realm of politics.
