ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Traditionally, U.S. Senate contests in Maryland, known for its strong Democratic leanings, have been lopsided affairs with Democratic incumbents dominating against lesser-known Republican challengers. However, this year’s race for an open Senate seat is shaping up differently.
Gracefully stepping into the spotlight is Larry Hogan, the former Republican governor who has gained a strong following, making him the most competitive GOP candidate in recent elections to succeed retiring Democratic Senator Ben Cardin. His opponent, Angela Alsobrooks, currently serves as the county executive of Prince George’s County and has the potential to become Maryland’s first Black U.S. senator, an impressive feat in a state where Democrats outnumber Republicans significantly.
The significance of this race is heightened not only due to Hogan’s popularity among Democrats during his two gubernatorial victories but also because it represents an unusual opportunity for the Republican Party in Maryland. Hogan is only the second Republican in the history of the state to be re-elected to the governor’s office.
Currently, the balance of power in the Senate stands at 51-49 in favor of the Democrats, which includes independent senators who align with the Democratic caucus. In a broader context, Democrats are tasked with defending 23 out of 33 Senate seats that are up for grabs this November across the nation.
Hogan ascended to the governorship through a surprising victory, focusing his campaign on fiscal responsibility and opposing tax hikes. His popularity soared, particularly among Democrats, partly due to his criticism of former President Donald Trump, which distinguished him in a traditionally blue state. As he campaigns for the Senate, he emphasizes his commitment to bipartisanship and a willingness to prioritize national interests over party loyalty.
“The only way we’re going to make a difference is if we can find strong, independent leaders who are willing to stand up to both parties,” Hogan stated during a recent debate, reflecting on his experiences as governor and his aims for the Senate.
On the other hand, Alsobrooks has scrutinized Hogan’s gubernatorial record, especially his vetoes of key legislative measures passed by the Democratic-controlled Maryland General Assembly. She has highlighted her concerns regarding his recruitment for the Senate by leading Republican Mitch McConnell, portraying it as evidence of the Republican Party’s agenda.
“The Republican Party has declared war on women’s reproductive freedoms,” Alsobrooks declared during the debate, criticizing GOP leadership and its consequences for Maryland residents.
Abortion rights have emerged as a pivotal issue in this race, coinciding with an ongoing campaign by voters in Maryland and eight other states seeking to enshrine abortion rights in their constitutions in light of the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade. Alsobrooks has actively championed abortion rights, vowing that one of her first actions as a senator would be to introduce legislation to codify Roe into law.
Though Hogan has expressed support for similar legislation, Alsobrooks quickly pointed out his previous veto of a 2022 bill intended to expand abortion access in Maryland. “When the former governor had an opportunity to stand up for the women of Maryland, he didn’t,” she remarked during the debate, referencing his decision to veto critical legislation.
This particular law permitted non-physicians like nurse practitioners and midwives to perform abortions, overturning a restriction that limited the procedure exclusively to doctors. The Democratic-majority legislature ultimately overrode Hogan’s veto. Hogan contended that he vetoed the bill out of concerns for women’s health and has accused Alsobrooks of misrepresenting his stance on the issue.
“Your entire campaign is based on multiple things that are completely not true,” Hogan told Alsobrooks during the debate, asserting his commitment to supporting the codification of Roe.
In the context of Maryland politics, it has been over four decades since a Republican has won a Senate seat, and Hogan’s recognizable name and past gubernatorial success do set him apart from previous candidates. In the last two elections for Senate in Maryland, Democratic candidates won by margins exceeding 30 percentage points against less well-known opponents.
The last Republican official elected statewide who sought a Senate seat was former Lt. Gov. Michael Steele in 2006, when he lost to Cardin by a margin of 10 percentage points. Despite the challenges, Hogan, who has previously contemplated a presidential run and frequently engages with national media outlets, is regarded as a powerful Republican contender. Yet, he openly acknowledges the difficulties ahead. “It’s nearly impossible to do what I’m trying to do,” he reflected in an August interview, although he feels optimistic about his current standing in the race.